Someone stopped me at work today and mentioned they heard your name on the radio over the weekend. The radio host seemed to know you well and talked about all the great stories you told. He had mentioned he was at your service so I must have met him, even though I can’t remember in this moment; I think she mentioned his name was Wayne. Oh, how I wish I heard that broadcast.

Earlier in the week my family was discussing his service, and one by one announced they weren’t able to speak. I knew, I was the one that would speak on behalf of the family. Both my brothers and sister didn’t think I would be able to pull it off without breaking down. It was a challenge I needed to master….for him.

We also broke tradition with the family dinner prayer. When I arrived at my parent’s home, my Dad asked if I would say grace this Thanksgiving. I had no response other than “of course I will”, but what my Dad didn’t suspect, I was a bit nervous to have that responsibility. Whenever he says grace it’s filled with tenderness for any heartbreak or situation that needs additional prayer of healing or thanksgiving, and he always ends his prayer uplifting those that are less fortunate. That is one tradition that has never been broken.

Prior to the purchase, the house wasn’t visible from the road, due to overgrown brush and trees. As I pulled into the long driveway, I could see a darling cottage style house peeking through the trees; much of the overgrown brush had been removed. I felt such happiness for my son and his fiancé as their first home together was warmly lit up, and I could see them working together inside. They had done a wonderful job over the last month with their little cozy cottage in the woods.

Recently, my daughter decided to have Tillie the kitten spade, and called while scheduling the procedure; wondering if I would commit to bringing her in on surgery day since she would already be at work. I agreed since my schedule was more flexible. I have to admit right up front, I volunteered out of necessity, but wasn’t looking forward to the day.

My son and his girlfriend have been dating for five years, and recently put an offer in on a house, and I knew the next step would be engagement. Whenever I get the chance to have one on one time with my son, we always have good conversations. Several months ago he mentioned his goal in their relationship was to buy a house first, and a ring second, however her goal was the ring first and house second.

Tillie is a social kitten and isn’t afraid of friends and family. She is playful and has the sharpest claws; my daughter and I have plenty of playtime scratches to prove it. From the time of her arrival, she is often perched on my shoulders, chest and neck. Tillie’s like a parrot, or a pirate kitty, as I sometimes like to call her. She refuses to let me do anything without her getting involved. If i’m laying down she constantly leaps on my head!

Recently, she started begging to get a cat again. Most of her friends have moved out of the area and claimed if I let her have a kitten, she wouldn’t feel so lonely……no words. In a weak moment she made it sound so easy and somehow when I wasn’t expecting it, I actually thought about saying yes. Well, let’s just say she jumped on the opportunity and within a few days had her sights on one.

To celebrate a recent birthday, my children wanted to take me to lunch and as always, let the birthday girl pick the location. My first thought was somewhere near water, and with the late spring weather cooperating, dining outdoors was at the top of my list.

The last several weeks have been especially difficult for my Dad; his brother had fallen ill, and on Mother’s Day, lost his battle and went home to his Lord. My Dad is the oldest of six, and has survived five siblings and both parents. I was a bit hesitant to write this post, but felt the message was important to share.

This past week marked another blessed year on the calendar for my first love…..my Dad. His birthday weekend was shared by the college graduation of my nephew, which I know my Dad was happy to celebrate with his grandson. His eyes light up any time he is around his grandchildren, and deeply cares about each one.

We had to switch to plan B; which meant my sister and I took on the task of picking out, and purchasing a style that would work….pronto (since she came home earlier in the day). She needed some sort of shoe that had Velcro tabs that would adjust both for her swelling and shrinking feet.

While waiting in a room prior to surgery, my Dad, sister and I were sitting with her waiting for the surgeon to arrive. Once he explained the procedure and what to expect, Mom piped up about her going home the following day. The doctor said it wasn’t impossible, but he would have to access the situation, post-surgery. After all the questions were asked, my mom mentioned she baked him a loaf of a zucchini nut bread, and that he should eat it prior to surgery to give him extra stamina. OMG….we all laughed, as he left with loaf in hand. As a side note, she always brings home-baked bread, muffins, or cookies to all her doctor appointments; and always receives great service….haha.

Last week my nephew Garrett participated in the X-games Snocross event, held in Aspen Colorado. For those that aren’t familiar with the competition, it’s said to be the greatest winter action sport athletes competing annually from around the world. To participate in the games is by invitation only, unless you were lucky enough to be on the podium the previous year.

With the Christmas holiday behind us, I have to say this year’s family get togethers were filled with laughter and fun. Each year to celebrate being together we participate in some sort of goofy hoopla. For this year’s Christmas Eve party, a white elephant gift exchange was decided upon.

The end of last week my daughter returned home from her three month internship in Brazil. She was a beautiful sight for sore eyes; it had been a long time since I had held her tight. While she was away she made plans to redo her bedroom upon her return. I was good with that, and figured she would settle in for a few days before the project got underway……HA!

After day two of no communication from an earlier text I had sent, I thought it was odd. When day three arrived without a response, I started to become concerned. I reached out to one of her friends; they had also not heard a word in a few days. That’s when I started to really worry; especially after her friend thought I should call the consulate……”What?”

As the holiday season begins, it reminds us to stop and give thanks for our blessings. Even though I have a daily gratitude practice, I don’t always take time to let others know how special they are to me.