the beginning and the end

On Monday, Matt and I finally had mediation to settle the insurance settlement from our wreck almost 2 1/2 years ago. After our wreck several people told us that we had a long road ahead of us. I thought maybe a year, but never imagined it would take this long. It's been a road filled with many emotions. My life has forever been changed by this experience. It's really hard at times to think of how it's been changed for the better, though. I can say, first off, that I am blessed beyond measure to be sitting here today. There are so many people that were hit head on by a drunk driver who aren't here with us today. I feel guilty at times to be a survivor. When I hear reports of a wreck with details almost identical to ours I can't help but wonder why I survived and they didn't. Like never before, I truly understand what it means to cherish each day. You hear of so many people say that your life can be gone in an instant. Until you have that instance happen to you and you come through it, you can never fully understand that. I find myself often reliving that moment of the crash and thinking it all could have been gone in that very second. I know whole heartily that God has a plan for each person and His plan for me isn't finished. During those times when the flashbacks are bad or when every little thing around me reminds me of the events of that horrible night I just have to stop and praise and thank God. I have found that really, that is the only thing that helps me stay positive about this whole experience. Now, Matt and I can be thankful that this settlement is done. We are still waiting for the drunk driver to go to trial. He is currently out of jail. I used to be hopeful that justice would be served, but not anymore. He will likely spend a small amount of time in jail and then be released with no further punishment. I now have a new soap box about drunk driving, but we will save that for another time. Make sure you hug yours loved ones tonight and tell them how much you love them. Take each day for what it is. Who cares if your house is dirty. Spending time with those you love is always more important.

In other news, Matt and I put our house on the market yesterday. It is something we have wanted to do, but have put on hold until we knew if we would have leftover bills from the wreck to pay. We finally got tired of putting our lives on hold for the settlement and decided to get the house ready. We decided months ago that the end of school would be perfect to list the house. Isn't God's timing amazing that both things happened in the same week!!! We are hoping for a quick sale, but keep reminding ourselves that God has it in His hands. We know that our house will sell in His time and a new house will be waiting just for us.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11