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Friday, October 9, 2015

Gratitude

It has been a long couple of weeks.

At the beginning of September, my Abuelita passed away. She had a long life. She had a big beautiful family. Her funeral and the few days I spent in Florida with my extended family were wonderful. Yes. Wonderful. I felt such peace. I felt so much love. It is hard to put into words. So much grace. 

But in the midst of it, there was unexpected grief. As I arrived in Florida I received the tragic news that an old friend from elementary school passed away suddenly. I had known him and his family since the fourth grade. His mother threw me a baby shower when I was expecting my first child. It hurt. It took my breath away if I think about it. As I saw all the old crew from school, I was so sad. Grown men yes, but I think I still saw boys. Boys who had just lost their best friend. It was difficult.

But we picked our heads up, got into the routine. School, jobs, soccer.

On Saturday, my world shattered again. Our friend Richard, who had coached Carmen for two years, currently coached Kay, passed away. Suddenly. Carmen helped him coach Kay's team. His daughter has played with Carmen for two years, and just this summer had moved with her to a new team. Richard and Penny were like family. The old team we had come from was very close. It was so good to have their familiar, warm presence with us at the new team. And he's gone. I still can't wrap my mind around it. I'm heartbroken.

Last night, we got the girls from Kay's team together, to hang out, share happy memories. To grieve. It was perfect.

Less than two years ago Carmen lost another mentor and support. I have been saying since that day that the worst day of my life was having to tell her he had died. Until this week. When I had to do it again, except with two daughters.

Today was "Club Day" in our parish homeschool group. I missed the meeting last month because I was at a funeral. And early this week, I wasn't sure if I would make it this month because of another funeral. God is good. The timing was what it needed to be. I spent my morning with 3 and 4 year olds. We learned about the Holy Trinity and the Sign of the Cross. The play dough I made was way too sticky. We didn't even get to everything I had planned. And...it was perfect. Those dear little ones had me at hello. What a beautiful group of children. I am so blessed. 

And then there was the weekly grocery store run, and getting home and putting it all away, and driving a big kid to an overnight job. And tomorrow I have to drive a kid to driver's ed class. And there is a soccer tournament. And the other daughter will be in Virginia Beach with Dave at her soccer tournament.

This evening, I am tired. My feet hurt a little bit. I'm pretty sure I forgot to eat lunch.

I am profoundly grateful. Thanks be to God!