Happy ????? Birthday

Every year on September 29, the phone would ring and my dad would take trip down memory lane starting with a loud cackle, "JEAN - I remember the day you were born."

I would stand there and nod, try not to laugh out loud, and mouth the words to Sean that I knew were coming.

"And Jean, you know..you are my favorite daughter"

Its funny how the thought of missing a simple thing can fill you with such a sense of dread.

I was sharing some of this with my best friend Donna who many of you know through my endless posts on facebook.  Her husband Jon is battling for his life at IU cancer center.

So this morning I got this text from her.

It hit me.

I've always remarked that one of the things I am most grateful to my parents is that they lived in the present.  I never heard them wish back the "good old days" as a family.  They just joined Sean and I in life, and were 100 "all in" with us.

Much of what I have been doing this week is wishing back what "was" instead of being present in what "is."

"All new life comes out of the dark places - it is suffering that has the realist possibility to bear down and deliver grace - there.is.no.other.way."   

"Counting gifts (or thankfulness) means counting the hard things - otherwise I've miscounted" 

Ann Voskamp

So, thank you for the truly "happy" birthday wishes.  It has been a great day celebrating the life HE has allowed me to have.  

And let me leave you with this video and the craziness that is living with all boys.

I mean seriously - missing a phone call - or this insanity???  :) :)  

Choosing THIS insanity and I know that's just the way my sweet Dad would have it!

Link if you can't view:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awKhTDJlZWg&feature=c4-overview&list=UUnZSagUnlLEjBB1Vbve5vPw