God's Grace

This past weekend, I was starting to feel a little pity party because my actual birthday celebration would be without a few key players. Namely 2 of my best friends and some family. But wait, I must say that I'm very eager by my friends who are making the sacrifices to be there and have a good time, but it just didn't seem like it would be the same, you know.

I threw myself into supreme planning mode refusing to think about what would be missing, focusing solely on what was going to be there and how to make the biggest rockin' time of it! I'm armed with 2 handles of rum: dark and coconut. That should make enough jello shots to last most of the river. I started a list of items to buy. Then, finalized the plans for the trip. Needless to say, I was excited.

And then I got a phone call from my Mom. I talked it over a bit with my father and what do you know, prayers are answered. Mom will be joining me this weekend! Even though Daddy and my sister aren't going to be there, it'll feel good knowing she and Brother will be. Plus my godmother/cousin will be there too, along with her son, priMO! And I can't forget about sweet, sweet darling Danika who is flying in from California to celebrate with us. I felt the love indeed.

I said a prayer to God, giving thanks for his gifts, but asking for one other request that my whole family get together. That night, I spoke with Brother and he let me know he had a meeting in Irving on the 18th and would be coming down on the 17th and could he hang. BUTOFCOURSESILLY! I told him we were going to the ballgame and that I'd buy a ticket for him b/c my friend was already giving me 4 that were accounted for, but I didn't mind getting one for him to be there with us. I happily grinned at the thought. Then today, I talked with my friend letting her know about Brother and she offered me not just one other ticket, but enough for my uncle to bring his son who shares a birthday with me. I must pause here to get a little choked up. (many, many thanks Deidre!)

But you have to understand, summers were spent at ball fields. Some families took vacations to the beach or went camping. We would make our summer sojourn to baseball games. Many birthdays when I was growing up were spent at ballparks with my family in tow. This included this very uncle I speak of and his sons. I don't remember the last time we all went to a game together, but this...well, this is definitely a birthday wish come true! I'll have (almost) all of my family together. [before I knew that I wanted any of this and before we made the original plans to go to the ballgame, I bought a ticket to send Don off on a boys weekend to Detroit to visit our buddy Will] Regardless, this is turning out to be a most amazing birthday month!

Cheers to surprises and God's grace!

June 2:
Indulgence - Homemade Peach Cobbler
Philanthropy - A special happy on its way to my NYC gals
Health - Yoga, 15 minute bike ride, 12 minute run, and lifting