EARNING his Black Belt

Matthew is now a Black Belt...Seeing him tie that crisp new belt around his waist for the first time at the end of his exam was one of those moments I will have etched in my mind forever. A flood of images and emotions washed over me as I saw him remove his half brown/half black belt and replace it with his new black one....I remembered his very first lesson when he was only four, his excitement, his innocence and over the years some difficult times he had feeling apprehensive, nervous and discouraged. Physically, what he learned did not come easily or naturally, and every belt he earned was the result of diligent practice and never giving up. Sometimes I felt as though he was going to classes for me and that he just didn't want to complain...but I saw him evolve into really wanting to do it for himself, and truly enjoying each accomplishment with pride...His gentle spirit has always been apparent---quietly observing, taking things in around him, listening, learning and assimiliating with humility and grace. I am so proud of what he has accomplished physically, but I cannot express adequately in words the amount of pride I feel for the person that he is and for the "inner" black belt he has become.

A rare day...

I spent most of yesterday just "in the moment" and not trying to get anywhere by a certain time or with a laid out plan...It was wonderful. There are so few days that I have like this, that when I do, I feel so incredibly peaceful and relaxed. I got to hang out with my soul-sista, we had tea, snacked, contemplated our lives, laughed about absurd things, teased our kids, watched the dog sleep, cleaned out her fish tank (well ok...she cleaned---I napped), and then we let the kids have disgusting greasy food at Burger King and play at the playground...

In my younger days, a day like that would have sounded like a coma-inducing experience. But now, I can't wait for these days..

My Dear Friend...

Once in a great while, you meet someone and you feel as if you have known them your whole life. They are just so easy to be around, you want to bear your soul to them, and for some reason they just see the good in you...

This special soul was meant to be my friend. She touched my life and that of my family's within just a few moments. She loved, appreciated, and found the humor in my little Missy, when she can often be so misunderstood...Her family became part of ours immediately, and the bond I feel for them is difficult to explain given the short time I have known them...

There was a time when I felt a little isolated by judgement from many important people in my life...I experienced uncomfortable periods of silence, comments of confusion, and down right anger from some---as if I was the sole decision-maker and cause of my "circumstances".... But this wonderful sister of mine lifted me, supported me, comforted me, and defended me when others questioned and made assumptions.

The gratitude and overwhelming blessing I feel because of this woman is beyond words. And I hope that now...ESPECIALLY now...she can feel the love and support I want to give to her.

Sending you my deepest heartfelt prayers, friend...