Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Another Birthday, a gift realized....

And we celebrated my birthday as only this family can - with grandeur and finesse!  I had 2 parties - back-to-back weekends!  First party was at Michelle's and the following weekend we gathered at Bobby and Suse's house and ate and drank like royalty for hours.

It warms my heart to see how much pleasure the kids get from entertaining.  I am so grateful that we gave them this gift!  We have always been the "family hub".  Everyone always gathered at our house for holidays and birthdays.  All the kids took this as a "norm" and are now excellent, stress-free hosts.

Knowing that my Mr. Wonderful is so sick, each of these gatherings is extra special.  I see how the kids each 'take a turn' sitting and visiting with him one on one.  We linger at the table longer than we ever have - just to be close together.

Whereas I will never come to terms with losing my love, I have finally come to realize that these last months are a gift from God.  Mike has had several major surgeries and God could have called him home at any time.  I shudder to think of that devastation.  Instead, God in His mercy, has given us a warning.... He has given us time to really live and make wonderful memories these next few months.

God has given my children an opportunity to talk to their Dad and tell him things that have been sitting in their hearts forever.  They are all realizing how precious life is and how inconsequential all the trivial nonsense is in their lives.  I know Mike is savoring each day.... each visit with the kids and our granddaughters is a gift to him and a memory for them.

I have learned to slow down and just BE.  When I return home from work, I know there is nothing more important than just sitting with Mike.  We watch TV and we are warmed by the fire, We talk about nonsense, because just hearing his voice is all that matters to me right now.  I stopped making 'nutritionally complete' meals and make him anything at all his heart desires. 

I pray for strength.  I pray for a peaceful heart.  Most of all, I pray for God's continuing mercy.