Celebrating LIFE!!!!!

Good Morning Birthday Girl!

   Mommy is celebrating a little differently this year. I know you played a role in getting me to this place - sending signs along the way. I know you understand. I know it is what you want for me too. So Kiddo people can share in the wonderful, joyfilled images of Birthdays past http://luvinty.blogspot.com/2010/02/birthday-at-onetruemediacom_26.html
What I truly hope they see both for me and for themselves is the JOY in the present.

    It is truly in your honor that I acknowledge all the beauty of this day. The JOYS, the LOVE, the LIFE that I celebrate. Over the past 3 years Mommy has not used the camera but I have captured  wonderful images with my phone. I used to think some of the 'magical' references people made about loved ones sending them messages from Heaven were ... well... a bit kooky. Sweet girl, I've gotten your messages. I've shared the beauty of a special flower - the one that hung on from Mother's Day through Thanksgiving. I've thanked you for sending rainbows and for opening my eyes to the power of the Sun and the Moon. I've witnessed the love of friendships, old & new. The people that think of us, that speak of you, that support me - I am so very blessed by it all. A bit overwhelmed at times.

   Kiddo, Mommy is doing okay. Each day is a Birthday  to be celebrated. This is how we lived together and I am so very grateful to be returning to this place of celebration.

Last night your fella and I enjoyed a wonderful performance and sent you wishes.

In his words "HAPPY BIRTHDAY BOO-DEE-FULL!"

Indeed, Happy Birthday Beautiful!

                                                                                                           Love,

                                                                                                                 Mommy

THIS vase...

Two years ago I wrote about 'Waking Up'  http://luvinty.blogspot.com/2010/02/waking-up.html

THIS morning I am awake and 'Waking Up' more and more with the recognition of each precious moment.

That morning had been represented by many things, one of which was THIS vase.

THIS vase contained the flowers I had delivered to Tyra at duPont on what was to be her final Valentine's Day. She hadn't been well enough for me to sneak off to get her something so I had these delivered to our well-appointed room on 3F. That morning - THIS vase was loaded into a wagon by our very kind 3F family for our journey to the PICU. I had wanted to leave our room as it was, with the belief that we would surely be returning. That wagon - THIS vase had come to represent a very painful trip.

I recently began making plans for a volunteer trip to Thailand. My affinity for this country, its people, and its customs has grown over the years. During her sixth grade year, Tyra and her group-mates chose Thailand as the country they would present on in their World History class. They spent the semester doing research and of course Tyra and I included a little shopping trip for accessories...

I pulled this collection out recently and had such great memories of this project. Tyra was in her glory with the amazing girls in her group under the guidance of their wonderful teacher. As part of the assignment the girls reenacted a much loved Thai festival...

They constructed beautiful krathongs and sang a traditional song. Tyra using her Dynavox. I am so fortunate that the Loy Krathong festival will be celebrated during my time in Thailand this fall. I have such Joy in the idea of constructing and floating a krathong with my sweet girl guiding its path.

I also have great JOY in

 THIS vase on THIS morning...