July 31

It's a strange thing to celebrate a birthday for someone who's been gone a long while who you never, ever in your worst nightmare could've imagined would be gone so soon. But that's where we've been for a whole decade now: celebrating Logan's birthday without him. I know some of you can relate.

Although I suppose that summation sounds a bit negative, this day --this 16th birthday of my sweet boy-- was a relatively gentle one, as far as these days go. I got out of bed feeling very off and held back tears during that first hour of wakefulness. And then, after watching church online --because going to the building on these important Logan-days still feels impossibly hard-- it was as if the clouds lifted from my heart and that inclination to wallow in sadness dissolved. 

We went to Outback for lunch and dined on that good brown bread that he so loved. And we were amused, at one point early on, to realize that Lambie's Song --Taylor Swift's "You Belong With Me"-- was playing in the background. From there we skipped over to Target, where, in the parking lot, we were collectively amused to spy a car with the license tag "FLYNM8R", which seemed extra appropriate since a) Logan and b) we were there to buy a car-with-a-face for his grave.

After the graveside visit that followed, we went home and I stole away to the bedroom, where I crocheted a little before falling asleep. And then it before I knew it it was dinner time --lunch leftovers for most of us, since between the bloomin' onion, brown bread, and entrees, there was too much to eat in one sitting-- followed by a showing of "Cars 2", and then chocolate cake for dessert.

I know that God gave us glimpses of him today, in Lambie's song and in the Mater license plate. And I am grateful for those little nods. But I'm also grateful for how I can see him in Abby and Isaac and Brady every day, and I am grateful for the profound effect that his brief life had on mine. I will never be the same, and I am thankful for the ways that God used him to teach me patience and perseverance and love. I am most grateful for what I learned about love and its all-encompassing, all-healing power.

Happy 16th, Logan. I love you.

July 30

Logan's 16th birthday is tomorrow. I haven't spent much time thinking about it because there's just so much going on that I don't have enough brain juice available to process what it means. So there it sits on the horizon, waiting on me to feel the impact of its arrival in just a few hours' time. But I'm getting ahead of myself. That's tomorrow.

Today, for its part, was full. I met with my prayer shawl ladies this morning and mostly just listened as they chatted with one another and responded when they sent a question my way. Then it was on to coffee with Pam from church (hi Pam!), who had an important question for me that I'll be mulling for the next week.

And then this evening, we attended Brady's team party at the (blessedly nearby) home of one of his teammates. I was tired --exhausted, really, over the impending birthday and Abby's departure for college-- when we arrived. But by the time we pointed the car toward home a few hours later, I felt energized by laughter and fun conversation with some of the moms.

So yes, it was a full day. And yes, I don't know how I feel about tomorrow. I don't know if I'll wake up feeling sad or happy or some other emotion that doesn't yet have a name. But I'm grateful for the hours and I'm grateful for the people who come into my life to teach me important lessons and to help me to grow into the woman God designed me to be.

July 29

After the busy-ness of the past week, today was blessedly quiet, as Adam, Abby, and Isaac watched Star Wars and Brady had a playdate at his friend Liam's house while I mostly chilled and indulged the introverted part of my personality.

But my favorite part of the day was a late-morning walk around the neighborhood with this guy. There was nothing unusual about it -- just one of the many, many walks we've enjoyed over the past 25 years. But it was special nonetheless, because it was just us and we had the chance to talk a bit without distraction.

Marriage isn't always easy because it can be challenging to merge views and find common ground at times, but I think it's probably always good. And for that truth and reality, I am grateful.

July 28

Our extended baseball season came to a close this evening in exemplary fashion as Brady and the rest of the Pleasanton 11u All Stars won the b-bracket championship game of the Dana Takiguchi Memorial Tournament in Dublin --over Dublin-- by a final score of 14-2.

It's been an interesting summer for these guys. They struggled early on (hence the b-bracket designation) but gradually gained more and more traction over time. So much so that when this tournament began over the weekend, I felt like they looked like a legitimate all-star team. They certainly played like one.

Tonight they hit, made clean plays in the field, and had fun. More than once as I looked out at Brady at second base (and at center), I could see him smiling at everything and at nothing in particular. And he was so pleased with his medal that he wore it out to dinner after the game, and then came home and added it to his victory stash in ceremonious "mom, come watch" fashion.

