In this Moment— Creating Memories

“These are the moments I thank God that I'm alive

These are the moments I'll remember all my life

I've got all I've waited for

And I could not ask for more

I could not ask for more than this time together

I could not ask for more than this time with you

Every prayer has been answered

Every dream I have's come true

And right here in this moment is right where I'm meant to be

Here with you here with me…”

—Sung by Edwin McCain, Lyrics by Diane Warren

Thanksgiving is a time for considering all that we have, and all that we are  grateful for. All our Blessings, all the beautiful things that have entered our lives, all the wonderful treasures we find in the people that we have in our lives, and the people yet to arrive.  I take pause to stop and thank God for all the beautiful memories I have been able to capture and experience in my life.

Then it occurs to me, I must also give thanks for the challenges and tearful  experiences, for they too have shaped me and accompanied me on my path, nudging me to grow as a result. Okay, maybe not always nudging, sometimes kicking me and launching me as if by cannon. These are the moments we are face to face with God’s invitation to grow. Because it is the only way to move beyond the current rut, or the painful moment.

A Daughter's Gift of Release

“Love is always bestowed as a gift - freely, willingly and without expectation. We don't love to be loved; we love to love.” –Leo Buscaglia

In August, while my daughter sat in the waiting room as I talked to a medical administrator, unbeknownst to me she reached into my journal and wrote me a note on the last page.

Afterwards as I sat waiting for her while she was having an MRI, I opened up my journal, ready to write. I noticed the last page now contained her handwriting.

“Mom-

I love you so much! You’re an amazing mother. Even though we get in “moods,” especially a lot lately since I’m at that horrible age…LOL…I still love you, I always will no matter what!

I am so glad you’re my mom!  I like it being just the two of us, but please don’t just be comfortable. It’s okay to find a man. Don’t give up hope. You deserve the best!

With all my love always,

XOXO”

In the years prior, my dear friends had a suspicion that the reason why I was not meeting the right guy, was because my child was not ready for me to. When I read her note, I was moved to tears. It was validation that at some level she understood the power she wielded over my readiness to meet someone. This letter was her releasing me and setting me free to be available to opportunity.  It was an honorable and loving gesture coming from my 17 yr old.

Ella Venezia

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