Happy Thanksgiving!

Were do I start? We have so much to be thankful for, not just on this day set aside but everyday. I am thankful 15 1/2 years ago God brought me to marry my best friend. Situations can be extremely stressful on marriages. God knew a long time ago what we were going to face and he danced us through this little valley.
I am thankful God brought me through nursing school and gave me a job with home health. I always wondered why I was doing this job. I loved it but what brought me to that point? God did, and the skills came in quit handy. And the hours have worked right around IV's, tube feedings and MD appts, thanks to a great job share partner.
I am thankful for 5 beautiful girls. I never dreamed I would have 5 children! Only crazy people did that :) Welcome to craziness and I LOVE it! This past year has changed my parenting forever. I can't describe the feeling when a parent is told, "we will try our best. The longer we are gone that means the treatment is working. We will come get you, wait here." There is a sick feeling in your stomach, you can't think, your heart feels like it stopped beating. You realize everything can change not just for you but for siblings, grandparents, uncles, aunts, friends. We have also learned to release our children. We so tightly cling to them as ours. We are "foster parents" on earth. They belong to the Great Provider and healer. When I released Brooke to Him I got this overwhelming peace. So why not release all the girls to Him. It helps me to enjoy them so much more. To see their inner beauty and talents. They have all amazed us this past year.
I am thankful for parents who have come along side of us and helped us parent the girls. They have been our rocks, our sounding boards, our balance to keep us in touch with reality. For Brothers and sisters that not only cooked, baked, prayed, babysat but are now re modeling our house. Brooke is little, but the projects that come with her are large. The friends that have also cooked, cleaned, laundry, talked to us, gift bags, prayed. For the doctors, nurses and PA's that entertained us with playing wii, listened to us as we complained and hugged us when we cried. They are a dynamic team. And the list for everyone and their generosity goes on and on.
Without a circle/family of believers surrounding us, this past year would have been a chore. But it was not. It's what you do when you love someone. And we have felt the love from all of you. You are all amazing! This Thanksgiving, we are thankful for each and every one of you! Thank you from the bottoms of our heart and God bless you all!
The Koemans