~Day 144: Never Take For Granted

Today was a little emotional.   Nick and two of my babies (Ashton and Cailee) were in a store this morning when an armed robber held up the store. Nick was about four feet away from the gunman, and the kids were back in the corner of the store.  The guy only pulled the gun out of his pocket and showed it to the clerks to let them know he was serious.  He took the money and left. Things could have been much worse for everyone (there was also a man and his two teenage children in the back corner as well). 

After talking more with the manager after he had watched the security video, he said that Cailee had been standing next to Nick about 15 seconds before the gunman walked in.  She left Nick's side just in time to go back to where Ashton was at the back of the store.  After the gunman left, Nick's first impulse was to rush back to our babies to make sure they were ok.  He was more concerned with them the whole time, rather than worrying about himself.  The kids did not know what had happened until the policemen showed up and then Nick explained what went on.

 

Tonight I kissed my kids a little more.  I broke down a couple of times today when things finally dawned on me what had happened, and what could have happened.  Our lives could have been changed drastically.  

Cailee wasn't affected by things at all.  She took her nuggets to bed with her.  

 

Ashton was curled up in his mound of blankets and pillows as usual. He really didn't feel good today, but this morning's events didn't seem to phase him either.

Nick was thrilled as usual to have his picture taken.  I could tell he was really shaken up by what happened today.  He is going to hate me for saying this, but he really doesn't show a lot of emotion most of the time.  Today I could hear it in his voice, and see in his eyes that this experience affected him.  As I said, he was more worried about our kids than he was for himself.  What a selfless and loving man I married.  I'm so grateful he is still here with me.  Pulling faces and all.

 

And finally, I took a picture of tonight's sunset.  I think I was looking around a little more and appreciating what is around me.  God truly has given us a gift.  Whether it be a beautiful sunset like we had tonight to remind us He is there, or to send guardian angels to be with my family in times of need so we can spend a little more time with each other on this earth.  NEVER take for granted the time you have with your loved ones.  

 My eyes were opened today to the love He has for us.  I know He is watching over us in all things.  Sometimes it might take circumstances like today to open one's eyes a little more.  I know He loves me.  And I know He loves my sweet family.