If you had asked me six months ago if she'd be able to do it? I probably would have said "Why, yes, of course!" while smiling. Inside? I was holding my breath. Terrified actually. My husband would have told you he was "cautiously optimistic".
Six months ago I had no idea what my child's future would hold. Six months ago my husband and I both slept with our cell phone's under our pillows. We were subconsciously waiting for "the call" to come identify her. Six months ago we threatened, cried, and bargained with something that was far bigger than we were. Than she was. Six months ago we truly thought we had lost her.
Today she is on her own. Living 2 hours away. Thriving. She was asked to manage a house full of women. Her peers, also in recovery, at only 19 years old. Today is her re-birth day. You see six months ago today she started a new life. Amidst the deceit and excuses? She has taught our family more about honor and courage than anyone--and I mean anyone- we've ever met.
High school friends have moved on. College friends have moved on. Sorority sisters have moved on. Some important relationships have ended. Yet she's in the trenches of life every single day without complaint. Starting over. Tenaciously rebuilding. Relearning. Achieving goals. Day in and day out. Never giving up. Hopeful. Alive. Happy.
We told her one year. Make it one year and you can come home. Today we celebrate with her. She's half way there. Looking forward to re-enrolling at her university after Christmas.
God is simply magnificent. We have witnessed miracles these past months. We have watched heart break and heart heals. We have watched Him strip her of pretense. Only to witness reformation. Transformation. We have watched our child grow into the full righteousness of the spirit that He promises all of us. Yet most of us give up before we see His promises birth into fruition.
Of course I am beyond proud of her. Honestly, I couldn't do it. Couldn't have survived what she has. Rightfully I'm "cautiously optimistic". We fully understand the odds.
Mostly, though, I am blown away by God. I am in awe of His mercy. His grace. His promises to never leave or forsake her. I am in awe of His provision. I am in awe of God's amazing and never ending abundant love for her.
I am simply in awe.
"Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the LORD your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you."-Deuteronomy 31:6
