It's All in the Name

Had to laugh out loud today when I asked Bella what they should name the new royal baby, and she answered matter-of-factly, "Tubby.". I like it...Prince Tubby! 

That's What Friends Are For

I spent the afternoon with a friend today. We didn't go shopping, or for a walk, or drink wine (no really, we didn't). We didn't even talk. Well, I talked, but she can't. She lost her ability to talk a year and a half ago when she fell and suffered a terribly injury to her brain. So today I visited with her and her family, and I did all the talking. Bella and I told her about all the things we've been up to this summer and the exciting things we have planned in the next month before school starts up again. I sat with her through her therapy and was filled with joy when she passed a beach ball to me 4 times (her therapist said she usually only does it once - so 4 times was impressive!). I looked deep into her eyes, hoping that she understood everything I was saying and that she is still in there somewhere. I know she is working ferociously to get out. The road behind her has been long and difficult, and the road ahead still looks like it's all uphill. But she is trying her hardest. Slowly, but surely. When I get home from a visit with her I usually cry. I can't help it. It just plain sucks to see her that way. But when I am done with my tears, I am hopeful for her. Each time I see her, I see that she is getting stronger. I see the determination as she reaches for me and tries to speak. Her mother said that she doesn't get very many visitors anymore. "People's lives are busy", she said. Yes, our lives are busy. But I can't see my life being so busy that I would stop caring about a friend. Friends need friends to stick by them - no matter what. Reminds me of one of my favorite poems:

“How many slams in an old screen door? Depends how loud you shut it. How many slices in a bread? Depends how thin you cut it. How much good inside a day? Depends how good you live 'em. How much love inside a friend? Depends how much you give 'em.”  - Shel Silverstein

Life is short...your friends are your friends for a reason. You need them, and they need you. Be good to them. Appreciate them. Take care of them. Laugh with them. Enjoy life with them. And they will do the same for you. 

A Little Goes a Long Way

I have this little game I play with my daughter. Whenever she says "I love you Mommy.", I say "I love you too, but just a little." Then her usual reply is, "No, you love me more than that..." and then we go back and forth..."more than this?" (holding my hands out about a foot). We end up at infinity +1 every time.
Tonight, as we were watching the news, this is how the conversation went:
B: I love you.
Me: I love you too, a little.
B: I'm ok with that.
Me: You are?
B: I'm ok with any kind of love. Except the love of hatred. That's not OK. But I'll take anything else.
Me: I love you a LOT!

And I really do. To infinity, plus 1.

Auld Lang Syne

Today was a beautiful day in Colorado. Let's face it, there are very few days that are NOT beautiful in Colorado, but today was especially nice. The sun was shining brightly, not a cloud in the sky. The air was cool and smelled of winter...wood fires burning, the smell of damp earth and melting snow. The mountains stood majestic today, in all their glory. It was a stunning day.

One year ago, on this day, I lost a friend. Thinking back to that time, it was hard to believe that I could walk out the door one year later and the tears would be gone. On that day, it seemed as though my friends and I would be sad forever. But that's not how life works. Time has a funny way of healing our wounds...it just does.

I went to the cemetery today with my daughter and my friends and as I walked up to Scotty's headstone, I did not cry this time. I smiled. I smiled because Scotty was always one to make you smile. I smiled because life is a beautiful thing and I'm truly happy to be alive.

2012 was a rough one. I think many of us can agree on that. But I hope that we all learned something from it. I learned that it's ok to work hard, but then I need to play harder. I learned that I need to RELAX more and not let the little things get to me! I stopped to look at my life and realized what is really important.  I've been making lists the past few days (I love a good list...so much satisfaction when you get to cross things off!) ...things to do, things to see, things to feel, to eat, to smell! I want to feel my life this year! I want to make it count!

Thank you my friend Scotty, for being here as long as you could be. I will think of you often with a smile, as it should be.

Happy New Year!

P.S. If you have something fun on your list that you want to share...call me - I just may join you!


Thoughts and love to my friends Cheryl & Monica... I hope one year from now, after the passing of both your fathers today, you will find peace and healing too.  Love you both!