This past winter has been one for the books, and amazingly, I’m not referencing the record-breaking 110 inches of snow that graced my region. This winter’s harshness didn’t come in the form of snow, icy temperatures, or slippery road conditions.
This past winter was a battle of the mind and challenge for the heart. This past winter narrowed my focus solely to what’s important in life, which speaks to why I have been so aloof the past few months on this beloved little blog.
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Shortly before winter started, my mom started experiencing medical issues. By the time winter knocked at our door, she was knee-deep in multiple intensive surgeries while the rest of us pushed through hours of frustrations, tears over what could be lost, and hope for what may come.
As I tiptoed through these days, praying for the universe to align with all the wants of my heart, I said quiet thanks for small successes. Thank you for letting her feel the sunshine today. Thank you for having her laugh wholeheartedly today.
Days turned to weeks turned to months, and just as March began, I felt as though I was waking up from a cold, hard winter that left fog in my eyes and a rumbling in my heart. The dark skies were beginning to clear and the hope of a fresh start felt within reach.
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But just as the fog and rumbling began to clear, another strike came down with news of my grandfather passing away. A man of little words and big love; my grandfather was crucial in forming who I am today with the values I hold dear.
With blurry eyes and aching hearts, we laid my grandfather to rest and said thanks to a man who showed us all what life is really about: love, family, gratitude, and small moments that matter big.
My heart may still be heavy from the wicked ways of this winter, but my eyes are locked on the future. I’ll take the reminders to appreciate life and tuck them safely in my front pocket (a place where they can be felt with the heart and sit as a constant reminder to find gratitude).
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I’m entering this spring with hope for new growth…
To believe more wholeheartedly that light and love will always outweigh darkness and fear. To trust more wholeheartedly that patience and faith can conquer anything. To know more wholeheartedly that gratitude allows us to see good even in the bad.
And to accept more wholeheartedly that this life is waiting for us all to love it, good and bad, down to the very last drop.