So tonight, I feel a profound sense of gratitude to and for Rishu and Randy and Chris, who dedicated so much time to helping these boys improve their skills and encouraged them to work together as a team. And I am grateful for the parents who made the time sitting in the stands more fun. And I am beyond grateful for that smile on my muffin's face, because it is utterly priceless.

July 27

It was another busy day at the Wight house. 

Abby, my mom, and I kicked things off by venturing to the Mother Ship for morning libations (because coffee). After a brief stop back at home, we all loaded into Adam's car to drive mom to the airport (but not before I snapped a farewell pic on our very sloped driveway to completely confuse myself in the future regarding the question of who was taller than whom during this visit).  

The afternoon featured a solo trip to the grocery store and then my usual prayer time in my closet, during which I promptly fell asleep (as usual).

In the evening the boys and I went to Dublin to watch Brady's team play in the semifinals of their current tournament. My muffin had a fantastic game: he had some solid defensive plays, and went 3 for 3 with two legitimate (read: crushed) doubles, a single, and 3 RBI. They wound up winning 7-0, which means they'll play for the championship tomorrow evening. Phew.

So, to sum it up... it was a blessing to have my mom here for two weeks and I hope she enjoyed the time. It was a blessing to see my boy play so well and to see this team gelling together as well as they have in recent days. And it was --and always is-- a blessing to know the comfort of Jesus -- which is so comforting and peace-inducing that it literally lulls me to sleep.

July 26

Although we rarely go into San Francisco, my mom expressed interest in Ghirardelli Square, so we picked up some sandwiches for lunch (humankind can't subsist on ice cream alone, after all) and headed off to the city this morning.

We parked near Crissy Field and walked along the path by the water toward the Golden Gate Bridge. Whipping wind notwithstanding, four of us opted to take off our shoes for a dip in the chilly Pacific (guilty parties pictured to the left) along the way. We'd intended to stop for lunch at some picnic tables near the base of the bridge, but a swarm of curious and dedicated bees were far too interested in us (and our food) so we bailed and headed back to the car. 

From there, we drove over to Ghirardelli Square (aka The Main Destination) and enjoyed our dark chocolate and mint chocolate and cookie and strawberry sundaes and banana splits. And with bellies bursting, we wobbled back to the car and headed back home.

Then mom and I headed downtown so she could have her nails done. Since I'm a nail-biter and my two week-old pedi is still in good shape, I settled into a chair and chilled while she got in a dose of pampering.

It was a busy day, but it was also a good day that --between the bees and the ice cream and the sandy ocean feet-- will no doubt live on in our memories. So for all of that, I am grateful.

July 25

There was (surprise!) more baseball this evening, as Brady's team competed in the quarterfinal game of their current tournament in Dublin.

All 12 boys were on hand for the affair, and they played a good one that ultimately eliminated their opponent by a final score of 4-0.

Brady was in a good mood as we headed back to the car afterward. I'm thankful that even when he doesn't notch a hit, he's still happy when his team performs well. It's a team sport, after all, and I'm grateful that he knows that individual stats don't matter as much as playing a good, ethical game.

July 24

'Twas a busy, busy Sunday. But before I'll get to it, a quick but important shout-out: my oldest nephew --the one who made me an aunt for the first time-- turned 18 today. Happy birthday, Brendan! Welcome to adulthood! The (larger) California branch of the fam wishes you a great new year and lots of fun at UMBC this fall.

Meanwhile at the Wight House... Brady played in his third game of the weekend this afternoon, against the team that beat them in a championship game a week and a half ago. This time, Pleasanton got the upper hand and walked away with a 14-6 win. For his part, Brady made a pretty great running catch while playing center field late in the game. Good defense is always a good thing!

From there, we (meaning me, Isaac, Brady, and my mom, since Abby and Adam left a bit earlier) headed north to attend Adam's grandmother's 95th birthday party. (She's the lady wearing white in the center of the pic.) It's always fun to get together with Adam's extended family, and although many were missing from the affair (believe it or not, given the herd pictured here), it was such a blessing to be able to see and interact with so many of them after the long, COVID-driven separation. And my mom even played a role here: she was the one who blessed us by taking the group photo. 

So for family and fun and chances to catch up and reconnect and for the opportunity to watch my own 'big boys' playing so well with the little ones, I am thankful.

July 23

Abby and my mom laid low at the house today, while Adam, Isaac, and I went over to Dublin with Brady to watch his team play the first few games of a tournament.

The games were a mixed bag --one big win, one loss-- but it was, as it always is, good to see him play. And he even got to pitch the last three innings of game two.

