It is 2 a.m. on Monday, December 28, 2020 and I am currently watching the snow fall through the glass doors of our balcony here in Milan while Keira falls back asleep on top of me in our bed. Meanwhile, Livvy also just woke up and Dave just went to readjust her (because she can no longer move her own body she sometimes gets stuck in an uncomfortable position and will need help to move and go back to sleep). Meanwhile, Eva sleeps through everything (thankfully) and my parents usually do too. This is our “normal”.
As someone who writes for part of my living I develop relationships with certain words and normal is one I now struggle with. There really is no normalcy in our lives anymore. And what’s considered our new normal may be understandable to the only 30+ other families in the world who have gone through this themselves but is probably unbelieveable to many others. It’s honestly still unbelieveable to me.
If a psychic were to have told me at the beginning of the year what 2020 would hold for me and our family I would have thought they were the worst psychic ever because there is no way that could happen. But here we are. Living in Milan, Italy. Amidst a global pandemic. Two of our three daughters have terminal illnesses. One may only have a few years left while the other just received a potentially life saving treatment. And snow is falling from the sky (a rare site to see for this Arizona family).
Life is unreal and so unpredictable. There is no way of telling what our next “normal” way of life will be. But for now, I’m enjoying the snow and the baby snuggles.
The Riley's Road to Italy 
Sending love and prayers from Arizona. I could never say that I understand what you are going through, but reading about your reality makes me realize how precious every day is with the ones we love. I wish you peace and live for the new year.
LikeLike
My prayers and thoughts are always with you. God bless……
LikeLike
Bless you all..i pray everyday that your strength will see you through…🙏🙏🙏😘
LikeLike
I think of U all so often…U are truly the strongest parents I know. As always, holding U so close to my heart…❤️
LikeLike
One day – we all will look back on this and think “how did we ever get through that” – it’s unimaginable to most people as you stated but living it and know how much your precious family has gone through is nothing a short of a miracle- you are so blessed and prayers are coming your way continuously- sending lots of love and hugs❤️😘❤️😘❤️😘
LikeLike
Thank you for sharing your struggles and blessings. Tom and I love reading your updates and continue to pray for you and Dave and the kids.
I just received this link in my emails and wanted to share it with you.
God often puts the people and things – or tools we need in front of us. Much like our founder Victor, had the idea to create a planner that helped him keep his focus on his Christian walk, choosing a word of the year was shown to us via our Facebook group last year. Many of our group members were talking about their word this past year, we thought it would be fun to share this quick tool with you on finding your word of the year and the scripture to accompany it.
Read More About The Word Of The Year
Stay Strong and continue to keep your eyes on God. He will show you comfort.
Love always, Tom Pascoe and Michele
LikeLike