Blue Stars - My Baby Girl - Friends (18th-21st)

Saturday August 18^th…..

Today, I’m reminded of how profoundly blessed I am to be a part of Blue Star Mothers of America.  Not only is the Atlanta Chapter full of phenomenal, caring women – but we are all united by a common bond. The bond we share is one that few “outsiders “ would understand – that of being a military mom.  All branches of service are represented. Most of us have known the agony of deployments; the frustration of mailing care packages overseas; and the anxiety induced images that sometimes plague our slumber.  We know firsthand the heightened attentiveness to news reports of roadside bombings, helicopter crashes, and wounded or lost local heroes. We understand how satellite phone calls at 3am can be the highlight of any given week. We know the incredible pride we have for our children’s sacrificial decision to join and we know the incredible concern we have upon news of deployments. 

Out of a group of 30, 7 of us lunched together today!

Lifelong friendships are often born in the midst of shared experience.  The support, encouragement, service to others, and camaraderie is an amazing gift.  Our monthly meeting was this morning, followed by lunch at a local restaurant.  Seven of us were able to attend – and it was a great time of getting to know each other even a little better.  It’s such a privilige to expand on our commonalities while learning more about our families, outlooks and interests.   

I’m so honored to be a part of this group that cares for each other individually, while also proactively supporting America’s military troops, our vets, and their families.

Sunday August 19^th…..

Migraines aren’t exactly cause for gratitude….however, since most of my day was spent lying down.  I’m grateful it occurred on a Sunday and not a day that was full of activity.  WGH took great care of me, making dinner and cleaning the kitchen afterward.  Given the pain in my head and the drowsiness from the meds, this is all I've got for today. 

If my profound gratitude for my comfy bed has yet to be expressed, let it be known now!  

 "Early to bed" for this  still grateful girl!

Monday August 20^th…..

Another Monday/Tuesday off this week – I’m grateful for the time to devote to errands, household projects and yes, sleeping late!  Last night’s pain meds caused me to sleep soundly through the night which is a huge blessing!

Today included a Bridal Shower Planning Session over lunch with my sister-in-law.  If not for being off today, we wouldn’t have been able to get together.  First on my list:  purchase, create and mail the invitations. 

Yes, again - I’m grateful for these August “free days”!  

Tuesday August 21^st……

Thinking about the many ways I’ve been blessed over the past 21 days – reminds me I should never have room to complain, not even for a millisecond!  My cup truly does runneth over.  This monthlong “gratitude exercise” in 2012 (not unlike 2011) is a great way to remain focused on things above ;  silver linings and just a ridiculously fabulous life!    Is everything perfect?  Absolutely not.  However, there are blessings every day, of all sizes, shapes, and modes – we just have to have our eyes wide open in order to see them.  God IS so good!
 

A moment of silliness before leaving...

This morning commenced my baby girl's Junior Year in College.  I was up early to make her breakfast and to snap the annual "first day photos".  It's surreal that my little angel is so grown up.  The fact that God chose me to be her mom has been a wildly phenomenal blessing that I'm reminded of each and every day.  It's hard to let discouragement invade my spirit when I see her still innocent, baby-blue eyes and her tender spirit shining through a beautiful exterior.  Superficial disappointments disappear and I'm reminded of the most incredible blessing of motherhood.  Not only motherhood in general - but I've got precious relationships with all three of my "babies."     Having no relationship with my own mother, makes the relationships with all three "now adult" children even more meaningful, and never to be taken for granted.

This day brought the possibility of an impromptu lunch with a lifelong friend.  Tonight, a simple but enjoyable  taco salad with the family satisfied a longstanding Mexican craving. It's been a delightful day of simple things....of simple things often overlooked, but those that bring true joy and pleasure to life!

This, my last day of being 43, brought the above reasons and many more – for sincere thanks.