Poop Notes #SOL

I hate when the kids leave.  I fight to keep the tears at bay.  I strive to stay productive.  However, a blanket of sadness usually wraps around me.

After returning from dropping my daughter off at the airport on Sunday, I immediately prepped my lunches for the week because I knew that my motivation would wane after hosting my TeachWrite writing group at 2:00 p.m.  

Not long after, I sat down at my desk to set up the Zoom meeting, and as I opened my computer, I saw a green sticky note with the word "poop" written on it on the inside of my candy jar.  I smiled as I knew that my son left it while he was home for Thanksgiving. 

I looked up at the lamp to switch it on and found another "poop" sticky note.  Everywhere my eye could rest was a "poop" note.  I opened the drawer and found another.  I leaned back in my chair and found one on the edge of the desk.  They were everywhere.

I texted my son ,"Thanks for the love notes."  

He texted back, "Hope you enjoy finding them all."  

Two days later, I found yet another.  

Every. Single. Time. I smiled.  Cam knows me well, and he knew just how to get me out from under that heavy blanket.  

Fr-amily #SOL

A dear friend, or sister of my heart, called last night to deliver the most joyful news.  She "might" come to Thanksgiving dinner.  

I am not sure if I can fully express my joy enough for others to understand.  Whatever happens, these words, and her bravery, have stirred my heart.

It has been a long time since we have gathered.

Our fr-amily has been isolated

by diverging lives as 

our children have spread their wings

and have flown in different directions,

where once they were flying together.

Left behind,

we have all been trying to find 

our place, our purpose again,

and while one would think

this might bring us closer,

a different monster has us reeling, 

gauging, and treading a precarious landscape.

An enemy has invaded

and taken hostage one of our own,

and we are all navigating 

a new reality.

Slowly, we are finding our way

back together 

because together we can 

reclaim and celebrate the love

that has grown in this chosen family,

which will provide a respite 

from any force that might dare try

to separate us.