There is an old John Denver song called "Today" that we used to sing around raging campfires on Closing Ceremony nights at Camp Eberhart. I've loved the song since the first time I heard it, sung off-key by a group of teary-eyed senior girls, with great despair at not having another week to spend together. But the older I get, the more meaning it seems to have in my life. If you're not familiar with it, here are some of my favorite lyrics from the song:
Today, while the blossoms still cling to the vine
I’ll taste your strawberries, I’ll drink your sweet wine
A million tomorrows shall all pass away
‘Ere I forget all the joy that is mine, today.
I can’t be contented with yesterday’s glory
I can’t live on promises winter to spring
Today is my moment, now is my story
I’ll laugh and I’ll cry and I’ll sing.
It is a beautiful song that is easy to sing, and it was always dear to my heart at camp when summer's glory was high and we had but a few weeks to make memories that would last a lifetime. Now, many years later, I'm in a season of my life where the song once again seems meaningful and appropriate and I can't humming it to myself as I cook dinner or drive in the car.
You see, as much as I hate to jinx myself, things are going really well for our family right now. We all seem to be doing better than we have in a long while, in nearly every aspect. The kids are healthy, active and social. They are bright children who love playing outdoors, spending time with friends, and just being silly. Aiden is excelling at reading and math. Ava is learning to read with little trouble, and I think she is more than ready to start kindergarten in the fall. They can entertain themselves for long periods of time and as far as the responsibility of "care-giving" goes in the parenting department, it feels like one of the easier periods that I've gone through with them. Chuck is doing great at work, taking on more responsibility and proving himself to his boss. His feet are feeling a bit better thanks to cortisone shots, a strecthing brace to wear at night, and custom orthodics. He hasn't complained of knee pain in a while, so I'm going to assume that's fine as well, lol. He is a great dad who puts his family first and handles my irregular work schedule with ease. He is so supportive of me going back to work and he always makes sure he takes the time to tell me how much he appreciates what I do around the house. I feel like our marriage is nearly effortless right now (which is a good thing!), and he really is my best friend.
As for me, life right now is pretty much perfect. Aside from the extra weight that I can't seem to shake because I can't seem to eat right...EVER, lol, and lingering back pain that comes and goes, things are going really well. Work is busy, but I really enjoy it and I've found that having a job again and contributing to our household income has really done a lot for my self esteem. It makes me feel good to know that I can make money for our family, and also that I have an important job in the community. It's not to say I was unhappy working at the Y, but comparitively...well, there is no comparison,lol. I've also made a lot of new friends this year between the kids' new school and my job. I feel really lucky to have met so many great families at school that I get along with so well. In fact, right now I'm really missing my daily social inreraction at school pick-up, lol. Summer is in swing and we are signed up at the Outdoor Y, so I am looking forward to a lot of pool time with the kids if the weather would just cooperate! We have a few mini trips planned this summer that I'm looking forward to as well. Life is just good, plain and simple.
I'm no fool. Well, not most of the time anyway:-) I know it won't always be this way. I know that at any minute, something could happen to disrupt this happy medium we have going. Life isn't something to take for granted, and I'm just feeling really thankful and lucky lately to have a life that as a child I only dreamed about. I never thought that at 32 I would have a beautiful home, a car that is paid for, a job that I love, 2 amazing children, a loyal husband and amazing friends all at the same time. It's humbling and I am so grateful. And I've found in life that sometimes stopping to appreciate what you have is just as important as living it all.
A million tomorrows shall all pass away, ere I forget all the joy that is mine, today.
