My Greatest Treasures... My Children

Annabel has spent the weekend with a good friend. I do realize that having some down time can be a good thing. I also realize that it is good to spend time with the older children doing things we would not otherwise be able to do. Some of the things that we were able to do, were to eat out at the beach and not care how long this took. I actually got to eat BBQ crabs which are extremely messy and I would never do with Annabel. Then upon returning back to the beach house I could read a book and not care how late I stayed up, because I could sleep late if I wanted to. Ha, I popped up at 7:30! I realize that I didn't have to rush to shower and get myself ready before Annabel woke up. So I sat on the deck and drank coffee, looked at the internet way too much and read some more. Then as planned with my twin 15 yrs. old daughters, we ventured over to Galveston. Something we would not do with Annabel due to the very long ferry line (2hrs. each way) and then being in the sunlight so much as we walked to all the shops in Galveston. It gave us much time to be silly, talk with each other and just pass the time waiting in the ferry line reading our books. After our day was done looking in shops, we ate at Willie G's on the water. It was beautiful and I enjoyed them so much. We returned home at 9:00 p.m. I surfed the internet too long, read too late. As I woke up, showered and attended church at the beach all the while so relaxed. I do realize this sounds pretty nice and I am thankful to my friend that I was able to spend this time with my older children.
The reality is that I am also a mom to Annabel who needs me and my entire family. I miss her so much and can't wait to see her this afternoon. I know it is good for her to realize that she is growing up and can make it briefly without me. She is quite spoiled! There are days I wonder what my life was like before Annabel, cathing, tube feeds and the constant care. I am sure my children also wonder what life was like before I ask them to retrive everything I need, like carrying the diaper bag, loading the wheelchair, get me this and get me that. While I am grateful for this glimps this weekend, I would not trade the life we have with our precious Angel, Annabel. She is a true miracle and I don't ever want to not give God the Glory of His precious gift. I know I have done nothing to deserve her, but will try to keep loving and cherishing His precious gift.