We had just had a great day in Merrickville to celebrate the August civic holiday, but Len, Kaleb, and Noé still took the Tuesday off for our fifth summer excursion, which just happened to fall on my 45th birthday. The forecast called for rain, but we thought we'd take our chances and drive out to Perth anyway. We called the restaurant we wanted to try and they said they were open and serving customers on their 3 balconies. So off we went on a 90 minute drive through the storm.
When we got there, it was POURING! We ran from the parking lot to the restaurant and got completely soaked. We didn't mind the summer rain then. However, after the hostess told us they were no longer seating customers because of the rain and we had to run back to the cars for another 90 minute drive home soaking wet, it wasn't fun anymore.
In fact, I lost it, completely lost it. I think this was the straw that broke the corona-virus-camel's back. I cried and cried and screamed and cried. I am so sad that my husband and sweet kiddos had to witness that hot (soaking wet) mess, but I vented all the pain that was cooped up inside me for 5 months. I cried that the rain spoiled my birthday. I cried for all of those sick by this stupid virus- including 6 of my family members at the time, that I really wanted to be okay (thank goodness they are all fine now). I cried for all those who lost their lives or their loved ones to this stupid virus. I cried for all those who lost their jobs or had to close their businesses from this stupid virus. I cried because the border is closed between the US and Canada and I don't know when I'll see our extended families again. I cried because my oldest two have graduated from high school and will be leaving the nest soon. I cried because I wanted one more baby before I turned 45. I cried because I felt God wasn't answering my prayers. I ugly cried the whole way home, then got in bed as soon as we got home.
Of course, we were all starving by this point as we had just driven 3 hours for lunch that we didn't get to eat and it was now almost dinner time. Leonard offered to get take out somewhere else, but I wasn't in the mood, so he made hot dogs for the kids. Kaleb and Noé felt bad that I didn't have a birthday cake, so they set out to find a bakery open and buy me one. The cake they found was a delicious pina colada concoction and we ended up watching the Elvis movie, Paradise, Hawaiian Style.
A sweet friend stopped by with some croissants with homemade jam and the most beautiful note. She shared ten things that she loves about me. I think she was an angel sent by God to remind me that I'm not such a terrible human for having a bad day. I want to record them here, so I can continually be inspired to be this woman.
1. I love how you persevere. After your family's challenges with your belongings in India, you buckled down and found a solution.
2. I love that you love family and you want to keep your family united.
3. I love that you share the gospel with others thru social media.
4. I love that you are your children's biggest fan and chief advocate.
5. I love that you aren't afraid to fight for a cause (i.e. zoning in your community).
6. I love that you see the uniqueness in each of your children and you cherish it.
7. I love watching you and Leonard united and fiercely loyal to one another.
8. I love that the spirit resides in your home and that you do the things to invite it there.
9. I love that you are a trustworthy friend to those around you, especially me.
10. I love your testimony of Jesus Christ. I know you love Him and you pattern your life after Him. It shows in how you treat others. You are kind and gentle and you see the good in others. It also shows in the light that radiates from you. It attracts others to you and to Christ.
She also said, "I love you and I know Heavenly Father loves you. Your concerns and your goals and dreams are important to Him. May you feel all of the love surrounding you today."
One of the best cards I've ever received in my life!
The next day two other friends stopped by. One gave me the beautiful flowers, and the other delicious caramel-chip cookies. (Unfortunately, the croissants and cookies were devoured before I could take pictures of them.) I also want to remember another friend bringing me a squishy stuffed animal, lunch with a few other dear friends, and cards from my Mom, my Dad, and another friend from home who treated our family to ice cream. I also treated myself to Hallmark Dream books from 1973-2020.
I shared this post with pictures of me with my family, because they are and always will be my best gifts. It was a bad birthday, but it is a good life.
I wish I was good with words and could write beautiful birthday cards like that for all of my friends and family.
As I make this post, I've been battling another depression beast for the past few days. Life is hard. But life is beautiful too. I'm so grateful for friends that remind me of that and see the good in me.
