Extraordinary Moments

If you read my last post, you might think that I did not enjoy my time away, which is not the case. I am on this journey of finding my true authentic self and while I share these not so pretty feelings or things I am discovering about myself, please know that these things I share with you are just parts of my journey.

While we were in Florida for my daughters wedding, we rented a home for us all to stay at, so that we could all be together as a family. This home also had a pool in the backyard, which because of the heat, we spent most of our days and evenings in. This proved to be a much better choice then staying at a hotel as we were all able to be together in a home setting. This enabled us to cook our own food instead of having to go out to eat, do our laundry, and all the other comforts of being “home”. This allowed for us to share ordinary moments together which for me are the extraordinary moments in life. Whether it was doing dishes together, folding a load of towels, cooking in the kitchen, eating together out on the patio or playing a game in the pool, it was these moments with my loved ones that I now reflect upon…and treasure in my heart.

I remember the smiles on their faces and the laughter that filled the air. I remember those moments when each of my children were relaxed and just being themselves. I remember their voices as they all talked at once and it made me go back to the days when they were still children. How much they each have changed and grown up, yet parts of them still remain the same. I remember all their hugs and kisses and “I love you” moments that filled each of my days with them. I remember how my heart over flowed with love and pride, as I listened to and watched them, when they didn’t know I was watching or listening. I remember thinking, “How did these extraordinary people come from me?”

I remember those moments when my younger grandchildren took a break from the whining and crying and all we heard were their sweet little voices squealing with delight, laughing and giggling and smiles pasted on their faces. They were so happy to be surrounded by people that love them and relishing in all the attention. I will never forget watching my 18 month old grandson’s face light up in the biggest smile ever, when he first laid eyes on me at the airport….and then jumping into my arms and hugging me tight.

I remember the constant smile upon my eldest granddaughters face, her voice as she rattled on about all the things a nine year old has to say and her ever constant adoration of me. When she was quite young she crowned me “queen grandma” and has never forgotten that. She brought her princess crown with her and placed it upon my head and once again declared me “queen” of the family.

I remember watching my husband relax and enjoying doing nothing, on his first vacation or time off from work in 10 years. I remember those moments when our eyes met and we shared in a private moment of understanding of all that this time meant to both of us. How much he understood the value of this time with my children was to me and how grateful I felt that he supported this time together. How he has never interfered but only been a wonderful step father to my children and the fact that my children recognize this and love him for this also. How every day he is a gift to me.

These were the extraordinary moments. These extraordinary moments are moments that I look for in every day. Sometimes, I forget or get so lost in living that I lose sight of all that is here, right now, in front of me. But, then I remember, and it all comes back to me…even though I live a very ordinary life, it truly is filled with extraordinary moments.