be in the moment

We had all been through so much this past year.  Life as we knew it had changed forever.  Relationships altered, holes left in our hearts, everything different.  Nothing ever to be the same again.  

Moments slipping through our fingers as we try to gain our footing in this new way of living

Yet here we were, gathered with family along the oceans edge.  Life slowed down even if just for a moment.   Deeply submerged into where we were and who we were with we savored the laughter, let go, and really enjoyed each others company.  It was divine to hear my Father's laughter.  To see him smiling and having such a good time.  He stepped deep into the moment and savored it all.  

Memories forever etched in my heart.  This wasn't just about getting away for a few days.  No, it was so much more than that.  It was a breath of fresh air, a reminder to keep moving forward, an infusion of love from family.  It was arms wide open, warm sunshine, and a deep breathe in.  

I felt the weight of the world lifted from my shoulders as we settled into an easy routine of doing whatever moved us. Walking through the ocean, gazing up at the stars, dancing in the kitchen.  It wasn't fancy.  There was no fan fare.  It was life, beautiful loving life.  Where we were surrounded by family and enjoying being where we were in that exact moment.  

I am so grateful for this time away.  For the moment to let go of the worries and feel the hope that is in front of us.  My mom may not be walking the journey with us, but she is there.  She is always, always there.  And she would want us to keep stepping forward.  She would smile to see us enjoying the moment and soaking in the warm sunshine.  The beach was her happy place. When I am near the ocean I feel close to her.  Being right next to the ocean for a few days I felt my mom strongly in my heart.  I felt her smile as we ventured off on the paddle boards and I felt her sitting with us as we gazed up at the stars.  

She is looking down on all of us.  So proud of the way we have come together.  It makes my  heart smile and brings me hope for what the future holds.  I am so grateful for it all.  For family, love, and being deep in the moment.

Gathering brings us together.  Feeling the love of family infuses me with hope.  Being in the moment reminded me of how incredible life is.  Even amongst the heartache, the struggle, and the tears there is so much goodness.  I am so lucky to have the incredible family I have.  So grateful for trips taken and moments of being able to be together in the moment, yes present in the moment.   

what she taught me

She loved sunflowers, corny jokes, and being with her family.  She didn't ask for extravagant vacations, a stunning home or a glamorous life.  She just wanted to spend time around the ones she loved.  She would drop anything and everything to see her grandkids and her face would light up whenever she was with them.  

She instilled in all of us a love for the holidays.  And she instilled in me a love for crafting.  She taught us to be kind to others, to show respect.  She led by example, always showing up when we needed her.  

She was strong.  She believed in us.  She told us how much she loved us.  And would always cook our favorite meal for our birthdays.  Her gifts were thoughtful.  Her heart was expansive.  She cared deeply and wanted to see us all do well.  

My favorite memories are those where we were laughing over the silliest of things.  This usually occurred when we were crafting together.  We did this often, and those memories are tucked deep into my heart.  

Not a day goes by when I do not think of her.  Her, who taught me to spread my wings and fly. Her who loved sunflowers and sunshine.  Her who always had music playing in the house.  Her who is with me every single day.  I carry her around now, showing her the world from my eyes.