On the eve of my 31st birthday. Dinner with family. A glass of wine. A warm spring night. Children sleeping. Time for reflection.
My birthday falls on mother's day this year. I love that. Something about it feels just right. Probably because this past year (more so than any other) has been a time when being a mother has been central to my identity. Mother of two. And all the hectic, busy life that comes along with that. I like how this converging of significant celebrations ties me to my own mother, too. Thirty-one years ago her daughter was born on a day in May, just around the time of mother's day. I like to think that she reflected on the joy of these two events being so close together.
Similar to the start of a new year, what better time to reflect, take inventory, dream, than one's birthday. This happened for me without much prodding or intent this year. I've been thinking about the significance of my choices, actions, where I spend my time. I've been thinking about what it means to leave a legacy. What will I have contributed to my community when all is said and done? What do I want my children to know, to experience while they are young? What important lessons can I teach my children through my actions? I've been thinking about shaking things up (as much as a down-to-earth, linear-thinking, super-planning, routine-loving individual can). Life for us is good right now. But, I feel like there are so many ways for us to grow still. As individuals. As a family. And I'm thinking that choosing to live and act outside of our "comfort zone" might be a good thing. I'm thinking about how to do this in our everyday lives now and as we make decisions about our future. I don't know what all of this means, or whether or not anything obvious or tangible will come from this. We're thinking and talking of the future, while still enjoying the baby squeals and little boy giggles of today. That we're able to do both is a complete luxury for which I am very grateful.
Happy mother's day!
3 comments:
Lovely post... and Happy Birthday and Mother's Day! You are a fantastic mom and friend! :) Hope to see talk with you and see you soon!
Happy Birthday! I can't believe you're 31 already. OMG I remember when your mom brought you to VA to see us all for the first time. (I want you to know I was still a child myself back then, not quite 18) But I've watched as you've grown into a beautiful woman and mother and it's been a pleasure. I hope you had a wonderful day! Love and hugs to you!
Sara, what a lovely response. I, too, remember the visit when I brought Meredith, at the ripe age of 3 weeks, back to Virginia to meet the Shorts. It was a wonderful visit, and you were very young and lovely, and totally in love with Brad, and he with you!
Life goes by way too fast, so we must enjoy each moment and each other. And, yes, I do take total credit for everything wonderful that Meredith has become (big smile!).
Gwen
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