Today's Playlist: As most of you know, I lost my daughter in May of 2015 to terminal cancer at the age of 16. Her battle with cancer and the experience of walking through that time with her have changed me as a person. It was the most challenging thing I have ever been through and I still cannot believe my family and I made it through such an unfathomable time. During her journey, I wrote a blog called "The Willow Tree Diaries." It was therapeutic for me, a way to capture the raw emotion that I was going through. In addition, it provided an outlet to share the things that God was teaching me as He walked with me through every parent's nightmare. Looking back, I am grateful that I documented my feelings during that time. Although I cannot read my entries because it is still too painful, I want to still keep them close because the experiences on those pages are a part of me. After Kacie passed and I began to heal, I still found myself wanting to write; however, I wanted to begin to share other parts of my life and write about less serious and emotionally-draining topics. I did not feel it was appropriate to write about organization and decorating in the Willow Tree blog that addressed such serious matters, so the Life Just Right blog was born. I pray that those who read it will find their way to all sorts of topics that will provide laughter and helpful tips, as well as wisdom and spiritual growth. In this entry, I wanted to bring together the two...truth be told, the OCD in me wanted to make sure that I neatly merge both blogs so that they are not lost. In this digital age where we put such meaningful parts of our lives like diaries and pictures online, I am always scared to lose them somehow or that the links I use to access my own personal items will someday no longer work. To comfort my paranoia, here is my entire Willow Tree Diaries Collection. They are in order of original entry dates, beginning with "Becoming That Family." Thank you to those who have already read my blogs and provided such encouraging feedback and to those who walked the journey with us as it happened. To those who stumble upon this page in the future, I pray that my words can somehow be an encouragement through tough times and a testament to the faithfulness of God. Until next time... Becoming That Family#BlessedReality CheckWords of FaithThe Walking DeadHow's Kacie?Good Grief...The Evolution of ChristmasHappy New Year 2016Please share a comment or feedback and feel free to share this blog with your friends! "Like" my page on Facebook to get updates!
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AuthorHello and WELCOME to my site! My name is Amanda Yates and I am a 44 year-old mom of six children from a blended family. I am a middle school teacher and a passionate follower of Christ. In my "free" time, I love decorating my home, organizing, studying scripture, and making every attempt to get my life "just right." I am blessed beyond measure! Archives
November 2016
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Life Just Right. | Faith & Reflection Blog |