Encouraged

This Winter was long and dark, and I often felt like I lived in a tiny cave with a rabid bear who wouldn't hibernate. But after these two weeks in California I will be returning home on Saturday a healthier, happier, encouraged person.

Arriving in California really felt like coming home, and waking up to the birds chirping outside my window every morning felt like waking up in a dream. I have been relaxed in a great big bed with a fluffy blanket and cozy dachshund. I have been loved by family that takes joy in my son's conversation, and joy in breaking bordeaux bars together. I have been generously complimented on my figure by my Plain 'Ol Grammy (and how far a word like that can go towards enjoying just one more bordeaux bar, and extending forgiveness to myself for that extra helping of chardonnay chicken). I may be going back a few pounds heavier, but according to Grammy I could stand some fattening up. I have not planned a single dinner while I was here, but got to participate in the cooking and cleaning in ways that weren't tedious or nerve-wracking since there was always an extra pair of eyes to watch Luke. I was able to sit in the sun, listen to my son laugh while Grandma chased him around the kitchen, cuddle with my dog, plant tomatoes in the garden, read a magazine, take a nap on the couch, eat Thai food, and rediscover that I enjoy taking pictures - just for fun. But the best part of being home has been seeing my son being loved so intensely by people who rarely see him, and being told what a great job Derek and I have done parenting Luke.

We have encouraging, supportive family living nearby in Winkler, but hearing my own mom, dad, grandparents, aunts and uncles, tell me that they think my son is great and it is largely due to my hard work as a parent is a wonderful reward. These people who put a lot of effort and time and money and prayer into my own development think that I've gone and done something real good. This astounds and encourages me. I feel proud of my son, and pleased with the decisions Derek and I have made to get our family to this place. Yes, I feel honored, proud and pleased.

And when I hear the reports that all the snow has melted off the yard of 13 Roadrunner Bay, I am immensely encouraged.