Friday night I sat in our basement cutting out cardstock balloons, thirteen of them, because I couldn't go to the store to buy any. Too risky.
I wrapped thirteen gifts, some were candy, hair ties, some were special things she had been wishing for.
I stacked them all up on the couch for her the morning of her birthday while she got dressed and ready for video calls, presents, and photos.
She was so happy. I sometimes wish I could capture joy and save it in a reserve somewhere for those moments when joy is needed. But instead, I have to find joy in memories, in future joys to come, and in the hope that there will always be joy.
May these pictures of a happy thirteen-year-old bring you some joy.
Last night, Marc and I watched the season finale of “This Is Us.” Not sure if you watch it. But the doctor who delivered the Pearsons’ triplets talked about how life is full of joy and tragedy. We cannot have one without the other. And when we can embrace the joyful moments, amidst the sorrow, that’s where the magic happens. (I’m paraphrasing.)
ReplyDeleteAll that being said. This is a terrible moment in our lives, but you captured Janie’s joy and that is EVERYTHING right now.
Happy 13th birthday to your sweet Jane.
So sweet... and you most deifnitely captured the joy in your daughter's face. My favorite line in your piece is "I sometimes wish I could capture joy and save it in a reserve somewhere for those moments when joy is needed." What a powerful line for all of us to hold on to.
ReplyDeleteOh, this is wonderful. Every picture made me smile. Thank you so much for sharing the joy. It is so important to cultivate and when we see joy, hold on.
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