The past 8 days have been filled with emotion for me. It started last Saturday with my granddaughter’s quinceanera (15th birthday celebration) in Ecuador. She was a princess, and the party was lively and exciting – a recognition that this sweet young lady is growing up before our eyes.
Two days later another granddaughter had her first baby. There were complications that made us fearful, but we welcomed a healthy, precious little girl, and mom and baby are doing well.
Today I attended a funeral. A loved one lost her father, and the service was a testament to the truth that our story isn’t set in stone. As long as we have breath, our lives can change course.
And today also happens to be my daddy’s birthday. He would have been 100. Though he left this earth many years ago, his love is imprinted on the hearts of his children. I am forever grateful I got to be his daughter.
I tend toward the emotional, and this week I’ve felt all the feelings. And I emerge grateful for family, for love, and for a life of possibilities.
She is a vision in lavender
A princess surrounded by her subjects
She speaks words of gratitude
And dances the night away
Our little girl all grown up
She comes to me in pain
As labor sets upon her
Our excitement is tinged with fear
But her healthy baby comes
A miracle in her mother’s loving arms
They take turns in the service
Each speaking of the man they knew
Not all the same but evolving
His life a testament to the truth
That change is always possible
I remember the man
Strong yet gentle, guiding my path
He was the best of fathers
Taken from us far too soon
His presence – however short – a priceless gift
I have seen it all this week
Struggling birth to surrendering death
And celebrations of milestones in between
I am reminded to savor these moments
To hold on a little tighter
And speak more words of love
For as long as I am given breath