BLESSINGS...

A friend recently shared that she was taking her young boys to the Science Center in Baltimore. Tyra and I had some fun trips there over the years. I'll always remember Uncle Bruce laying down on 'The Bed of Nails' for her twisted pleasure. There was very little (actually I can't think of anything) Uncle Bruce wouldn't do to get a smile from our sweet girl. Aunt Randy was a good sport too and didn't cringe terribly when we repeatedly pressed buttons for body function sounds :-)

My girl and her interest in body functions. She had the best sense of humor. Everyone Poops, The Gas we Pass, and Walter the Farting Dog were frequent reads in our home. Of course there was also the strategically placed Whopee cushion or fake vomit. Our poor nurses we definitely kept them on their toes.

I've been encountering 'new' people lately. People who will never have the Blessing of physically meeting Tyra on this side of Heaven. The telling of her death is usually greeted with sad faces and expressions of sympathy. I appreciate that others are sorry to learn of my loss. Oh, but I BEG that no one feels sorry for me. I in fact think envy would be a more appropriate response. To have had and still carry a LOVE like ours and to have so many other great loves and experiences in my past and present I assure you I have been BLESSED beyond measure.

One of our favorite trips to the MD Science Center was to take in the touring Grossology exhibit. Tyra was in her glory. The picture below is of us posing in the nostrils of an interactive nose. (How fun is that?) Well, the customary response when one sneezes is to say "God Bless You"

My reply...

"Thank-you, He already has"

BOOM!!!

The explosions have woken me up early at the realization that today is...

the first 4th of July I have spent in many, many years (close to 2 decades) without either of my girls. I am the first to point out that I carry them in my heart and that Tyra is surely always with me but at this moment their absence from our home has me a bit shellshocked. Oh, how I miss our family.

"I bet Tyra is asking God how she looks in her outfit"

I know two postings in one week.Wonder is best when shared - so share I will. Today I had an amazing conversation with a friend (client). Our time together was not scheduled and in fact we ended up in each other's company due to an 'error' on the part of his driver. Well, an 'error' unless you acknowledge the role of a higher power.

On to the conversation. We were walking (he was rolling) across campus making small talk when he says "Miss Nicole I really miss Tyra". They grew up around each other. Tyra had a bit of a crush on him which he was aware of. She always had a special smile for him. I acknowledged that I too missed Tyra but that I felt she was still with me and recounted her JOY.

He went on to say "You know I never told you this before but other than my mom Tyra was the person I could always count on to make me smile." "I used to look out for her at camp, even though she didn't talk I knew what she was trying to tell the staff and I would let them know." I thanked him and shared that I always felt that he 'looked out' for her. Then he shared how "heartbroken, and stunned" he was when Tyra died.

"Miss Nicole, when I lay in bed at night I look up to heaven and I know I'll see her again one day" "That will be nice" "I bet she is asking God how she looks in her outfit." I chuckled, what an image my Diva in the mirror of God.

"Miss Nicole I know sometimes I talk in circles" Me - "No you don't you talk from your heart. I wish more people did that." "Well, Miss Nicole, I want you to know that if you ever want to talk about Tyra. You can talk to me. I'll always listen." We reached his destination and shared a wonderful hug.

These are just  few of the highlights of the conversation. I can not put into words the feelings, the energy that was present. This young man, my friend, dependent on others for some of the most basic of needs offered himself so freely and purely to me. I have been tearful (in a great way) ever since.
I pray that I can live in such a way to be worthy of the amazing gifts I continue to receive.