And then later on, it was good to have dinner in the dining room --which we rarely do-- with these goofers, who were in semi-rare comedic form.

Sometimes they stretch my patience with their antics, but their collective humor is a blessing.

July 22

Today was a dad-joke slash pun-in-the-making.

We started off by fulfilling Abby's wish to visit the Jelly Belly Factory, so we loaded into the car in the morning and headed up to Fairfield. We toured the factory, sniffed the peachy air, and purchased some tasty souvenirs. (I'm not a huge jelly bean person, but I decided to try the mint chocolate chip variety and it is yum-my. I could eat those all day long.) From there, we fulfilled yet another of her dreams --this one for strawberry shortcake pancakes-- by stopping at a nearby Denny's for lunch. It was pretty legit as far as Denny'ses go.

Then we headed back home, where I fell asleep (food coma) and awoke in time to text with Lee to arrange a meet-up with Kole (Bellon, which fulfils the aforementioned pun: it was a Belly-Bellon day), her very longtime friend who moved to Iowa several years ago. That's Kole, Abby and Ryan (who Abby has also known for a long, long time, and who graduated from high school with her last month) at the park this evening. I can still clearly remember them as very little people --preschool for Kole, first grade for Ryan-- running around the playground laughing, so it gave me a strong sense of nostalgia to see them (standing awkwardly) together again as 18 and 17-year olds. Adults and almost-adults on the brink of heading off to college. Kind of a big deal. Definitely a blessing.

So yes, it was a Belly-Bellon day. And a good day. And I am thankful for the moments with family and old friends.

July 21

The boys, Isaac's friend Tyler, Adam and I went to the A's game this afternoon.

And these three goofers had the best time. They (loudly and enthusiastically) played a video game during the drive to the Coliseum, chitter-chattered about all-things baseball during the game, and did their best to try to acquire a ball or two. (No dice there, but A-pluses for all of them for effort.)

Their joy was so palpable that it made me smile several times as the afternoon wore on. So for that and for their easygoing, multi-year friendship, I am thankful.

July 20

Our church occasionally hosts ladies' teas, and as it happened, the summer edition was held this morning. So Abby, my mom and I decided to go.

We had a nice time chit chatting with our table mates and listening to the message delivered by our worship director, Jessica. (Also thanks to Fiona for the teapot over my head so I'd remember what was going on.)

Pleasant mornings are blessings, so I am thankful to have had this one.

July 19

I spent most of today trying to remember what day it was. Yep, it was that kind of muddle-brained Tuesday.

Confused though I was, it was a fairly simple kind of day, with just a trip to the Mother Ship with mom in the morning, and a pair of ball games --one for Isaac and the Cal Rays in Livermore, one for Brady and the PLL 11's All-Stars in San Ramon-- in the afternoon and into the evening.

I wish I could say that I had some sort of amazing reflection to share, but I don't, really. I'm just grateful for the hours.

And some days, that's as deep as it gets.

July 18

After yesterday's big party, today was a lie-low kind of Monday.

I had Bible study that was followed by a largely forgettable ball game and then I just hung around the house. 

When dinner time rolled around we lugged the Chipotle leftovers out of the fridge and dined on those while sitting out on the deck. (As an aside, Adam's decision to buy the new furniture is turning out to be a very, very smart one.)

Anyway, the temp was pleasant and the company good, so I am finishing the day feeling grateful for everyday-style good things.

July 17

We hosted Abby's long-awaited grad party this afternoon. 

Adam's parents are both unfortunately down with COVID, but we were blessed to have my mom as well as Adam's brother Eric and his family over to represent our respective families. Also joining us were some wonderful friends from church (all of whom have had positive impressions on not just Abby but all of our kids), some equally awesome neighbors, and our lifelong pal Kristine.

It was 100 degrees outside as party time approached, so we moved some of the decorations (including the awesome balloon arch constructed by Isaac --whose lung capacity is mind-blowing-- and my mom) and Abby-memorabilia inside and put up the shade tents on the deck. 

And then we enjoyed conversation, pool time (for the cousins and Abby's friend Austin), way too much food from Chipotle, cupcakes (made by Abby and frosted by me), and shave ice as the afternoon gave way to early evening and one by one, our guests headed back to their homes.

Scorching temps aside, it was, I thought, a pretty nice way to celebrate our girl. I am thankful to and for every person who came to wish her well because it is a blessing to be surrounded by good people. And I am thankful for Abby and who she is because who she is is pretty awesome.

