How are you, my friend? It’s the end of the week and I am thinking of you.
I wanted to pop by really quickly to share a sweet moment that made me smile. I hope it does that for you, too.
(We need all the smiles we can get! Share ’em when you got ’em!)
***
Meet Nathan and Carol, two of my beautiful neighbors. Carol is Nathan’s mom and the love between them is palpable.
I passed them two days ago on my morning walk. They were sitting in the sun together. When I waved, they both gifted me with their amazing big smiles.
I told them how lovely it was to see them sitting in the sun. Nathan said that the backyard is sloped, which makes it difficult for his mom to walk, so they decided to set up a place to sit in their driveway.
What I love so much about this, is that instead of focusing on the fact that they can’t sit out in the backyard, they just simply came up with another way to be out in the sun together.
I also love that they were so content, simply being together.
I loved their quiet, easy joy.
Nathan told me that his mom has Alzheimer’s, however there wasn’t any hint in his voice of exhaustion or effort. He really seemed truly happy.
***
One of the reasons I was so touched by them was because later that morning I was moving my son back to college. It was heartwarming to see an older son and his mom, still enjoying one another’s company.
My son, Kayne, has been here all summer and every day he lights up my life.
I will miss him so much.
Yes, yes, of course I am happy that he is embarking on his own growth and another year of new experiences. I want him to keep having chances to see how strong, creative, and capable he is.
AND ALSO — my mama’s heart is really sad to lose the everyday connections and dinners and laughter and his French tutoring with me and all the fun new Hebrew music and the way he pretends the cats are talking and the crazy fascinating conversations he starts.
I will miss his unique light and energy.
There is a Kayne-sized hole when he leaves.
Thus, how beautiful to get a glimpse of the kind of connection that is possible between a mom and son, even as all the years go by.
I’m grateful to my beautiful neighbors, who brought me so much joy and hope in their long-lasting love for one another.
May we all be so blessed.
***
These two beautiful neighbors don’t know the impact they had on me. And isn’t this often the case? We don’t know how our smile or energy or simple connection might ripple out for years to come.
Thanks for who you are and for your big heart.
I bet there is someone out in the world writing about how YOU, their stranger, gave them a sense of love and possibility.
Seek celebration — even in the dark corners,
xo Sherry
P.S. Take a moment to pause and consider what celebration is in your life right now. Maybe hold hand-to-heart and feel the joy. Maybe share it with someone.