Happiness in a Catch-Up

I cannot tell you how great it feels to be back in this space again. I have missed it, and I have missed all of you!

I want to say a deep heartfelt Thank You, to each one of you who left such sweet comments, and sent kind emails- for your prayers and your kindness- it was a mighty blessing during a very rough week.

And it was a rough one- My Dad stayed with us thru the week, ensuring that he got lots of rest and extra attention. Each day building his confidence and  becoming more and more at peace. Sadly, during his stay- we all got sick. Stomach bugs, viruses, strep- you name it, we had it. It all combined into a very heavy feeling and around Wednesday I found myself crazy sick, in Memphis, crammed in a mass of people, at the theatre to watch the long awaited Lion King- balling my eyes out. I could go no further.

It was just one of those little times in life where you really had to search to find the happy- so I forced myself to sit down and write it out. 

- good books. I just happened to have picked up a copy of Peace Like A River by Leif Enger and had brought it with me to the hospital last weekend. I spent many an hour reading aloud to my Dad and we both were consumed. It is hands down one of the most beautifully written books I've ever come across. Lyrical and profound in it's prose- truly a brilliant read. (T-tom if you're reading this, you will absolutely love this one!)

- Veg Night. Kaleb and I have dubbed Monday nights Veg night. We  put kiddos to bed early, order out food, watch bad tv and just relax all night. It's a whole lotta awesome. This week got away from us, but last night we were able to make up for it.

-My sister-in-law. I am so thankful for her. She is incredibly supportive- texting, calling, checking in on us everyday, bringing meals- She excudes kindness and comfort and I am beyond grateful for her presence in my life.

- hot water. Our hot water heater in no bueno- but this week the heavens parted and gave me the gift of a hot shower- and it was good.

- While still laying around, sleeping off the last dregs of this sickness, my little Eleanor was sitting next to me in bed and she offered me her two most valued treasures. So lovingly she handed me her pacifier and then the corner of her blanket, which she rubbed up and down on my nose, just the way she quiets herself for nap time. I was so honored.

-There's a lot of happiness in the small things too, like non-scented deodorant, twix bars, ginger kambucha, good music, clean sheets. And lots and lots of happy from my people- those four crazy little rascals and Kaleb, always, Kaleb.

Sure, like everyone, there are times when I can get a little down, wallow in some self-pity, but I'm always pulled back up. The truth of it is -and this is a direct quote my Dad has sayed over and over since I was a little girl- 'I live a charmed life.'