Dear "Former" Mother-in-Law...

Dear Former Mother-in-Law,
It is with bittersweetness that I write you this letter. You were in my life for more than twenty years. I knew you before I knew your son. Things were never perfect but what family situation is, but I always felt you were my cheerleader in my life. You were what my mother was unable to be for me, and I thank you for that. You enjoyed the grandchildren and family time, you rose to the occasion even when you didn't always feel good. We have been through a lot together and it is the good that I hold dear.
Things did not work out as I had hoped and I know it was not the outcome you had anticipated either, but always know ( and I know you do, deep in your soul,) even though we do not speak to one another anymore, that you are loved and hold a special place in my heart and the heart of your grandchildren.

Loving Always,
Nancy

Learning...

This is the beginning of the cooperative art journal I mentioned in an earlier post this month and I'm learning through my art that it is a lot about the unknown. The cover of the journal is not at all as I had invisioned when I had the idea of what I wanted the cover to be. But much like life, there is no "do over" and I can only make beautiful from what I already have. I don't know what the end result will be for my journal anymore then I know the end results for my life. But I can learn to trust the process and "know" no matter what it will be just what it is suppose to be. And yes... it may not be perfect but neither am I, but it is a special process because it is shared with a good friend and what couldn't be beautiful about that.

Impacted...

"One person that has impacted my life greatly and how."

When I've had this question asked before part of me wishes I had that "one" awesome person who had such an impact on my life, but as I come upon this question again, I found myself thinking, "who is it, there has got to be someone. I would sound better if I had this one special someone, and I would have this feeling of feeling SO grateful and wiser for having known them." But I can't! Each person that has ever touched my life for however brief or long has impacted me in some way. And when I'm looking at life through a lens of gratitude, I am thankful for each and everyone, for they have all left their imprint and impact on my life.

This is a cooperative blog post a friend and I are participating in together - here is her post...

http://gentlegull.blogspot.com/

Occasions...

I realized today after my birthday passed yesterday that years ago I needed occasions to be kind to myself. And this year on my birthday I had to work, but that was okay because I didn't need that special occasion to find a reason to do nice things for myself. I am learning in each passing moment to love and do sweet things for myself ~ just because!

A Gift of time...

A dear friend and I had lunch today, and we chatted the afternoon away. When I left my heart felt so full. She didn't want to give me anything, do anything for me, want something from me, she just was there in those present moments offering her friendship and her "gift of time". Time can seem so scares but when someone offers such a gift it's hard not to feel cherished, valued and loved! Thank you dear friend for all those shared present moments today... it will hold a special place in my heart ~ right where you already are.

A day...

Today my daughter had a tough day of great anxiety, so we just hung out together running errands and taking extra special care of her gentle soul. She seems to be feeling better this evening and it's in tending to one's soul, when needed, that we can move forward and allow the present moment to flow.

Shirt Tag...

Apparently my shirt tag was hanging out today at the store and a kind lady walked up to me and tucked it in. I just found that very personable and special. She didn't think, oh maybe I should just tell her or say it to me before she tucked it in. NO- she just came over and tucked it in. I told her how much I appreciated that and said thank you. Then we both went about our day...

Just goes to show you, you never know when a small act of kindness will brighten someone's day!

A Mother...

~ Happy Mothers Day ~ 

I love Mothers Day not for the breakfast in bed, not for the thoughtful gift, but that it's a day that celebrates the best job in the world! Growing up, there is nothing I wanted to do or be then a mother. The choices I made throughout my life didn't always work out like I'd planned and my vision of what kind of mother I wanted to be had to be altered, but I was still the best mother I could and that is good enough.  I love offering those in need of a little "extra mothering" that special touch that only a mother can give. And it doesn't matter who they are, we all want our moms and to be loved ~ there is enough LOVE for everyone.

A Song...

My oldest son is getting married this October and he called me the other day and wanted me to pick a song for the mother~son dance. My first thought was the song "I Hope You Dance", which always brings me to tears. But with a little time to reflect I feel a bit overwhelming and honored all wrapped into one. Overwhelmed to find a song that will incapsulate all that a mother could feel for her son and honored that we have a relationship that offers the opportunity to to even have a beautiful mother~son dance. And as the months drift by I will enjoy the process to find "just the right song" that will hopefully bring joy and happiness to his special day and our special dance. 

Love to you my dearest son ~ Matthew