I don’t care much for sweets, but on occasion, a piece of chocolate will take to me another place, especially in the midst of a crazy busy day. Today this tiny piece of Dove chocolate melted away the building stress as I savored each tiny bite. I’m so grateful for chocolate today.
My mom and brother came into town this weekend for my niece Lily’s 8th birthday. This morning we all – my sister’s family, my mom and brother, his girlfriend, and my family – met up for brunch before they headed back to Houston. As is typical of these traditonal Sunday brunches, it was good times and lots and lots of love. I always leave feeling grateful for my family and the time I get to spend with all of them.
The weather was real crappy all day, so Donovon, the girls, and I spent the rest of the day in our living room watching movies. I bathed in the bliss of the uninterrupted time with all four of us in one room. I couldn’t have been happier on such a cold and rainy day.
I spent the entire day with family and I’m grateful for every minute of it.
Oh My Little Princess Ava did me so proud today. She had a gymnastics performance to graduate to the next class level and she was So. Freaking. Awesome. Yes, I am biased, but she did perform every stunt perfectly.
I’m grateful for witnessing Ava’s progress and for such a flawless performance by My Little Princess.
At our age Friday night parties have become few and far between. So being invited to a party on a Friday night was a nice diversion from the norm.
Tonight Donovon and I went to a birthday party for one of our friends and had a blast. We were out until 1 AM, in great company, and singing our karaoke hearts out. It was a great time and I’m grateful for some Friday Night Partying.
Ava told me about a dream she had last night. She said that she dreamed that her Lolo (My Daddy) came back. And that all her cousins were there, and me, and that she was so happy he was back.
I was not expecting that, but it made my heart both sing and hurt a little.
I told her that I miss My Daddy very much, but that I’m so happy that she got to see him in her dream. Her grin when I told her that will be etched in my brain forever. And I’m so grateful for it.
I had lunch with Tracy today and I’m so glad I did. It was perfect timing for both of us. We needed a break from work and our relaxing lunch was the perfect remedy for our stressful morning. That, and we didn’t go two months without seeing each other!
I’m grateful for such an enjoyable lunch with one of my closest girls.
Amidst a hectic day at work, I often look forward to leaving the office for a quiet lunch by myself. It gives me a little time to briefly decompress, enjoy a delicious salad or sandwich and read a book – a sort of mid-day mini-decompression.
Today, I went to one of my favorite lunch spots Halcyon. At first it was filled with people and then it slowly cleared out while I peacefully ate my chicken ceasar salad. At one point, I looked up and half the place was empty.
As I continued eating my lunch and reading my Kindle, I relished in the peace and quiet. I’m grateful for a nice quiet lunch by myself today.
I’ve been thinking so much about Daddy lately. It’s been 9 months since he passed – It’s hard to believe all this time without him. As I think about how much I miss him, my thoughts turn to the depths of my anguish when we first lost him. My heart was broken, my soul shaken.
I think about all the people that were there for me, many of whom I’ve already written about. But there is one group of extended family in particular who vividly come to mind when I remember Daddy’s funeral service. As my family led Daddy’s casket out of the church overwhelmed with sadness, I caught a glimpse of all of my Mom Julia’s brothers and sisters – Dennis, Phyllis, Janice, and David – by extension, my aunts and uncles.
Having gotten married so young, My Mom Julia’s family has been an extension of my family for over half my life. I grew up with them, and their kids. I’ll never forget the day I met all of them. I was still in high school – it was my junior year. That spring, I was invited to Dennis’ beach house for their Easter celebration.
I was greeted by this massive family. There were so many people it was difficult to keep up with names. I wasn’t used to being surrounded by so much family – but I loved it. They all made me feel instantly welcomed. And from that day on, the love and support I’ve felt from them has only grown.
So, at the funeral service, as I proceeded out of the church to bury my father, I looked up and saw my aunts and uncles there. That moment, my aching heart felt so much love.
Thank you, Uncle DD, Aunt Phyllis, Auntie, and Uncle Davey for your love, your support, and for being there for me on such a painful day. I’m truly grateful for all of you.
I’ve written about little Ava’s laugh, but Alexa’s laugh is just as precious. Tonight, she belted out a hearty laugh while I was in another room and I couldn’t help but giggle to myself.
I think she enjoys laughing as much as I do.
Hearing Alexa laugh is so infectious and tonight I’m especially grateful for it.
February is a month of birthdays for our family and tonight we celebrated yet another – Donovon’s cousin Shawn’s 40th. Fortunately, Alexa agreed to babysit our kids, so Shawn, his wife Nicole, Donovon and I went out for a sushi dinner. I can’t even remember the last time the four of us went out.
It was such a lovely evening. We went to Tomodachi Sushi where we enjoyed a neighborhood restaurant atmosphere and delicious food. It was such a nice night and I’m so thankful for our double date!
Gratitude Daily 