Last week was a tough one in our community. So it's been important for me to find my JOY in the last few days. I need the reminder that life is good.
1. Amidst the tears, there was laughter. Nothing made me feel better than hearing a group of students laughing and crying while sharing memories of friend. I know they were devastated, but it was good to hear them laugh. There was also laughter after school with the little giggles of a colleagues young sons, untouched by the tragedy in the high school. Happy giggles rang out from her room one afternoon after school and it just made me smile.
2. I love my husband for many reasons, but last week it was for his understanding and compassion. From the time the phone call came on Sunday afternoon, he made sure I was OK, whether it was a hug, a shared tear or taking me out to dinner one night, he made sure I was handling the situation.
3. Personal Day. I had requested the day off a couple of weeks ago so that we could open the cabin. I was beginning to wonder if it was worth taking it off. Our cabin is three hours away in they have had A LOT of snow in APRIL. Including last Monday. But the week warmed up and off we went. It was a gorgeous weekend. That itself was worthy of JOY.
4. Once we unloaded the car, I actually took off and went to the local high school. My school and the one in the town where our cabin is at are working on some collaborative projects (and believe it or not, I didn't have anything to do with it). I emailed the teacher I am working with and asked if I could visit her classroom for the afternoon (thanks again Christy for getting me thinking about this.) It was a great afternoon observing someone else and we've made some plans for next school year.
5. Grandkids came to stay Friday night. I received lots of love and hugs from them all weekend. Plus giggles were all around me.
The oldest two decided it must be time to swim, so they of course had to try it. Yes, it was cold, but they are kids after my heart. I did the same thing when I was little. How else do you learn when the lake is too cold?
We did a little golfing, threw a whole lot of rocks in the lake, cuddled, told stories, read books, sang silly songs, visited with friends, played with Chloe and Bella, grilled hot dogs, and fell asleep exhausted each night.
It was a wonderful weekend.
I am glad that you were able to go to the cabin and spend time with your family. Loved the picture of your grandchildren. I hope you are healing from the news from the phone call. Jackie http://familytrove.blogspot.com/
ReplyDeleteI am glad that you found your joy in many forms to remind you that life is good.
ReplyDeleteAhhhh - life is good! So glad you were able to find joy this week after a tough week. Thanks for the reminder to ALWAYS look for the JOY!
ReplyDeleteEven amid all of the difficulties, there is Joy. We just need to look for it. I'm glad that you were able to find it at the cabin, in the classroom and with family, students, teachers and of course, Chloe.
ReplyDeleteSometimes it takes a little time away to capture the joy with your family. Even though hearts are heavy, life continues and there is much to celebrate in this life.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you had some joyful times with family and time of refreshment for you. Thanks for sharing the pictures of your grandkids! Wonderful!
ReplyDeleteSo happy for you that you found the joy this past weekend, Deb. I've been wondering about the cabin-& there you were, hugging and laughing with the grandkids! A special post to savor! That final photo is gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteYou experienced joy and you are giving joy in this post! I have no doubt you got a lot more than joy out of these moments. I am especially interested in the visit with your collaborative partner. I am so happy you seized that opportunity.
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