you are so good

Writing yesterday's post generated some healing, but the multiple phone conversations with my grandfather that followed it brought me right back to that hard place. I might have stayed there in darkness, but so many of you came to my side.  Reading and rereading your respectful, poignant and sensitive comments and stories helped shift things so much. I can't thank you enough for your support and courage to share. Pretty amazing what power we women have... even virtually. So, I went to bed with a bit more ease, and when I came downstairs in the morning this is the vision that greeted me.

I'm a bit spoiled... my back door view looks this sweet most summer mornings. However, today I saw it a bit more clearly, and viewed it as a sign that life was looking brighter  And it was. We honored my grandfather's memories by DOING them. It wasn't hard. The way that I celebrate summer with my family is based on my childhood vacations with my grandparents. We ate freshly picked peas for breakfast's first course (in honor of his abundant gardens). The badminton net was set up beneath the Walnut tree, just like the one under their maple every summer. Afternoon brought swimming, and I wove the tale of how I first learned to swim. Yes, that grandfather of mine taught me to swim... in the 7 ft deep pool he built by himself out of cement blocks. I've told you this one, right? He took the styrofoam insert that had come with a television and cut out a circle in the middle for me. I was six. It became my incredibly shrinking life preserver, as every day he cut off another chunk. One day there was only a small piece to hold onto, and I just began swimming. He swam with me every day right before lunch. He'd be hot and tired from working in the garden, I'd be happy and excited to have a someone watch me jump in over and over again. It was only ever a quick dip before my grandmother called to say sandwiches were ready... but it was my favorite part of the day.

Anyways, today felt easier and I thank you for listening... for indulging me. Unless you're a cat, birthdays tend to be full of emotions, whether they're our own or the ones we love.

And yes, Hickory and my grandfather were both born on June 17th. He looks a little sad and pensive here, but really he seemed to have a fabulous day (caught a mouse to boot!)

One more thing- I didn't forget, it just took a while... the winner to Growing up Sew Liberated has been announced right here in the giveaway post. So go see if it's you!