It's been a little over 3 years now that you have gone Home, but I still think of you often, especially as our girls hit milestones, and drop truth nuggets for me to fetch, and learn from.
Mom, did you know that Abby continues to astonish and humble me with her old soul wisdom? We were walking on the beach a few weeks ago, when she and I noticed a group of folks fully dressed, playing in the sand and surf. The men donned dark denim jeans and long sleeved shirts, while the women made sand castles in long skirts and bonnets covering their hair. This group of folks were having an absolute blast, squeals of joy could be heard from far away, and the only difference between them and us was this: we had on bathing suits, and they were wearing clothes and bonnets.
Abby inquired, "Mom, do you think it would be okay if I asked about their faith and culture?" I said, "Yes, honey. They would probably love talking with you." (they might try to convert you, but it's all good :)
Abby has this beautiful transparency about her, curious to know what these folks were about, without judgment. And then she dropped this truth bomb: "You know what I think, Mom? That the true key to loving others, is seeking to understand them."
Mom, do you see how Bella is stepping into her own path, knowing intuitively she wants to attend a Jesuit college because she is seeking a faith community that will support her? (Tom and I will have to rob a bank, or live in a trailer down by the river, or both). Did you see her sing with the choir at Mass on Sunday for the first time? Do you see how she throws her head back, and smiles from cheek to cheek, while giggles escape her mouth when she's laughing?
Mom, do you see Emma full of FIRE and a burning desire to DO THE RIGHT THING? Do you see her standing her space, with her 100 lb self, but emanating the size of an elephant? Do you see her Mom? Strong, and steady, honest and full of spark? Do you see her wanting to play Lacrosse, and do Speech and Debate, but also try Journalism? Do you see her organizing and rallying the twins to take a sister "Pilgrimage" to Nicaragua next summer with the church? She's already saving money for the trip.
Do you see Cosette, with her quick wit and funny expressions, always trying to make us laugh? Do you see how she's starting to fill out and become a young lady? The rolling fog of childhood has begun to burn off, and just whispers remain now. But do you see how she's still quick to hug
And do you see Charlotte with her red hair, streaked with blond, from all the swimming this summer? It hasn't turned green like mine use to, Mom. Thank goodness. She reminds me of you sometimes, Mama. I wish she would sit still long enough for me to count her freckles that sprinkle across her nose, and splash onto her cheeks. But alas, she's onto the next thing... Barbies, Lego's, snuggling with Bo, driving Cosette bonkers.
And do you see how when she's feeling a bit tired, she hunkers down, finds a quiet spot on the couch, or out back in the shade, and she reads her chapter book?
I wish I could speak to you about all of this.
More times than I care to admit, I am overcome with emotion, and tears of immense gratitude well up from inside of me, and find the pathway down my face, because I feel so incredibly blessed. I stand back, and cannot believe how lucky I am to help mold these daughters.
And I wait with excited anticipation to watch how they will leave their mark in the world. I just wish I could talk to you, Mama.
And you could tell me what you think about all of this crazy, loud, lovely, and beautiful chaos.
