our little man

11.22.2007

so much to be thankful for...

we had a very nice thanksgiving today at grandpa and gigi's house. we spent a few hours visiting before dinner and the kids played. sophie was a little tired by the time we ate and had to be reminded of her manners a few times, but overall i think both kids did well. the meal was great and it was nice to visit.

it is so easy to take for granted all of the blessings in our lives, but this year i was particularly reminded of just how lucky we are. yesterday i learned of the passing of two friends. one, an old friend from high school, took his own life on monday. although we had been out of touch for years, it is hard to think of a person i considered a friend to have been so hurt and so tortured that he didn't feel his life was worthwhile. its hard to imagine the kind of pain he must have been feeling. its a reminder to be thankful for just how happy i am in my life - no matter what little details may go awry, my life is just as i want it to be and not everyone is so fortunate. another friend, just 36 years old and mother to two beautiful little girls (one the same age as sophie), passed suddenly and unexpectedly in her sleep wednesday morning. we had been friends for nearly four years, part of the same "expecting in january" message board online. our little group became extraordinarily close and formed our own private space online where we have shared not only our journeys through motherhood, but laughs, struggles, accomplishments and support in all area of our lives. these are all true friends. this woman in particular was a wonderful source of support to me, as we shared many of the same philosophies - she was a breastfeeding, baby-wearing, cloth-diapering mama just like me, and it was nice to have someone to chat with about issues that other moms don't always have experience with. she will be sorely missed, and i can't seem to stop thinking about her little three- and four-year-old girls who are going to be growing up without a mother. it tugs at my heart so fiercely when i imagine what they are going through - looking for their mom, not understanding where she is and why she won't be back, and how they will hardly remember her as they grow up.

as i nursed ben to sleep last night and then cuddled with sophie while she slept, all i could do was think about how lucky i was to be with them in those moments. none of us know just how many days we are going to have with those we love, and each and every day is a gift. we need to be reminded sometimes to treasure the everyday moments - that every single hug and giggle is priceless. i mourn the losses that have taken place this week, but i also appreciate the significance of the reminders they have given me. as we all take the time to give thanks today, i hope we can remember the feelings of gratitude and keep them with us everyday.

posted at 8:26 PM by aimee // 0 comments