Thankful Thursday

It is because we are different that each of us is special. ~ Brian Dyson





Growing up, my mother often remarked about how much she enjoyed the differences between my brother and myself. And we are very different! It would be cumbersome to list all of the ways we are different, but there are some ways we are very much the same. We share the same parents, parts of the same childhood and we'd lay down our lives for one another. All the differences fade in comparison to the depth of love in our soul for one another. And so, it warms my heart when I see our daughters sharing their childhood and growing in that relationship. I'm thankful for those simple moments when I am trying to get dinner on the table and a box of crayons and plain paper provide fifteen minutes of conversation and screechless interaction. (Crayola really does deserve a thank you note from our family:)

Bubbly from the beginning, Emily gathers up life and relishes each moment in her own finesse-filled way. People often ask, "Does she ever have a bad day?" And, of course, the answer is , "YES!". Emily is Petunia Picky-pants when it comes to nourishment. Hannah approaches things differently, breathing in each moment with a variety of responses, constantly surprising us and forever revealing answered prayer. Hannah has this very cute habit of "Oooooohing and Aaaaaaaahing" as soon as food is placed in her sight. She will eat pretty much everything and particularly likes vegetables. She loves to shop for clothes and accessories, Emily could not be more bored with anything than to be forced to try on clothes. I must say, I agree with my wise Mama, I enjoy the differences.

I am thankful that Emily asked for carrot sticks for snack this week and ate them! She also ate yogurt covered raisins and LOVED them. It may seem a small milestone to some, but for me, it was paramount.

I am thankful for Hannah's persistence. Though trying at times, at the delicate age of 21 months, her perserverance will help her in life and hopefully propel her to do well in the things she loves.

I am thankful for my mother and dad. They are encouraging parents and grandparents. My dad has been particularly helpful these past few weeks, with my most cranky computer. Between business trips and volunteer meetings, he has made time to help me and I appreciate that.

For all of us eighties and nineties girls, Dirty Dancing and Ghost are rites of passage, icons of our past...I plan to pray for Patrick Swayze and am not ashamed to admit my never-ending fascination with his movies. I'm thankful our friend Sam, also being treated for Pancreatic cancer is doing so well.

Finally, I am thankful for friends and family who take the time to remind us how special we are. In the daily grind, it is easy to look outside your own circumstance and assume everyone else is doing it better. I think it is a natural symptom of being a mom. This quote that I stumbled over this week has particular meaning,

"I guess what I have really discovered is the humanizing effect of children in my life, stretching me, humbling me. Maybe my thighs aren't as thin as they used to be, maybe my getaways are not as glamorous. Still, I like the woman that motherhood has helped me to become." ~ Susan Lapinski