July 16

The reality of this human life we lead is that we want things to go our way. We want all of the pitches we throw to be called strikes and all of our hits to be homeruns. 

But of course because it is human life and human life is an adventure that features just as many valleys as it does hills, we have troubles. And Brady's team had more than a dose of trouble today (though it started of well enough).

They played their first game against a very polite and pleasant team from a nearby town. The affair ended in a tie, but there wasn't so much as a peep of dissention between the sides and I would happily play those boys over and over again. I even sat next to the grandmother of one of the boys on the opposing team and we talked through the entire game as a gentle breeze ruffled the trees overhead. It was as idyllic as 11-year old all-star baseball can be.

But the second game. Oh, the second one. It was only a half hour later, but the tone was completely different. It was an ugly affair against a different team from a different nearby town. The bad blood started when the opposing coach apparently complained about our starting pitcher's delivery in the first inning, which threw him off his game a bit. And it went downhill from there. There were bad calls, pitches seemingly thrown at heads, bickering in the stands between sides, and insults thrown at the 17-year old home plate umpire (who did an impressive job of handling some awful behavior by adults). And the game even ended in ugly fashion, with the other team scoring the winning run on a wild pitch. 

It was bad, and I felt absolutely yucky.

But you know something? It was also good. As I watched the boys deal with blow after blow, I realized that they were handling it all better than the adults who were charged with raising them. They weren't overtly complaining, they weren't throwing fits, and they weren't griping to the umpires. They were quietly going about their business on the diamond. And on the way home, as we were stopping for some post-game treats at DQ, I told Brady I was proud of them for how they kept their composure and how they offered up an audible "good game, [city name]!" cheer after the final inning. It was a display of good sportsmanship in the face of a disappointing and arguably unfair outcome. Oh, they were mad, Brady told me, but they kept the frustration to themselves. What I heard? They chose to keep the peace amid bad circumstances they knew they could not control.

No, this life isn't fair. But it's such a blessing to see bright spots forming in the shape of the next generation.

July 15

Isaac came home from camp this evening. We met him at the bus at Granada High School and drove over to Coldstone, where he regaled us with tales from his week away over frosty scoops of Peeps and cotton candy and coffee.

In short, he was the only kid from his school there. And as it turned out, he was also the only kid from our entire town. But despite those truths, he had a good time. And he wants to go again next year. 

I love how this kiddo is so open to being with people he doesn't know. In fact, I've had several conversations with him in the past about inviting a buddy to go along while he tries something new, and his response has always been "I can go by myself; I'll just make new friends while I'm here." And it's not just talk -- he means it.

I love that fearlessness. Actually, I love that even though I know he's a little afraid (because he is), he does it anyway: he walks forward even amid uncertainty. He keeps steppin'. I can learn from that (because Heaven knows I've avoided doing things because I didn't want to go alone). And you probably can, too.

July 14

Although these guys didn't come away with the championship title, they played a good game this evening and walked away with some hardware as the b-bracket runners-up of the Brett Slinger 11-year old Memorial Tournament.

The officiating wasn't awesome and that made parts of the game kind of hard to stomach, but the boys didn't lose their composure and continued playing hard, so I'm proud of all of them for that. 

And I'm quietly pleased that my kiddo --who has lost a brother-- got to play in the championship game of a tournament that honors a brother lost by someone else. Sad, yes, but also poetic in a way. And I am always grateful for lovely poetry.

July 13

After a few morning errands, Adam and I headed to the airport in Oakland to pick up my mom, who will be visiting for the next few weeks.

After a girls-only grocery shopping trip (and a foray to Crumbl, where all of the cookies this week are amazingly delicious so go get some!), we went north to Danville for more baseball. You can see all of us in this image --including Adam and his dad, who is in the distance just above Abby's head-- at the game. Although he didn't homer again, Brady's team mercy ruled their opponent again, which means they'll play in the tournament championship game tomorrow (facing the one team that's beaten them. Go figure!).

It's always nice to have a big Brady (or Isaac or Abby...) cheering section, so it was a blessing to have grandparents from both sides of the family on-hand.

July 12

Brady hit his first homerun during his team's game against Dublin tonight (which, for the record, they won).

There wasn't a fence, but he got ahold of a pitch in the way I'm sure he's always dreamed of getting ahold of a pitch and sent it well over the head of the right fielder, whose only course of action was to turn tail and run after the ball.

