May 12

I began today with a cinnamon roll, orange juice, coffee, and presents (including a flower arrangement made by Isaac) all served in bed for Mother's Day and am finishing it 3,000 miles away in the bedroom that was once my own at my grandparents' house in Maryland. 

Contrasting the two scenes creates a strange juxtaposition in my mind, as the reason for the trip is my grandma's memorial service this coming weekend, and my grandma was a strong mother-figure for me. It is, as I've discovered over the course of the past hour, very odd to be here without her. But here I --and Abby, and later, the boys-- am.

Strangeness aside, it was a nice day, as far as travel days go. I'm grateful for the chance to celebrate --if only a little-- with my own children and husband at home. And I'm grateful for a relatively uneventful flight. I did panic for a few moments when the guy seated next to me threw up as soon as the plane lifted off the ground (because there always has to be something) but he assured me he suffers from motion sickness and bemoaned having forgotten his Dramamine. I'm also grateful that my checked bag came out in good time and that I was able to safely navigate our enormous rental SUV to the house with my trusty co-pilot's guidance. And I'm grateful that even though it was after midnight when we rolled in, my mom was waiting to let us in. So we wished her happy belated Mother's Day and a happy birthday and then off she went.

And now... now I'm just alone with my thoughts, remembering sweet slices of time spent with my grandma in this house. And I'm feeling grateful for the strong women who God placed in my life.