“let us eat cake…affectionately.”

Alright.

I have been thinking a lot the last few days about blessings in my life. I’m guessing it’s because of all the reading I have been doing on this blog. Or maybe it’s due to the fact that I started 2012, sobbing, literally with my head in my hands since I hit a wall and felt like all the glue holding my life together had suddenly dissolved. Somehow, I managed to pull myself together, and do something that has never come easy for me: I asked for help. And it was given. Done. A story for another day.

Anyway, this post is the first in a series where I will talk about my blessings. The things I treasure about my life. People, places, things, thoughts, etc…….in no particular order. All of them are important, but my crazy, scattered, mommy brain can only organize the thoughts on each blessing when they naturally take over my mind. So bear with me.

Recently, my brain has been consumed with Grace. My beautiful friend of 12+ years, and namesake for my middle daughter. She is the epitome of the actual word, grace. The definition can be found here. If you also happen to be blessed with knowing her personally, then you get it. If not, I’m truly sorry. Everyone should know Grace, both literally and figuratively.  

My introduction to this wonderful soul came through another treasured friend, Charlene, whom I met a year after my move to Los Angeles, at a dinner party thrown by this guy. Right now, I want to say thanks to Char for the introduction, and leave it at that. There will be a post about her too, but later.

Back to Grace.

It’s hard to think you can feel as close to a girlfriend as you do one of your siblings. But I do. All of my bio-sisters live far away (in Alabama), so I don’t get to see them whenever I want. In my eyes and my heart, Grace is “my sister from another mister.” Over the years, she has listened to me laugh, cry, rant and rave. She has talked me off ledges, and kicked my ass (metaphorically speaking, that is) when I needed it most. Thinking about it….being friends with me must be exhausting. But she keeps showing up. Amazing….no, shocking…really. I also know that I am not special. She is that way to ALL of her friends: nuturing, loving, thoughtful and available. Always. When I call, she answers. A lot of people don’t. I’m even guilty of not answering all the time when my friends call. But it’s usually because I’m feeling funky, and have decided to hide from the world. It’s nothing personal. When I’m melting down, I don’t discriminate. Everyone gets shut out. Sorry folks.

One of the many reasons Grace is on my mind lately, is because she is about to be a mommy for the first time. She and her soulmate, John (who also happens to be pretty great), are expecting a teeny one very soon. The pregnancy has been anything but easy for her, yet, she has continued to show up for me over and over the past few months, as I’ve experienced…let’s just say…mind-numbing chaos. So I want to publicly say thank you, Grace.

Another reason she is on my mind, is because tomorrow is her baby shower. It’s been planned for months, and I have been looking soooooo forward to it. Not only because seeing her and John makes me happy, but because we share lots of common friends whom I haven’t seen in awhile because of my…um…hiding. However, while I was making grand plans to attend the shower, God was laughing. He decided it would be much more fun to watch me cough, sneeze, moan and groan with THE FLU. To make it even more enjoyable to witness, he decided to deliver it through my husband, who also has it, and believes he is dying at this very moment, while simultaneously resting on the couch at home. I, of course, am at the gym with the daughters. Thanks for the “gift”, God. No, really. I mean it.

So I can’t go, and that makes me super sad. And I really want to apologize for not being able to show up for her on such an important occasion. Of course, she understands, because she is GRACE. Doesn’t make me feel any less crappy though 🙁

Fortunately, I’m told this crud only lingers for a week or so, which means I will recover, and get to enjoy watching her be the most amazing mother I can ever imagine anyone being. How lucky this baby is gonna be to have Grace as a mama. All in all, life is good. Blessings are beautiful things.

I love you Grace. Have a glorious time tomorrow. Breathe it all in and allow eveyone to bask in the glow you have always had, knowing it will soon be so bright we’ll all need to squint when gazing upon you and your little one. Oh, and take lots of pictures!!!!

Grace and me. In that order.