The very first thing I’d do is thank God—deeply, wholeheartedly, and probably through tears. Not just a quick “thank you” in passing, but a full, overwhelming moment of pure gratitude and relief. The kind that makes you pause, close your eyes, and truly feel the weight lifting off your shoulders. I’d reflect on all the times I worried, all the prayers I whispered in quiet moments, and all the faith it took to keep pushing forward. This would be an answered prayer—the kind that fills your heart with so much peace and thankfulness that words don’t seem big enough to hold it all.

—I’d still need a minute (or ten) to let reality sink in. Because part of me would still be waiting for someone to jump out and yell, “Just kidding!”
But once I realized it was real? You better believe I’d be celebrating. Probably in a way that embarrasses my kids, confuses my pets, and makes my husband question whether I need a nap.