For the first eleven days of September, I was on an east coast vacation and out of the blogging loop. (And I missed all of you!) But it was nice to escape our parenting duties and enjoy eleven continuous days of respite. It was worth it. I mentally recharged, taking time to ponder all the things that bring joy to my life.
1. Like this week when I stepped onto an unfamiliar Washington D.C. metro train and the doors closed before my three traveling companions made it inside—I wasn’t sure if we’d ever see each other again. (Pretty dramatic, huh?) But what you may not know is, we live in Silverton, Oregon. Population 9328. The town installed its first stop light just a few years ago. As the D.C. train pulled out of the Smithsonian station, my husband and friends stood on the platform slowly waving goodbye, staring at the stunned look that became my face (a look they later described as priceless). At the very next stop, I hopped off the train and waited, hoping they’d be on the next one. When the blue line pulled into the station, I searched each passing car for familiar faces, but found none. I heard an overhead announcement warn the doors would be closing and made a half second decision to jump on the nearest car. There sat my husband and friends chatting with strangers about my faux pas. Huge relief. Then laughter. Lots of laughter.
2. I am thankful that although our return trip was scheduled for the anniversary of 9-11, we arrived home safe and sound, and without incident.
3. I’m grateful that my husband spoiled me by washing our black car and vacuuming the interior and throwing away all the garbage inside. Now it looks all shiny and new. John is like having your very own personal butler (or like you’re still on vacation and staying at some luxurious hotel that you only get to dream about.)
4. I’m super thankful that Bob at Silver Creek Auto Body took pity on me when we found that someone (while our car was parked at the long-term Park And Stay lot at the Portland airport) opened their door into our rear passenger panel and left a small ding and an ugly white mark. Of course, the culprits left no note admitting to any damage. Although the barely noticeable dent remains, Bob buffed out the mark at no charge. And the car looks great again. Thanks Bob.
5. I’m grateful that for one entire weekend I could sleep in the middle of our queen-size bed without encroaching upon my spouse. John spent Friday and Saturday nights in Olympia, Washington, playing golf with his brother and friends. Rarely do I have the entire house to myself. This gift of “alone time” felt like pure bliss.
6. And since John was gone, I cooked eggs and an English muffin for my Saturday night dinner. I’m thankful for simple meals too.
7. I love sunshine and clear blue skies and heat. But I’m thrilled that the ninety degree weather cooled enough so I could turn off the air conditioning and crack open our windows and doors. Birds chirped. Fragrant whiffs of fresh cut grass and blooming roses drifted through the screens, filling the air. I’m treasuring these last few scent-filled breezes. Winter will dig her heels in soon.
8. I’m thankful I had time to read three incredible books this week: After Her by Joyce Maynard, The Middlesteins by Jami Attenberg, and Torch by Cheryl Strayed.
9. And isn’t it wonderful that pomegranates covered in dark chocolate are not only tasty, but good for you? (At least that’s my story, and I’m stickin’ with it.)
10. Finally, I’m incredibly grateful that Lindsey and Nick had no major meltdowns or issues while we were out of town (or immediately upon our return). That isn’t always the case and our homecoming was awesome because of it.
My first book, Loving Lindsey: Raising a Daughter with Special Needs will be out September 26, 2017. If you would like to learn more, click here.
