A boy A Dog and A Stick

On the 4th of July, we had the privilege of going hiking with Lyca. She is the newest family member of a dear friend. Lyca is no ordinary dog, she is a human in dog gear. She poses, acts and responds like a dog only to appease those of us who need that extra special DOG love in our lives.
G and Me have always had a dog in our lives. There was Wiley, Buddy, Mattie, Penny and Chloe. All whom have gone to DOG heaven except for Chloe.
In my opinion, every child should have a dog, or a pet to love. In return, they learn to care for something outside of themselves, get unconditional love from their dog, and learn that there is pure joy in the simple things in life.
A very important first walk on the lease, to a magical waterfall, with a hiking stick, down a country road...it puts a little purpose in the step. Proud and intensely focused on making way to enjoy this moment of boyhood.
With my keen mother's eye and my loverly lens, I caught this moment in time. I smile. G and Lyca, alone, with each other to adventures yet found.
What a wondrous and wonder-filled day. Independence, freedom and all that it implies.

A day and thankfulness for it too

Today, or rather yesterday, was one of the strangest days to date.
My son 'graduated' from the 1st grade today. He is 7 years old and growing so tall, so fast, that my mind spins with how fast time rolls on.
The day started out with a super-grumpy boy, who after winning two awards for his Leadership, was beaming with pride and a new smiley happy face. Transformed.
On this day, I spent the better part of it with his Dad. We are no longer married and have had a long and winding road to some semblance of Peace. Transformed.
I was so happy to have a peaceful, joyful day. I am so happy to have had the day to embrace this feeling of what I would consider nearly normal. Just a day. Just quiet in the mind and endless possibilities ahead.

My late night writing prompted by my fellow blogger, HeartMommy, and friend, SuperMom.

Normally, my writing comes from a place of ankst, energy that is directed in too many places, at too many things. So, as I sit here and write in the quiet of the early morning hours, I am thankful.

Just that; I am thankful.

Have a Wonder-Filled Day. Today and tomorrow and the next one too.
Or, just have a day. Each one a gift.

-HM

Buddha Belly Flotation Device

Could there be anything more adorable than to look at photos of your now 7 yr old son and remember him when he was this little, squishy, drooling, Buddha belly baby; I think not.
When G came to us through adoption in December of 2002, I was still mourning the loss of my baby. This little baby did not live to be born. He or She was due in late March, 2003, but could not come to me and I was so very, very sad. I lost the baby in July of 2002 and was devastated. It was me, the host, that failed the baby. I thought, I had hurt the baby because my body was not able to bring them full-term. I cried a lot. My family cried a lot. My Mom, especially because she knew how much effort it took to even become pregnant, only to lose the baby. I kept my first maternity shirt, still with tags, on the hanger until November, 2006. It was then that I had a complete hysterectomy and I truly surrendered the notion that I would be able to have a brother or sister for G. through a normal pregnancy.

Could I imagine not being G's Mom; not on your life! This precious little boy, brought to me by the grace of his mother, Kim. There are no words of joy that can fill this page adequately to explain my love of G and Kim and Steve and being a Mom. My sweetest baby G; so grown up now. All of 7 yrs old and time has flown by...it is true. Time warp happens when you have someone else to take care of and your focus shifts to them.

My saddnes for my lost child has never ended. It does not fill my mind with thoughts of what could have been. It was this angel baby that went and picked Kim to carry G in her tummy. It was this angel baby who whispered in Kim's ear at nearly 8 months into her pregnancy and gave her the strength to place G with me to be his HeartMommy.

I adore my son! He was the cutest baby and is the most handsome boy!

As Mother's Day fast approaches, thank your HeartMommy for all her love. I will thank my Mom/HeartMommy. I will thank my little angel baby for the whisper in Kim's ear and heart. I will thank Kim for listening and bringing me such joy through G.