What Really Matters

It's 3:41 in the morning my time and I can't sleep. I think I need to write and get some of my thoughts out so I can get some piece of mind. Last night was Mitchell's first swim meet and we all went. It was wonderful to be there to see him swim and to support him as a family. I was really proud of him. On his first relay he was the last swimmer and his team was 4th until his turn and he put on the turbos and won it for his team. We were all screaming and yelling for him. Great moment. I'll post pictures of that later. Unfortunately, this posting isn't about that.

While we were gone, our house was broken into. When we drove up I saw a screen from our front window leaning against the flower bed under the window and had Les stop the car so I could check it out. I walked up to the window and noticed that 7 window glaces (window slats that they use here in Hawaii) were missing from the window. I saw them stashed behind some bushes in the flower bed. I walked to the car and told Les I thought our house had been broken into. We parked the car and carefully walked into our home. Our little TV that some friends of our had given us, the boys' wii was still there, so I kept looking. I went to our front room and there on my carpet were several sets of muddy foot prints coming from the direction on the window. Les and I canvased the rest of the house and I had a feeling to go to my room. As I walked into my room I noticed that my dresser drawers were slightly open. I NEVER leave drawers open. One of my pet peeves. My stomach sank and I opened the top drawer where I keep my jewelry. It was gone. That was the only think in our home that was stolen. My wedding ring, the jewelry I had inherited from my mother (some of it very old from my great grandmother and beyond), some beautiful pieces that Les had sacrificed to get for me that I loved, all gone.

I have to say, I'm not one who is stuck by "things". I am very sentimental and sometimes "things" are tangible reminders of tokens of love. Like my wedding ring. So many memories of that time when Les sacrificed so much to be a strong pillar for me as I had to take care of my family when my mother died. That was our engagement time. Those pieces that helped me feel closer to my mother when I put them on. The only tangible things I have of her now. I know they don't take the place of a person, but being the sentimental gal that I am, somehow it was like linking myself to my past, my heritage.

The ironic thing to all this is that just yesterday I had a conversation with my sister about "Things" and worldly possessions. I really believed that I could walk away from all my things if needed. After all, they are just things. Daily I'm reminded of not having things. Les and I are still sleeping on the floor. We finally were given some beds for the kids from some members (s0 grateful). One of our clients traded some of their advertising for a dresser we have and last put not least we have a little love seat that a member gave us. Our friend Alison gave us a plastic table and chairs so we could have something to sit on when we ate and some dishes. I have been so humbled since coming here. I don't live with "things". I know I can make it without all the conveniences we all have become so accustomed to. Losing all my jewelry took me to another level to see if I really was made of that stuff. I am. I am so saddened by what happened. I will miss those symbols of love, but I still have that love inside me. I am angry for being violated and having my children not feel safe in their home. I was like a pacing wild cat last night as the cop was here taking fingerprints and getting our statement. I wanted to do something to not be a victim, to right the wrong and make my children feel safe. Today we will be gluing those glaces to the slats so no one can ever remove them. We will be getting a motion detector light in the front. Hopefully having the children help with those things will help empower them.

As we keep being tested I keep looking for how I can grow and learn for each experience. Some of these lessons have been the most difficult in my life. I pray my spirit keeps winning and I glean what I'm supposed to from them.

My gratitude today is that none of the children were home, especially alone, when the house was broken into and no one got hurt. None of their things were taken. I'm so grateful for that. I'm grateful to know what really matters. Our relationships and the love we have for one another. That's what we take with us. That's what really matters. I love you, my family and dear friends. Thank you for being my "jewels".