Real People Feature: Bethany

Who are you?

I am Bethany- mother to Emelia and Alice, wife to Matty Lew, full-time graduate student, aspiring librarian, and lover of life. 

What is the best advice you've ever given or received and why?

The best advice that I ever received was "Do unto others as you want done to you." I think it is such a powerful message that you should treat everyone the way you would want to be treated. It takes the focus away from selfish desires and actions and helps you remember to be nice, courteous and polite to bring the focus to those around you. 

Ooooh! Bethany can make some pretty amazing CAKES, as well!

The best advice I have ever given would be to enjoy the little moments, because those little moments are what builds a lifetime. I think, in today's society, it's so easy to get wrapped up in drama, conflict, materialism, etc., and people don't often stop to enjoy those little moments. 

You know, like when you are driving in a car and you realize the sky is blue, the clouds are puffy, the air is crisp. A euphoric song comes on the radio, you look in your rearview mirror and see your daughters holding hands. At that moment, you are overwhelmed with joy and are so grateful for everything you have been given. It's those little moments that need to be enjoyed, acknowledged and remembered; those moments strung together create your life. 

What has been the greatest challenge in your life and why?

The greatest challenge has also been a blessing- my car accident. A year ago, my daughter and I were struck by a tractor trailer on the highway while driving home from a doctor's appointment. The driver was not paying attention and hit us straight on from the rear, buckling my car all the way to the back of my daughter's car seat. 

God was watching over us that day though, and we were able to walk away with only minor injuries. The worst thing was that I saw the whole thing coming and was unable to do anything about it due to traffic. Seeing a tractor trailer coming at you at a high speed throws a lot of thoughts into your head in a very short amount of time. My first thought was, "I am not ready to die."

At the time, I had been suffering from postpartum depression after the birth of our second daughter and had thoughts of negativity about myself and my worth being here on earth. In that split second during the accident, my postpartum vanished. Yes, I ended up having to go through months of therapy to be able to get into a car again, but I was able to come to terms with just how precious life is and just how important I am to my husband, daughters, family and friends. It was the hardest thing I have had to overcome so far, but it also helped me overcome other obstacles. 

What has been the greatest joy in your life and why?

My two girls have been the greatest joy in my life, hands down. They have taught me more than any school or education could teach- patience, unconditional love, happiness, selflessness, humor...I could go on and on. There is nothing better than a hug from them or to hear them say, "I love you." Their love is so innocent, and they make me want to be a better person.

What is one thing you have not done that you really want to do and why?

The one thing I have not done that I really want to do is travel to Germany. I am 100% German and have always longed to visit where my ancestors came from. I have not been able to travel there yet because life has just plain gotten in the way. When I taught in England, I thought I was going to get a chance to go, but the war had just started in Iraq. Americans were not very popular over there, and we were advised to stick to the UK. I will go someday though; you can count on it!

*****

Special thanks to Bethany for her open and heartwarming contribution. Now here's a girl who is definitely REAL people, friends...and she's REALLY amazing, for sure! And how about those adorable kiddos? Who can stand the cuteness?!? With a mama like Bethany, it's no wonder why their eyes are so bright.

Have any of you readers ever endured a car accident or PPD? How did it change your perspective?

Oktoberfest is actually in full swing right now in Munich! Anyone have good tales from the Deutschland to share? 

P.S. If you'd like to participate in a Real People Feature, send me a message at cally@frommyhearthtoyours.com or comment below. We'd love to hear from you.