Luckiest

Whenever I run into friends these days they ask, invariably, how we're doing. Months ago when I was asked the same question I replied that we were simply, "Okay." But that was last summer when life was anything but normal. A lot has happened since then, as you well know, and I have to say that life is nothing short of miraculous!

Also, without exception, invariably, no holds barred - every person I ever met who knows Amy said to me, "You're the luckiest man alive!"

I've always known I'm a lucky guy. I've used that term often throughout my life. Luck? According to Ben Kenobi, there's no such thing as luck. He may be on to something there. In fact, let me just say outright - I'm a blessed guy and I'm grateful that I can recognize the Lord's hand in my life. Now, I'm not insinuating that I'm "special" or that I'm better than anyone or . . . ? What I AM saying is that I often think to myself, "Is this really my life? Is this happening to me?" when I've had the high and low points over the last several months.

To Amy's friends - I owe you much credit. For not only were you right about her, this new life together with her is better than I could have imagined! We're gelling together as a new family, the kids are warm and welcoming to her, Amy is amazingly patient and jumping into the role of mom like a pro. And she treats me like a king and I only hope I can treat her with all the gentileness and kindness shown to my queen. How inexplicable is this? That she could be so perfect as a spouse to me AND as a mother to three children in so short a time? Is this really my life? Is this happening to me?

On a VERY personal note - we are doing great! There are times when I feel like I'm living a new life. Like I'm a new Mike. So much is new and different, and yet there is so much that is retained from before and I'm thankful for all of it. I'm doing a lousy job of expressing these thoughts - sorry about that.

Amy and I are enjoying every day together. Funny, but I left my job in December (my whole division was cut actually from the top-tier executive management down to the rank and file.) The job gave me the opportunity to be home to take care of Deb and the kids then. And now . . . I have the opportunity to be with Amy and look for new work. How fortuitous is this? I could not ask for a better support than Amy at this time. And frankly, after all I've been through, the loss of work is a nit in comparison.

When we've been together as a family on vacation or in public somewhere it just feels right. Feels natural. When we're in church together there is a bond that is quite comfortable. We're watching a movie as I write this and James and Gabby are sitting close with Amy and lounging with her.

Amy's friends were right. I am THE luckiest guy in the world. Thanks be to God and all his tender mercies to me.

Sincerely,

Mike