Prayers for Oklahoma

My eyes are still bright red and swollen after spending the last hour watching NBC relay Oklahoma's devastation to the rest of the country. My heart aches for the parents who had to search, for those who are still looking, and especially for those who lost their children to this nightmare.

I am sad for the selfless teachers who made every attempt, but were unable to save each of their students; although unwarranted, I am sure the 'what ifs' and 'why not mes' are echoing through their thoughts. These teachers, and all others, are heroes in every sense of the word. 

I hurt for the emergency teams, volunteers, and neighbors who came face-to-face with unimaginable tragedies. I have never been in a situation that calls for such heroic efforts as this, but I don't know that I would be able to do what these people did; I am, by no means, strong enough to witness such grief.

My thoughts, prayers, and condolences go out to the entire community of Moore and the entire state of Oklahoma. I want to encourage everyone with the means to, to donate and help this community rebuild again. Every little bit will help.

http://www.redcross.org/charitable-donations

<3 <3

Happily Ever After

Tucked hidden away off an old blacktop road, 

sits a chapel in the woods with a quaint, rustic glow.

The crowd anxiously waits sharing whispers and dreamy stares, 

wondering how soon She'll be here and what gown She will wear.

The time has come and the Groom holds his breath, 

as the doors open up and She takes her first step.

As She gets closer, their eyes finally meet, 

then her dad lifts her veil and kisses her cheek.

They exchange their promise, to have and to hold, 

and to love forever, even when they grow old.

They seal with a kiss, and the crowd laughs and shouts...

 

...as he lifts her up and carries her out.

 

 And that's the end, or the beginning rather, 

of a Bride and a Groom, and their happily ever after.

Congratulations to my beautiful cousin, Leah Grace JACKSON!

And so it begins...

My dad and grandma have told me on several occassions that this book (below) is a must-read. So, I finally ordered it from Amazon (no Kindle for this girl) and finally have ample time to read it...I'm heading to Oklahoma for the weekend-a twenty hour, round trip drive. It's well worth it, though, as I get to see my baby cousin get married!

Disclaimer: we are about 30 minutes into our drive, so for the next few days my posts will be done from my cell phone (which means they'll be short and sweet).

Anyway, here begins my journey-through the book and through the states!

Happy Friday everyone!