Friday, May 13, 2011

0: Grateful

Well friends, it's officially over.

Finished. Finito. Terminou. Finis.

In the bag. Put to bed. All wrapped up.

My sweet (sick, exhausted, and braindead) husband completed his last final exam yesterday. And I tell you what—the minute he walked in the door that evening everything felt different. For me, it feels like a huge weight has been lifted off my chest. I can breath easier. The kids were high-fiving Daddy and squealing with delight. The adults stayed-up way too late clinking glasses with friends after dinner. Cheers to this. Cheers to that. Every other statement was an occasion to toast.

Early this morning, for the first time in years, I got back under the covers after breakfast. I curled up in the warmth of the comforter to bask in the glorious sensation running through my body. The sensation of complete relief is not one I get to experience very often. So I thought I'd take my time with it and not busy it away. And in that moment, I realized the overall theme running through my mind was one of gratitude.

Grateful for the opportunity to grow as a wife and mother. Grateful for the opportunity to support my husband in his ambitions and dreams. Grateful for all the people who have surrounded us and lifted us up over the past four years.

I Am Grateful ~

To the girlfriends who consistently received my late night—I've got two hours worth of kitchen to clean here, want to chat?—phone calls. I couldn't have done it without you.

To all the babysitting co-op mothers who traded childcare with me so I could attend a meeting, appointment or simply take a breath. I couldn't have done it without you.

To my mother who would fly out to stay with us periodically during final exams and business trips. We couldn't have done it without you.

To my girlfriends who graciously lent a listening ear to my endless bouts of griping. I couldn't have done it without you.

To the men who carried my hubby through the dizzying maze of balancing family life with work and school. He couldn't have done it without you.

To my oldest friend who never ceases to flow with timely wisdom and healthy perspective. I couldn't have done it without you.

To my dancing girls who helped me harness the vitality and energy to keep pressing through all the hard work and mundane times. I couldn't have done it without you.

To my doula angels who never hesitated to answer my crazy calls for help be it day or night. I couldn't have done it without you.

To my mother-in-law who taught me the power of YES. I couldn't have done it without you.

To the country music radio station that was a constant reminder to be present in each moment because it all goes by too fast. I couldn't have done it without you.

To my three precious children who gracefully endured my "mean mommy voice" enough to last ten lifetimes.

And to my dear husband who—despite how exhausted and overworked he was–always found space to support me and the children in our ambitions and dreams.

A toast—to ambitions and dreams fulfilled—now and in the future.

Love to you all,
Judith

--------------------------------------------------

Now let's celebrate!!!

Kool & The Gang - Celebration

1 comment:

  1. So so happy for you guys, Judith! I can't imagine the relief! Cheers to new found lightness and rooooom in the family schedule!

    ReplyDelete

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...