I'm a little tired right now, since it's been a long week of 12 hours work-days and then last minute shopping each evening, but I feel peaceful and calm tonight. Besides the hubbub of the commercialism of modern Christmas, I've also been witness to a true miracle recently when my friend's fiance came back from near death to be able to be able to raise and nurture her infant daughter with him. I'm still wrapped up in the wonder of it all, and can feel my love for everyone and everything radiating outward. I hope I can stay here in this space for a long while.
While sitting cross legged wrapping presents on the tile floor of my cool bedroom in the daylight basement of my new house tonight, I found I can distract myself from the chill and my sore hips by naming and ruminating on the recent goodness in my life. My recent trip to Chicago was an absolute treat. It's a beautiful city, filled with outstanding architectural specimens, great music, wonderful theater, art and a sense of community that's surprising for such a large place. I loved it there. The people were so warm and friendly - and so down to earth. If it weren't for the brutal winter weather and the lack of mountains, I'd consider moving there someday. As it stands, I'm happy to make a few more visits if I can!
Most special to me about that trip was the chance to extend into a deeper relationship with my friend, Vincent and his wife, Jennifer. I really like both of them very much, and I feel I've moved past an online acquaintance and into a more meaningful friendship with Vincent, and that is more valuable than anything else to me. People matter, and the more people I can love and be loved by, the richer I am. I'm grateful and humbled to have such wonderful people as my friends. They make me smile and I feel hopeful for what else is in store in this life.
If it weren't enough to grow in friendship with Vincent and Jennifer, I also had the lucky chance to meet their friends, the Parkers, who were in Chicago on a pleasure trip from Michigan. They were celebrating the occasion of their son, Mason's, birthday with a complete change of scene. Lisa, Scott and their three kids are a joy to be around. Just lovely people and an inspiring family. They are all so respectful of one another's individual natures, and I can feel the love between them. I understand why Vincent wanted me to meet them, and feel ever so grateful that he suggested that if I came to his play (which was fantastic!), I should come on the weekend the Parkers would be in town. I think Vincent likes to bring people together, and he seems to have a knack for it! I enjoy Lisa's warmth and intelligence, and Scott's gracious, calm (and calming) demeanor. The kids were lovely and obviously well-loved. I want to introduce mine to them, and may have a chance this coming Summer, when the Parkers, Vincent and Jennifer all plan to try to make it here to Portland for a little vacation. There's also a chance I will head to Michigain with my kids and visit them this Summer. We're all scheming! We can't let this wonderful new friendship shrivel from lack of nurturing!
More recently and locally, I've been able to commune with my stepdaughter from my marriage to Ron. Sarah and her Swedish boyfriend, Alex, came to have dinner with Ron (who came over and cooked), the kids and I last night, and I enjoyed their company so well. Sarah has really grown up a lot and is so sweet. Alex is warm and confident, and I feel he is a good person. We played Portland-opoly and I took pictures of our fun time together. It's been awhile since we've been able to enjoy Sarah's company, since she was traveling so much in the last couple of years, and was also just being an independent teenager hanging out with her friends, so it was especially nice to break bread, drink some wine and laugh with family - even extended family and a former husband. I'm grateful that we can be civil and laugh together with our children and be loving to each other in our current lives.
When I look at these photos, I can see how much my children are growing, and it reminds me to enjoy them now, while they still want to spend time with me. I'm so grateful for their love and their health. They are a gift I treasure, especially when I remember to be present to what's important in my life now. I want to go snuggle with each of them right now, but I need to finish up wrapping up their Christmas surprises. I'll close with a few shots of their sweet faces.
So much love in my life!
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