Donovon is in the living room perfecting his latest Lego robot creation.
Alexa is the dining room giggling at something on her iPhone.
Ava is in her room singing “Let It Go” for the gazillionth time.
I sit on the couch taking a pause from reading my Kindle to soak it all in. I giggle to myself. I take a mental snapshot. I cherish the moment and this household full of all the love and joy a person can stand. I’m so grateful for this scene. It just doesn’t get much better than this.
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.
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’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.
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!
Donovon, our girls, and I spent a very peaceful and relaxing day together. Days such as these, spent together with the whole family, have been quite rare the past several weeks, so I’m most grateful for it.
I had dinner with my sister and her family last night and again tonight. Tonight, however, my brother came into town and joined us. It was so nice to spend time with them.
While we were eating, I did something that reminded them of Daddy and we all giggled over it. I always feel him near when we’re all together. It’s comforting. And I’m so grateful for our time together.
Nothing brings me as much joy as spending time with all My Little Princesses. I’m so thankful for our lunch with them today.
This Saturday made up for last Saturday in spades.
It began with a relaxing morning watching Grease with My Girls. We then met Donovon’s aunt and cousins for some family fun at Pinballz. We followed that with a late lunch at Trudy’s. The day ended with the birthday party of a childhood friend of mine with My Big Girl as my party date.
All day long, I felt surrounded by so much love and joy. I’m so grateful for a fun-filled Saturday with family and friends.
When I don’t connect with My Toot for a while, I feel disconnected in a way. We’re both very busy with our families and our careers, so sometimes weeks will go by before we talk. And it’s a little unsettling…for both of us.
I really can’t remember the last time we spoke, it had been that long. So catching up with My Toot today made me feel so much better. I think I’ve shared in recent posts that I’ve been a little stressed lately. Talking to Crestina today was so comforting. I think our connection has always grounded us. Sometimes I forget how significant it is. I’m grateful that we caught up and most grateful for our connection.
I love you, Toot.
Gratitude Daily 