We Survived!

 The year of 2023, for the Jonswold Fam, has been a repeat of the phrase, "You seriously can't make this shit up." 

If it wasn't traumatizing, it would be comical. 

We've dealt with heartbreaking conflict and dissolution of a fiercely loved community, mono and covid, unexpected death, guardianship, a heart attack, our first (and hopefully last!) ride in an ambulance, a concussion/brain injury, kidney stones, Ed...and this week our sweet Golden Retriever Sailor was mauled by the foster dog of a dear friend of ours and spent the night before Christmas Eve in the emergency vet. Other than a missing ear, our 12 year old champion has fully recovered, but I'll tell you what, It might take me a while longer.

Like one of my favorite musicians, Luke Combs says, "When it rains, it pours." 

This post is not meant to depress you, but to say, "You aren't alone!" I think often times, we feel like we have to mask our pain and our feelings to the world. This year, we didn't mask the pain of not having our girl home. We said, "THIS SUCKS!" It did. It royally SUCKED! We survived. We held tight to each other and to God's promises, but it still was still two thumbs down. WAY down.

This morning, I had an early errand to run before Peter and the kids got up. As I often do, I chatted with God during my drive. I told him I didn't understand. I told him it was kind of bullshit! Nope - TOTAL bullshit!!!!! Why can't He "pick on another family" for a while? 

He spoke 2 things to my heart:

1) Ali, EVERY SINGLE THING you have been through this year, I have been through. I sent my Son away from me. I mourned illness.  I survived loss. My heart broke...over and over and over. You aren't alone- I've been before you and I'll be behind you. Don't forget to look for me.

2) I am about to do BIG things through you and your family! 
God knows I'm an Activator. Like, I can't help it. I'm not sure how, or what, but the world is going to change because of our struggle. Even just for 1 person - and that's more than enough.

Thank you all for your prayer and support this season. We are truly grateful!

Merry Christmas! šŸ’—


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