Birthday
Another birthday! I have already enjoyed a massive breakfast in bed and texts from my parents. I'm looking forward to today. It's Saturday; it's supposed to be beautiful fall weather; and I don't have any client photo work hanging over my head. A day full of my favorite things and lots of gentle, loving attention!
It has been an interesting year. It would've been impossible to predict the ways our lives would change. I certainly wouldn't have guessed in a million years that we'd be hit by a pandemic which would upend our lives so thoroughly. And we are still the lucky ones who are only inconvenienced, not ravaged, by COVID19.
Between the isolation at home for so long and the never-ending outrage and fear and bad news, my own personal health has taken a toll. Apparently I had enough chronic stress over the spring and summer to develop heart palpitations, acid reflux, and an eerie rawness in my lungs. The kids and I had also reached a pretty hard place emotionally in August before school and photography resumed. We were really struggling.
But despite all of that, my life feels good today. My family is full of love; we are working through life as a team; we are healthy. I am thankful to have reached another birthday and for the threads of love and connection that have woven through the harder parts of this year. I am thankful that the kids have been able to return to school. I am thankful for wonderful photography jobs that have given me a refreshed sense of purpose. I am thankful that our parents have remained safe so far and for the wonderful, though less frequent, visits we've had together. I'm thankful for Jeff and all the ways he's been strong for us.
I hear Heidi's tiny toddler voice in the next room. Tiny but mighty! I am so thankful for her radiant smile and the joy she brings us as she explores her world and expresses her personality.
I'm thankful for the beautiful crop of zinnias we got this year, as well as all the other garden goodies we've enjoyed.
We have a good life. It doesn't get better than this!
Melinda