So this is me this morning. Certainly not a tragedy! My eyes are smiling. It's been a whirlwind week, and while I must admit to a number of good cries and one hearty meltdown... it has been one amazing week... undergirded by prayers and rich in blessings. Within a few short days, my daughter interviewed and landed her first job since graduating from college. She also found her first apartment. I stand amazed at her "go get 'em" attitude and energy. I'm really proud of her. I'm also tender. If you are a mother, you understand. And as I witnessed the unfolding of this week, I found the need to record it as best I could. So here is a taste...
Here is where we stopped for the official contract to be signed, fingerprints to be taken, papertrail to begin!
Chloe came along on this trip, and we found this delightful spot outside the school board office to wait for Hannah. It was a gorgeous day, and as we sat together under the trees, our silence seemed full of thoughts.
"I thank you, God, for this most amazing day today. For the leaping greenly spirit of trees and the blue, true dream of the sky. And for everything which is infinite, which is natural, which is yes." (e e cummings)
Check! My daughter found a job in the valley that she loves. This check feels like a big, fat celebration!
Stopped here for Hannah to get her TB test. Not her favorite stop of the day. I'm praying it's the only time she visits this place!
Lunch break... we were both starving. Ever since Hannah was a little girl, she has loved Chick-fil-A. Just seemed right we shared lunch here. Funny how memories flood in over a chicken sandwich!
Soon after the apartment was secured, we made time for friends, old ones from camp and college and...
new ones! We also made time for cooling off with an old favorite at a new shop...
We filled the day with all that needed to be done and balanced it with good friends, good memories, and bright hopes for all that is ahead.
Soon, it was time to go home and pack for moving day...
So, yesterday was moving day. Up by 5:30, two cars loaded and a truck on the way... we were ready to make it all happen!
Our arrival in Harrisonburg was positive and happy. Even though we came through a downpour of rain... nothing in the truck got wet. Yippee!!
This was this first wild and crazy neighbor we met. He was one happy, energized pup... a great welcoming committee all by himself!!
We all had job assignments. Grandma cleaned Hannah's kitchen. Doesn't it look all shiny and bright? The spice rack full of spices was a birthday gift from Grandma. As far as cooking goes, it seems my Mother's gifts skipped a generation, and went straight to Hannah! I am convinced that lots of great food will be made in this kitchen!
Here's our God-send of a friend, Barb, who showed up like a little miracle! She and Hannah's PaPa got her bedroom refreshed with a new coat of paint. Isn't it pretty? It's called minature violet. (Another sentiment... I had a lavender room when I was young!)
This was one of Hannah's projects. She cleaned the powder room in such a way it would make any Mama proud!
In case you're wondering what my job was for the day (besides playing photographer!), I spent the majority of my time going in and out of Hannah's front door. I was on toting detail... from the truck or cars up the stairs to the new home... boxes I carried! Note: The apartment is properly labeled for the arrival of my daughter!
And here we are at the end of the day... a happy crew... sweaty, tired, and happy. What a family. What a blessing to share this together.
I took this photo a few weeks ago while Hannah was here at home. And this is Sleepy Bear... Hannah's own version of the Velveteen Rabbit. Seeing this image made me realize that we've all grown up together, and that we're still growing and learning. We're still loving as well. It's always about the love. Don't let anyone ever tell you otherwise. Everything, everyday... it's about the love.
And so, my daughter is in her new home, and I am here in our home. There are lots of thoughts and feelings, but mostly I am thankful. She is where she wants to be, spreading her wings and learning to fly. And I am here picking wildflowers trusting that I, too, am finding my way. I think this is what prayer looks like... every moment, each picture we take in our hearts and minds imparting blessings and hope... this is prayer and it sustains. Doors swing wide. Tears annoint the threshold, and then there is laughter... and life goes on. Blessed be!
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