Gift

Each day is a gift, but today is a special gift. Happy Leap Day!

Her Journey

My heart is full with love, and I feel like I'm going to burst at the seams at how proud I am of her.

She has started to search for answers. No longer relying in only God to give her the answers or begging Him to tell her what to do next, she has started to help herself, which I'm sure is what He wanted her to do all along. She's finding her voice and is realizing that she's not a victim. Soon, she'll stop wondering about what she could have done or should have done differently. Truth be told, she did the only thing she knew to do--love deeply and fiercely.

I pray for strength and courage to get her through the trips and stumbles. I pray for love and support to get her through the roadblocks and negative thoughts. I pray for laughter and hugs to encourage her to keep going. But more importantly, I pray in appreciation for her and her journey.

5 Grateful Things

(1) That the weather has made a change. Finally. I took this picture last week when we experienced three storms back-to-back that dumped cold rain and strong winds on us. That has all changed because today it's beautiful!

(2) That I got a late start today and was able to enjoy the morning outdoors instead of sitting in my office and enjoying it through my office window.

(3) That I have my favorite snack--grapes--with me today.

(4) That we're one step closer to buying another house. *fingers crossed*

(5) That not only did I get a late start at work, BUT I'm leaving early. I get to enjoy a fun function with my family. Oh, and I have my camera with me!

Hello Old Friend

I've started to take pictures of the bridge again.

Happy Valentine's Day

Reason 6,368 why I love my husband:
He surprised his 10-year old with an afternoon visit to her school and lunch from her favorite restaurant. Swoon.

Have I already mentioned that when she turned 3, he baked her a cake, frosted it pink, added sprinkles, AND treated her pre-school classmates with an impromptu surprise party? **I realize that moms do this all the time for their kiddies. I applaud whatever parent shows up for their children.**

Downtown Los Angeles

Kindness

If only, . . .

last night,
she said she was tired
she said she was sick and tired of being sick and tired
she said she was having a bad day
she said she hated her job
she said she hated where she lived
she said she hated her commute
she said she was dying inside
she said she was tired of keeping it together
she said she didn't want one more person tell her how good she looked
she said she lost her faith
she said she didn't know what to do next
she said she was tired of being nice
she said she couldn't hear one more person say how good things are
she said she wanted to go away
she said she didn't know how much longer she could hold on
she said she wished she felt better because she really wanted to help
she said she wanted her old life back

finally, she cried. she cried hard.

if only, she knew how much she helped me last night.

Life Lessons

Falling or Flying

The best thing you can do is learn to let go.
It's hard, I know.

But, it's important for you. For me. For her. For him. For us.

At first, you might feel like you're falling.
But, I promise
Soon you'll be flying.