How are you?

I attend Community Bible Study on Wednesday mornings and have made many dear friends the last four years. Patty is one such lady. Patty is a mom. She knows when you need a hug and when you might need a firm word. And I just love her. She had heard our joyous news and as soon as she saw me last Wednesday, came straight to me to give me a big hug. And to ask, "How ARE YOU?" She has been with me since our very first trip to meet Asa and has been praying for us every step of the way. She gets that I am excited. And scared. She has seen the disappointment in my face every time we see progress and then it falls apart. And she has cried tears with me, tears of pain and tears of joy. And she asked, "How ARE YOU?"

I had to answer her very honestly, because she is a mom you know, and she can see right through the rose colored glasses tales we tell ourselves. I had to tell her how very hard it is not to focus on the obstacles that still stand in the way. It is hard to be excited when you have been so disappointed and so hurt so many times in this process. And she hugged me and said, "I know dear. I know."

She hugged me real tight and firm. And that meant the world to me. Thank you Patty. And thank you to everyone else who gets it.

~Karla