So Brady ran. He passed first and rounded second. He definitely looked tired as he continued on toward third and actually came to a near stop there, but his coach yelled at him to run home, so he did. And he beat the throw. And the incredulous delight on his face as he crossed the plate was amazing.

I didn't capture the gleeful, dugout-clearing celebration that followed after he scored, but the memory of his wow-did-I-really-do-that? smile will stick with me for a long while. And for that dose of joy, I am grateful.

July 11

I started to say that it was a busy Monday, but that's not really true. I guess I'd call it eventful in a good way.

The first event was sending Isaac off to sleepaway camp for the week. We all got up to give him hugs and say I-love-yous and have-funs before Adam took him to the drop-off site. He's attending a Young Life camp in Northern California and he didn't know anyone else who was going, so my prayer is that he has a good time and makes some new friends while he takes part in swimming, tacky prom night, and the like.

The second event was a twofer: Lunch and pedicures with Jen, who I hadn't seen in a year! She lives right here in town but is constantly busy, so I was really surprised and happy when she texted me this morning to see if I was available. It was fantastic to catch up with her. (And to know that because of my influence, she's now walking around Pleasanton and the surrounding areas with tiny watermelons painted on her big toes. Mine? Sparkly dark burgundy. No fruit.)

So today I'm thankful for Isaac's bravery (because I never wouldn't gone to camp alone!) and for time with a friend. They're both lovely blessings.

July 10

We hosted the Spartans pool party this afternoon. 

It was a smaller group than last year, but I think we all had a good time. It was a 100-degree afternoon so us parents camped out on our new patio furniture under our new shade tents while the boys hit the pool. 

It started off slowly, but by the time they had some pizza and chips in their bellies, the initial teenage boy shyness wore off and they made their way into the water. And before I knew it, there were spirited games going on: Marco Polo and football and some other random game that involved the rest of the boys trying to get from one end of the pool to the other without being taken out by Alex (who is the biggest kid on the team and one of Isaac's good friends). It was crazy, but so great.

Anyway, it was wonderful to host another party. I'm so grateful to have a good spot for hanging out and feel blessed to be able to share it with others. And of course, as I've said many times before, I'm so thankful for Brian and Andy, the coaches, who put so much time and energy into helping our boys to become better players and better people. 

July 9

These guys played two games today in Danville, notching a 3-6 loss followed by a 22-7 (yep, 22) win.

(Lest it's hard to tell, Brady is the shadowy figure standing right in front of the tree.)

Brady had an okay day as far as his play went; he had some success in the field and some at the plate. But the biggest deal was that he got to pitch at the end of the game. He's been itching to stand on the mound again for quite a long while now, but wasn't given the opportunity this spring. (Or, for the most part, last season, either.) So he was delighted to get the nod. And then he proved he deserved the opportunity because he struck out the two batters he faced. He did a little fist pump when the final strike was called and scampered to the dugout for the post-game huddle with the biggest grin on his face.

It is such a gift to see my kids shine.

July 8

It's been a busy week for my girl. Yesterday she received her dorm and roommate assignment, which spurred a late-night mini-frenzy of DMs between her and Hannah in South Korea. (An international student who hasn't lived in the US since she was 6! Cool, I think.) She also went for a long impromptu walk with a guy friend from high school she hadn't seen in a while. And then this morning, she got up early to register for her fall semester classes. She has so much credit from AP tests that she's starting her freshman year with nearly enough hours to be considered a sophomore. (Mom-brag there for sure, but I'm proud that her studiousness literally paid off!)

Anyhow, Brady has a tournament this weekend so when she asked if we could do our usual Saturday shopping trip today, I said sure. 

It was a brief one --just Crumbl for a sampling of the week's menu (patriotic birthday cake, smores, apple pie, and raspberry Icee -- all good, I thought) followed by a jump over to the Target that's just across the street-- but it was good nonetheless.

I pray every day that God will be with her in mighty ways when she goes off to Wheaton and that she will know how awesome she is. Because my likely biased mom-ness notwithstanding, she is.

July 7

I was driving back from the grocery store this evening when I saw Terry walking her puppy on the sidewalk. So I pulled over to say hi and to introduce myself to said-dog, since we'd never met.

I've mentioned her in passing a few times before, but I met Terry at the Mother Ship a number of months ago. From my perch in the corner, I'd see her come in, snag a venti cup and sometimes a bag from the counter, and then head out. 

She comes across as confident and self-assured and has a million earrings (okay, so maybe like nine?) so I was a little intimidated at first, but one day I decided to say hi, and we've been chit-chatting ever since. We've connected over a number of shared experiences including a proclivity for stitching and coping with cancer. Even our birthdays are just two days apart.

