a helping hand

I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed with my emotions this morning.  My life has changed so much this past year.  I can do everyday tasks so much easier than I ever thought possible.  More often than not, I was dependent on others for help.  Last night was different.  I was given the gift of being able to help another mom.

Winona and Sharon were invited to a birthday pool party last night.  I offered my help to the parents and found myself assisting them for the duration of the party.  I helped pour soda, pass out the pizza, re-filling the snack dishes, etc. 

My mom has always been the person to come help run my daughter's birthday parties because I wasn't able to do much at all to help.  I usually had to sit in a chair and watch my mom and Steve do all the running during the parties.  I always felt blessed to have planned my girl's parties, but there's just something about actually being able to do the "mom duties" 

In March, Winona and Sharon had a combined sleepover, birthday party.  I was able to get the pizza ready, run the games and get the kids to bed.   Steve helped me quite a bit and my mom didn't need to come at all, because I had faith that I could do what I needed to do. 

Birthday parties are a lot of work, but it is worth every bit of it.  When we give a child a fun birthday, we are creating memories that will last a lifetime.  I have so much to thank God for.  I just hope He knows how much I appreciate the life I have been given (even the years with the physical challenges).