Branches

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Life continues to give me more treasures than any one person should receive. From the best kids in the world (sorry—but mine really are!) to amazing grandchildren, and of course my Timothy… I have also been blessed with the very best friends a gal could have. I seem to collect them almost as quickly as I collect shells on the beach.

Each year, I add new pockets of friends to my collection, my tree of friendship growing new branches and blossoming in the most beautiful ways. My kitchen windowsill displays various gifts from these dear friends, each one prominently placed so I can enjoy them often, gentle reminders of just how fortunate I am.

I mentioned to a new friend my fascination with green Depression glass, some pieces contain uranium, visible only under a black light. Before I knew it, a little green vase arrived, filled with flowers. Now I just need to get a black light and see if it holds a glowing secret! 

Old friends, new friends, school friends, dance friends, gymnastics friends, beach club friends, mahjong friends… such a plethora of love. And fortunately, my children are all happy, because a mother is only as happy as her unhappiest child… phew!

Watching my children grow into the adults they are today has been a blessing I never take for granted. I stayed home with them while they were growing up, devoting every hour of my day to them, selfishly savoring every second of their childhood. When people spoke of the “terrible twos” or the challenges of the teenage years, I stayed quiet, I never had a day with them that I didn’t love.

Parenting never truly ends, even now that they are older, one might even say middle-aged, but neither does the joy of being called “Mom” by my favorite people in the world.

Friends, family, a life to rejoice in… isn’t life grand?

And a bit of news on the career front: I’ve been asked to present an educational session at Connecticut’s State Recreation Conference this November....how exciting! I’m looking forward to sharing, learning, and continuing to grow yet another meaningful branch of this beautiful life.

“Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.” ~ Marcel Proust