“Baseball calls it a curveball for a reason: you just don’t know where some pitches will land… therefore, your bench must be broad and deep enough to overcome.” — Christine Pelosi

Lately, our family’s been thrown one of those curveballs. A loved one suffered a serious traumatic event, and we’re all facing challenges we never expected to navigate. I keep looking for the silver linings, but how do you do that when life hurls a hurtling pitch straight at the people you love most?

Right now, Larry and I are looking after some of our grandkids while the rest of the family stays close to the hospital. It’s an honor, but I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t daunting. These little hearts have been entrusted to us — to keep them safe, loved, and supported while we all wade through uncertain waters. I find myself constantly weighing my words, afraid that a simple “it’ll be okay” might be heard as a promise I can’t keep. What does “okay” even look like right now?

So instead, I remind them (and myself) that we’ll face whatever comes together — as a family. We’ll hold each other up, cry together, laugh together, and heal together. That’s what we do. Still, it’s a delicate dance — especially with two kids who couldn’t be more opposite. One craves every detail; the other wants to know as little as possible. It’s like walking through a field of emotional landmines, sidestepping, ducking, and weaving my way through conversations.

Finding Anchors in the Chaos

I’ve been doing a bit of reading — and soul searching — about how to support children (and ourselves) through trauma. A few ideas have really helped, and maybe they’ll help you too if you ever find yourself in a similar storm.

1. Keep the anchors steady

For the kids, that means sticking to familiar routines: school, dance classes, and the joyful chaos of singing and playing at home. We’ve looped in teachers and counselors to watch for signs they might need a little extra love, but for now, keeping things “normal” is a gift.

For us “old folks,” it’s coffee together every morning, writing, meditating, lunch with friends, and simply trying to keep our lives as steady as possible. These small habits are our lifelines — little reminders that consistency brings comfort when everything else feels uncertain.

2. Make room for every emotion

We’ve been reminding the kids — and ourselves — that it’s okay to be sad, and it’s okay to be happy too. Kids are naturals at this balance. One minute they’re crying, the next they’re laughing and dancing again. They’re teaching us that even in the darkest moments, there’s still space for light.

When they cry, we hug them tight and tell them it’s okay to be scared or mad or sad. And when they smile, we celebrate it — because joy and sorrow can coexist.

3. Focus on reassurance and hope

The kids have found ways to express their love and hope — making videos, coloring pictures, crafting window art for the hospital. It helps them feel connected and reminds them that even small acts of love can bring healing.

Learning to Stay in the Moment

I’m also learning (sometimes the hard way) to stay present. My mind likes to race ahead — planning, worrying, imagining every possible outcome. But this experience has reminded me that the future is never certain, no matter how much we try to control it. Life changes in an instant, and sometimes it stops us in our tracks.

Still, we adapt. We breathe. We keep going.

Even though our house is louder and busier than usual, I don’t feel particularly stressed — maybe because these kids keep pulling us back into the present moment. I’m paying attention to how I feel, listening to my body, and protecting my energy so my Multiple Sclerosis doesn’t get stirred up by stress. There’s no perfect balance — just grace, one day at a time.

Gratitude in the Midst of Uncertainty

More than anything, I’m grateful.

Grateful for the chance to spend extra time with our grandkids.

Grateful for their laughter echoing through the house.

Grateful for the youthfulness they bring into our lives, even in the midst of pain.

Because when it comes right down to it, that’s what family does — we show up, hold tight, and love through the hard things. And somehow, even when life throws a curveball, we find our way.

I’d love to hear from you — how do you find your footing when life throws you a loop? In the meantime, try this yummy essential oil diffuser blend. I prefer Young Living oils because of their Seed to Seal® quality commitment, but use whatever you have on hand!