The Best Gift

A lazy Saturday is rare. Usually we are scheduled from the moment we wake up with to-do’s and don’t-want-to’s (but will) often involving the dreaded trip to the grocery store. This day I have been granted a reprieve. There is an impending snowstorm that makes grocery shopping a foolish endeavor. There probably isn’t any bread left on the shelves because the crackerjack weather team is forecasting 12-24″ of snow over Sunday and Monday.

In addition to this intentional grounding, my birthday is this week. My husband used the opportunity to make me a glorious breakfast of cheesy eggs, bacon, blueberry bread, a cappuccino and my favorite, orange juice with ice. Fully sated, I didn’t bother to brush my hair or teeth. I just slipped on my old sweats and a faded sweatshirt and played Plants vs Zombies on the computer. Raelene gave my outfit a quizzical look but said nothing. Her father was dressed a’ la Charlie Sheen but I accepted his answer that it was the closest shirt on hand and went about my day. As I struggled to protect my brain from being consumed, (actually quite the opposite ha ha) I got a notification that my firstborn had arrived home.

I sport an app that tracks the whereabouts of compliant family members alerting me to any incoming children. It used to be for oversight but now it is just an alert to put on pants, a wistful glance into their grown lives, and the knowledge that they are safely tucked into their homes. It is a bit unusual for my daughter to willingly leave her new home, especially on a day that threatens a -10 wind chill. I quickly dressed and brushed realizing that things have been happening behind my back. My mind circled back to some unusual communication between Katie and Eric.

My living room is quickly filled with adult children and their spouses, a smiling, thirsty crew wishing me happy birthday. This is all I need. I am just as happy if they are talking to me, or to each other. Having the privilege to bear witness to these beautiful lives is one I don’t take for granted. Espresso martinis, basketball on the tv, and snowmobiles outside give this gathering the pulse that carries the memories, the stiches that build the quilt, binding us all together. There is a frenzy of prepped food and wonderful gifts and things that required forethought and planning. None of it is lost on me. The effort is not lost on me.

I truly appreciate it all.

Thank you all for being here.