Unexpected (days 4, 5, & 6)

Days 4 & 5 - As I wrapped up day 4, I was feeling out of sorts about my "gift". Though there were moments I could define as a gift, I did not feel that they were the gifts that were given with an open heart. It all felt forced. I was settling in to journal about the day in hopes that a true gift would appear in my writing when I received a text from my brother letting me know that my mom was with her husband in the ER. He had blacked out and was having troubles breathing. I contacted my mom to get an update and she assured me everything was ok and that we would talk in the morning. I resisted the urge to put on my pajamas and continue on with my evening and instead hopped in the car and drove to the hospital. My mom and I sat together while waiting for test results and for him to be admitted. Once she knew her husband would be ok and was comfortable leaving, we hugged goodbye around 12:30 a.m. and I knew I had my day 4 gift. Day 5 included bringing my mom and her brother in law lunch at the hospital. My mom wouldn't leave her husband to eat (nor had she gotten much sleep) and it was great to provide something that could nourish her, give her energy and made her smile.

Day 6- I was thrilled that my gift today happened so early! I celebrated New Years at home with my kids, a few of their friends and one of my very best friends. She and I often talk about the importance of humor in our lives and though she is struggling with quite a few challenges right now, we work hard to bring a moment of laughter to our day. Soon after we toasted the New Year, I gave her a gift of a candle which scent is meant to evoke laughter in your home. I had picked it out for her a while back and was waiting for the perfect moment to give it to her. The first hour of what I hope is a great new year for her was exactly that moment.