Josh took a job in this tiny town of Shelby Montana working on the roofing and siding of an apartment complex. We had not seen him very often and really needed some time spent together as a family. Spring break came and I said hey we can come with you and spend the week there and at least see you in the evening when you get done working. Josh was not so happy with this idea but after some talking we decided to go anyway. I packed up 5 kids and myself for a week and we drove to Montana. A very long 9 hour drive in the car, kids tired of sitting in the car we finally got there. It was a fun week with the kids and I, we swam..A LOT…we went to a movie in their tiny theatre downtown, we went to the park and played, we went to lunch, we ate breakfast in the hotel every morning together, people commented on what a cute family I had and how well behaved my kids were and what a good mom they had. We watched TV in the hotel, we went to ShopKo the only store in town and bought Easter candy, we went and visited Josh on the jobsite, we really packed our week full of fun. We had plans to go through another town in Montana on the way home and go to an Easter egg hunt because it was Easter weekend so we had bought the kids some Easter baskets and they were so excited to go. I really did enjoy every minute with the kids and was so happy to be out of my house, no dishes, no laundry, no work, all play, just perfect! Josh worked long days and would come back to the Hotel very late and tired and would just want to go to bed. Something was not right I could see it and feel it. What happened in Shelby Montana on the very last night as we drove to the restaurant to eat as a family for the first time that week I will never forget. It was a phone call that started the path to a healthier marriage and life for my kids, that phone call was the heart of all the pain I had been through for 10 years, it opened the door to a broken man who wanted to change his ways and finally after so long and so much heartache wanted to tell all his secrets that I thought I already knew, boy was I wrong. What a week it was for me, I will never forget the days that followed that week or the nightmare I lived, but also so much peace and comfort I felt to finally have answers. I had always felt my Heavenly Father near me but not as much as I did during this time. It was as if he provided a wonderful perfect week for me and calmed my spirit and then the storm hit and he kept me calm with his loving arms wrapped so tight around me. I felt his love and I new there was a light at the end of this dark tunnel and things were going to get better for me and for my kids and mostly for Josh. This was the week it all began, I will never forget this week, so much joy with my children yet heartache unimaginable for some. I can say that I am so blessed to have these sweet angels in my life who love so unconditionally.
