Love and Gratitude

I wanted to go to The Nutcracker this year and decided I'm the only one stopping me. I could buy tickets and go. For me, I've worried about the price of tickets and whatnot. Old habits die hard and it is good to watch your budget. The money we earn is something to be grateful for. It's a gift. I'm not alone in my life, God gives me opportunities and choices.

So...I called Marin and asked if she wanted to go. Next I called Shali, who is Roy's daughter-in-law and asked if her and our Princess Ella would enjoy going. Ella is the youngest of 4 children. She has 3 big brothers, so Marin and her have something in common. They are also both very beautiful girls with long blond hair. (Roy's other grandchildren live in Alaska. However, that's for another blog.)

Going through my closet and trying on one thing after another with different combinations, I worried about what to wear. Since leaving Dillard's I haven't had to dress up for work as much, so my skirts, dresses, things like that are few and far between. I thought if I could find me a pair of black jeans, that would be great. After time wasted searching, I wore the same jeans I wear for other things and a nice shirt. It didn't matter. Sometimes is just matters that you show up with a smile and on time.

We had a wonderful time at the Egyptian Theater; a smaller setting and quite enjoyable. The Imagine Ballet company a local group put on this production. After, we attended a tea party backstage which included photos.

Sharing this moment with these people I love, filled my heart. Ella was in a perfect spot to see it as a fairy story. She giggled, her eyes wide, and put her hands together when Mama Ginger came out and all the little girls ran from under her skirt.

Roy thanked me for taking Ella and Shali, but thanks wasn't needed because I felt gratitude for the opportunity and the unconditional love Ella gives.

Roy and I didn't get the chance to be parents together, but through all of the 8 children between us, we can be friends with the kids, and grandparents. It's wonderful to see Roy in all of his children and grandchildren. I loved the kids before I met them because of stories Roy told me and also because of the man Roy is.

I remember as my kids grew and brought more friends into their lives, and mine also, my heart grew. The more I have to love, the more love I have. It's a feeling of joy that I have a hard time describing. Instead, my heart fills up and flows right through my eyes.

Ella and Marin's delight were worth the price of the tickets I'd normally worry about. I'm grateful I was able to do it because there were times I couldn't. Those times I'd find other delights for the kids and was truly grateful for those.

In this picture of Ella and Marin, I captured a moment when everything was wonderful. And it's those moments we are grateful for because we've gone through the moments of challenges. (Which of course I am grateful for the challenges. They made me grow.)