Author: annabodine

Day 56 / A Part of My Mother

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Twelve years. That is the length of time that I got with my mother before she passed. It’s not much. Looking back, it was the blink of an eye.

I don’t have a lot of memories of her. And unfortunately, most of them are of her illness. But today, as I look down at my hands, I’m so thankful that they are her hands. When I look at them, I see Mommy’s hands. The hands that cared for the sick. The hands that nurtured and raised my sister and me for as long as they could.

I look at my hands and am thankful that I have a part of my mother. And I continue to do my best to carry on her legacy with them.

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Day 55 / Spending Time with My Sister and Our Little Princesses

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Tonight Ava and I went to my sister’s house to visit her and her girls.  As I’ve said, I’m always grateful to spend time with family.  These Little Princesses were in full effect tonight.  Each of their personalities are so entertaining and adorable, and as I held Coralyse, listened to Lily and Evangeline arguing, helped Abigael with her dinner, and admired Ava in her princess gown,  I just soaked it all in.  They are our legacy, the fruit of so much love and joy.

I also enjoyed catching up with My Toot.  We are both missing Daddy and needed some time to share that and feel connected to him through each other.

I’m grateful for spending this Friday night surrounded by my sister and all our Little Princesses.

Day 54 / The SLCS Girls

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The SLCS Girls are girls – now women – that I went to Catholic school with. St. Louis Catholic School (SLCS), that is.

Now, most of us have not been in contact for over 20 years. But we reconnected through Facebook about 5 years ago and we’ve stayed in contact ever since, getting together three or four times a year at least.

The thing is, even though most of us went our separate ways after 8th grade, our connection runs deep. We grew up together. We knew each others’ parents and siblings. We came of age together.  Therefore, when we get together now, as we learn more about each other as adults, our connection has strengthened.

It’s a bond that is difficult to explain.  It’s truly unique in that I have no other friendships that match it.  Tonight, we got together for a belated birthday celebration for me.  Throughout the night, I kept thinking how fortunate I am to have reconnected with this group of women, not just the ones there tonight, but all the girls I went to Catholic school with.

I cherish these friendships and am truly grateful for The SLCS Girls.

Day 53 / Work

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I had a pretty intense day at work. There were stressful moments, inspiring moments, and rewarding moments all with a high level of intensity. And through all of it, I found myself grateful for it. Some days are rough and some days are very gratifying. But I get to work with some incredible people and I appreciate all aspects of the job.

I’m thankful for the opportunity to teach, help others, and hopefully inspire.

Day 51 / Football Season

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I’m so happy football season is underway.  We watched a lot of football over the weekend and Monday Night Football is on tonight.  I admire the game’s athletes, talent, strategy, and spirit of competition.  There are glimpses of true sportsmanship and integrity that are inspiring.  I love when the underdogs prevail, and I equally love when the favorites shine.

All that, and my fantasy team did great this week.  Yes, today I’m thankful for football!

Go Cowboys!!

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Day 50 / More Family Time

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Today we celebrated Donovon’s cousin’s son’s (his 2nd cousin I suppose) 8th birthday at his swim party in Cedar Park. There was a lot of extended family there and I’m thankful for being able to spend time with them.

I find myself grateful for any time I get to spend with family. And I’m so blessed to have all of Donovon’s family in my life.

Day 49 / Lazy Saturday

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This is the first Saturday in months and months that I actually did not have anything to do or anywhere to be. As relaxing as our time in Jamaica was, it was still a lot of travel in a short time and I’m exhausted. After brunch with my girls, I came home and did nothing except a couple loads of laundry. It. Felt. Awesome.

I watched a couple movies, read an entertainment rag, and now I’m watching the Horns. No one loves my couch and my TV as much as I do, so I’m very thankful for this lazy Saturday.

Day 48 / My Mom Judy

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My Mom Judy is Donovon’s mother.  She is so much fun, very passionate, and so loving.  While Daddy was in the hospital, she showed up and gave me and my family support and love at a point when we needed it most.  It became so clear how much I need and appreciate her in my life.

We have a rich history and just as with My Mom and My Mom Julia, we’ve experienced both good times and sad times together.  That’s what family is – sticking together through thick and thin.  My Mom Judy is my family.  She is one of my three “moms” that I believe my biological mother sent to look after me, to share joy, to hold me up when I’m weak, to support me, and to love me like her own daughter.

I don’t think My Mom Judy knows how much I love and appreciate her.  So I hope this post will come close to expressing how much she means to me and how blessed I feel that she is my Mom.

Mom, although I don’t say it as often as I should, please know that you have held and will forever hold a very special place in my heart and in my thoughts.  I love you so much and am so thankful that you are my Mom.

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