Mother's Day

Mother's Day was especially meaningful for me this year, not only because it's my inaugural year, but recent events have reminded me of how lucky I am. We have close friends that lost their unborn child at 23 weeks. As I reflect on this past year (Sy will be one at the end of this month!), I cannot help but to be overwhelmed and grateful for the role that I have been given. I am thankful to have a healthy and thriving child in our home. While I have struggled in transitioning from the work environment, I have loved spending time with Sy and have learned so much about myself through my interactions with him. I never realized my selfcenteredness until I was needed by someone else 24 hours a day. Our lives have changed dramatically and it is for the better.

For my first Mother's Day, Ben felt it necessary that we celebrate throughout the weekend. After taking a group of students bird-watching on Saturday, he donned the captain's hat and sent me on my way...to a massage. It was a fabulous surprise and a much needed luxury. Upon my return, Ben was adamant that he would take over all my responsibilities for the weekend. It was an offer that I could not refuse! He cooked meals, cleaned the house, took care of Sy and even accomplished some laundry. It was a wonderful day! Although he assists me daily with these tasks, I was completely free of any resonsibilities for 2 full days. He truly expressed his love through his acts of service throughout the weekend. On Sunday, we celebrated Mother's Day by hiking to Avalanche Lake at Glacier National Park.