We certainly have our differences as well, but I so appreciate how easy it is to talk with her. She's kind and funny and not afraid to tell it like she sees it but she's also amazingly graceful and non-judgmental when we disagree. It's all so refreshing.

I am so grateful to God for giving me the courage to reach out, and I'm thankful for our budding friendship.

July 6

For the most part, I laid low today. I started off with coffee with my pal Terry, picked up some paperwork at the doctor's office, strolled through Walmart, and then went home.

And then I spent the rest of the day working on an assortment of crochet projects. I didn't finish any of them just yet because I have the attention span of a gnat sometimes, but it's always satisfying to make progress.

So this evening, I am grateful for the blessing of progress.

July 5

It took 26 years, but I finally saw Adam's entire face this morning. That's right, ladies and gentlemen, he shaved.

He had a goatee when we met in college and kept it the same for a long, long while. Then during his last work sabbatical in 2017, he grew a full beard. (I wasn't a super fan of the beard because I've never been a big facial hair gal, but after a few years passed, I accepted that it was probably here to stay.)

Anyway, when he came into the kitchen this morning, I was taken aback. One by one, the kids saw him and reacted much like Abby in this pic. And their oh-my-gosh reactions made both of us laugh out loud.

It's surreal to realize that I've lived with him for nearly 20 years and didn't get my first full look at him until today. I'm still not entirely sure what to make of it, but I know one thing: with or without a goatee or a beard, he's still him. And I'm grateful to God for that truth.

July 4

It was a quiet Independence Day at our house.

We watched Jumanji during the late morning hours, did our own separate things during much of the afternoon, and then convened for a traditional July 4th dinner of hot dogs, hamburgers, potato salad, watermelon, and tater tots out on the deck.

Current dissatisfactions and tensions aside, it's a blessing to be born and raised in this country and to enjoy the freedoms that being a citizen here provide. So for all of that and for these three young people (and their beloved lovies who bring them so much comfort), I am grateful.

July 3

The Spartans/Rays NCS season came to an end today. That means that this guy right here has played in his last official game as a member of the team of which he was a founding member. (I say "official" because I'm sure he'll play with them again in the future when he can.)

I snapped this pic of Isaac during the 15-minute break between games, as we were congratulating him on an especially heads up play that involved him quickly gunning the ball from second base to the catcher to get a runner out at home. The diamond, the layer of dirt on his uniform (collected during a pair of head-first slides), the smile. Definitely the smile.

I've said it before, but being part of the Spartans has been such a blessing to this kiddo. And to us, because seeing him happily immersed in his element... that's joy for me as his mom.

(PS -- it was in the low 60s and windy in Concord this morning. Sweatshirts, hats, and blankets in July.)

July 2

Isaac had a few games today, so he and Adam and I got up early and headed up to Concord.

Neither of the games were awesome and it was a cold, intermittently cloudy, windy 55-degree morning (yup, in July) up the freeway so it could've easily become a frustrating experience. But it wasn't, because any one-on-one (or maybe I should say two-on-one) time with this witty, thoughtful guy is always a blessing. It was fun to see him turn plays, it was fun to see him bat, and it was fun to see him laughing over the old John-McEnroe-Misbehaving video clips Adam showed him on YouTube during his long lunch break.

It's the little things. Truly.

July 1

Isaac has baseball games this weekend, so Abby wanted to do our customary weekend shopping today.

Stop number one was Walmart, where an apparently recent refill in the toy department meant the ball cage was brimming with brightly colored rubber spheres. Abby immediately embraced the cage and asked me to take a picture. So I did.

It was a funny moment, in a way, but it had a tinge of bittersweetness for me, too. She'll be 18 this fall and will start college next month. It's mind-blowing that we're already here; that she's already straddling the official line between childhood and adulthood. And though I could be tempted to turn melancholic over it all --and I know she feels a sense of trepidation as the swing of her emotional pendulum intensifies during this transitional time (as I think it does for all of us as we face change)-- I can't because it's such a blessing to be where we are. It's a blessing that I've gotten to see her grow and change and become the wonderful, compassionate young woman she is today. And it's a blessing to remember the spunky, sassy, authoritative kid she was. 

I live with the constant knowledge that a long life is never promised, so I try to remain equally conscious that every moment is a gift from God. Even the ones that involve my almost-adult child enthusiastically hugging a bin of playground balls.