TOP's Tuesday: Thankfulness in the Storm

Be Thankful...will you join me?

TOP’s Tuesday is an opportunity to turn the focus on Heidi in a more personal way and update you on current happenings. For the past few years, this blog has focused more on my writing and speaking. Last Thursday, our journey, my journey, took a sharp turn.

One friend, whose sister is also missing, messaged to say, “This looks like a ‘fasten your seat belts and hang on’ kind of roller coaster”. You’ve heard me use the roller coaster analogy before as it pertains to the families’ journey as they wait when a loved one is missing. As I read my friend’s message, I smiled. This is someone who knows exactly how it feels and what we are going through, as she’s experienced this in her life too. She brought a smile to my face because it is a perfect description to past few day's events.

There are many news stories circulating via the Internet, television, radio, and in the print newspapers. What do you believe? I don’t know. The press continues to contact us in hopes of a statement or interview. We are grateful my aunt and uncle were on scene the first couple days, so my parents didn’t have to, and they kept us in the loop the entire day.  This was a huge blessing and help.

As the family follows the progress, breaks, and stories closely, my parents opt to wait before doing interviews with the press. They have asked the entire family to wait alongside them until we have more information.

For today…we wait. Thank you for respecting our privacy.

Some of the things I'm choosing to be thankful for today...
In no particular order

I'm thank to have enjoyed a 3.2 mile walk before Syracuse.com stirred up a magnitude of emotions with their "courtesy" visit to my parent's house

With each new story published online, in the print paper, and shared on the news ~ I'm thankful prayers are lifted for Heidi and all the individuals involved.

I'm thankful my entire family continues to receive messages via Facebook, text, Twitter, email, and phone to encourage us during this difficult time of waiting with an increased intensity than we've had in years.

While Sunday's article in the Post Standard triggered memories of 1994, I'm thankful Heidi's photograph on the top side of the flap

The articles about Heidi and her disappearance are on the front page and the center of the first section - this means the newspaper deems locating Heidi a priority

I'm thankful for the hugs and love received at church Sunday.

Multiple dinners arriving on Monday evening ~ providing food for my parents, us, and the company staying with us this week. 

I'm thankful that I'm not the same woman as twenty years ago and the strength God continues to give me makes it possible for me to protect and be there for my parents, and family.

I'm thankful Auntie M and Unc went on behalf of my parents when the initial phone call came. I know this was difficult for them too.

I'm thankful for God's working in this situation since day one. May He lead, guide, and provide the answers necessary to bring Heidi home.

I'm thankful for the amazing community we live in that is enduring and experiencing this with us. We pray for you too. We wait and grieve together.

I'm  thankful for such wonderful friends.

I'm thankful I wasn't stung worse than I was when the ground bees attacked yesterday, and thankful the doctor was able to provide a prescription to help with the pain and swelling. I'm thankful the Benadryl helped me sleep last night. 

I'm thankful for all of you and your prayers.

I'm thankful to have a thankful heart in the midst of the storm. God reigns and is in control...

He stilled the storm to a whisper; 
the waves of the sea were hush.
Psalm 107:29

Share at least one thing you are thankful for as you wait...