gratitude

“a truly rich man is one whose children run into his arms when his hands are empty.” — anonymous

if our family was judged on the love we share, you’d find it’s bursting at the seams– even overflowing into puddles, crumbs and little dust balls that litter our post-baby, toddler-full household; and it makes me feel rich. richly blessed too, because God is so good and so good to us. how is it possible to love a man more every moment and at the same time be so engulfed with emotion for your little boy that if you don’t just release it–let your heart flow outward, you feel as though you’ll burst because the joy and fulfillment is too intense? our humble life isn’t always love, butterflies and happiness–but our bumps and bruises seem to make us stronger. and with each hurdle, i respect and admire my husband more for leading us through. actually, i admire him more than anyone i’ve ever met. i’ve probably said that a thousand times–and even with all of the incredible people we have had the chance to meet, that superlative remains his. i truly believe it always will. in part, because there’s something special that transpires when a husband becomes a father–especially a father like him. to say that laughter reigns in our home is an understatement…sometimes i am moved to tears as i watch their daily interaction: the squeals of laughter that ring out, the giggles and coos, and the love poured so thickly into the air, i just try to breathe it in, savoring that time and those sounds…and then the sob comes. quietly. it is truly more that i ever dreamed. that someone so undeserving is so blessed. that a life like this, surrounded by goodness and hope and warmth is real…and mine.