1~As always, appreciating my husband and his daily care of meals fixed, rooms cleaned, and nurture given to me and all those within his circle of acquaintances.
2~Becoming beholden to the individual with disabilities who lives with us and teaches me so much about perspective, slowing down, and enjoying the little things of life.
3~Commemorating a new chapter in my parents’ lives as they downsized, moved, and embraced a slower pace of life.
4~Discovering depths of practice that keep me on the path toward greater truth such as choosing vulnerability over security, deciding disruption can be greater than egocentric comfort, and determining to practice incomparable love over false holiness.
5~Enjoying engaging with my oldest over a cup of coffee and hearing about her adventures in motherhood, job changes, and the struggle of balancing all of life’s facets.
6~The frenzied fun of a fast trip to Florida in the falling rain to visit an ailing friend, spend a few nights in tiny house AirBnbs, and visit Saint Augustine.
7~Gratefully watching a grandson weekly as he learns to slide as well as swing, adds to his repertoire of songs, and increases his glossary of spoken words.
8~Having my middle daughter make her home close to us where we can share heartfelt conversations, spontaneously drop by each other’s houses, and help out with childcare when knee surgeries happen.
9~Initiatives taken by my youngest daughter to savor her last year of high school and embrace her first year of college as she danced her last dance recital, graduated with honors, and settled into college life with poise and ingenuity.
10~Joining high school friends for catching-up conversations, reminiscent heart-to-hearts, and jaunts down memory lane.
11~Kindling opportunities for my granddaughter to keep experiencing new things such as connecting at a pre-k program, using her imagination at a live theater show, and embracing new sights and sounds on a train ride.
12~Learning lessons in peacemaking as I support efforts being made to end racial injustices, free Palestinians from oppression, and create a world where all have opportunities to live in freedom, as I do.
13~My music student making it to the state level in a vocal competition where she worked hard, overcame her fears, and won first place.
14~Noting the blooming of my grandson grow into his own person (terribly terrific twos and all) as he navigates how far he can throw that ball, neatly works at discovering how things work, and narrates the whereabouts of our cat.
15~Observing the omniscience of the ocean during our family beach week as we waded in tidal pools, chased runaway toddlers down the sand, and bobbed in the waves.
16~Planning, preparing, and taking great pleasure in a trip to Pittsburgh with my parents, sister, and aunt to visit relatives, ride the incline that looks like Mr. Rogers’ trolley, and stroll through the botanical gardens.
17~Resting in the bittersweet fact that we are now empty-nesters with more time to write and read, regularly exercise, and pay more attention to just us.
18~Seeing my friend get her medical miracle with new lungs for breathing freely, strolling down the road without inhibition, and conversing without feeling spent.
19~Taking a trip down the Blue Ridge Parkway with my husband and parents to take pictures of the beautiful fall foliage, spend time in the quiet of the mountains, and attend a wedding of one of my many nephews.
20~Undertaking the perhaps unusual but rewarding writing projects of compiling my parents’ stories into a book, completing the first year of a Bible curriculum for my grandchildren centered around the life and teachings of Jesus, and updating my blog.
21~Visiting the “North Pole” with my venerable grandson who enthralls us with his riveting tales of books he has read, animals he has studied, and the latest clever facts he has contrived.
22~ Watching new shows that make me reconsider lessons learned from history such as Call The Midwife, The Crown, and All Creatures Great and Small.
23~Yearnings becoming fulfilled as my relationships deepen, my spirit tunes to The Spirit, and Love is exuberantly shared.
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