There are some times when all seems right with the world. This week has been one of those times. In a previous post, I talked about the importance of being present in the moment – not worrying about yesterday or tomorrow, but rather recognizing the blessings in front of you so you don’t miss the tapestry of today. It has been easy to recognize my blessings this week.
The week began on Mother’s Day – my favorite day of the year (yep, it outranks Christmas and my birthday!). The day started out with a nice long chat via Skype with my daughter, with my adorable 18-month-old grandson making random appearances. My son then treated me to a wonderful lunch, during which I ran into some friends I hadn’t seen for a long time. Well wishes from my step-children and Facebook posts from former students to their “PR Mom” followed. I went to bed that night feeling so blessed!
The next day, the thermometer hit 74 degrees – time to remove the winter seal on my lakefront window, open the front door, and enjoy a soothing breeze. In the community where I live, an open front door means “stop on by” – something I really like – and people did stop by to see how I was doing. I’ve spent so many weeks behind closed doors between surgery and winter that I hadn’t seen my neighbors too much. It was nice to visit with them.
The temperature rose 10 degrees the following day and that breeze got even more delightful. I had to do a lot of grading and it was a good day for it – so peaceful. It was quiet except for the chirping of birds and an occasional splash of lake waves against the rocks. I couldn’t help but pause occasionally and smile because the day was so nice. When it was time for a break, I took a nap, indulging in the peace and quiet that surrounded me.
On Wednesday, I made the trek to the cancer institute in Buffalo for my in-between chemo checkup. My white blood cell count was way up, which was great news. Several weeks ago, it had gotten so low that chemo had to be postponed. The next round of chemo is a go for Monday, and I’m ready.
Yesterday and today, I went to campus. I even drove myself (the first time in three months) and had enough strength to run errands each day. It was so nice to do something normal; when you are diagnosed with cancer, normalcy seems to disappear. During the two days, I met with all 42 of my seniors to review their capstone projects. In the process, we reflected on how fast four years had gone by and discussed graduation and their futures. These are bittersweet moments – experiencing pride and happiness at all they’ve accomplished, yet sadness at having to say goodbye, feeling rather like a mother bird pushing her young out of the nest. Tears, laughter, and hugs were the hallmarks of these meetings. A couple students left behind cards with beautiful sentiments. One student proudly presented me a picture of a flower she painted, another gave me a beautiful quartz bracelet in my favorite color, and a third gave me a plaque of a starfish (I have a long-standing tradition of giving each of my seniors a starfish with a copy of the “starfish story,” encouraging them to make a difference in the world). On the way home, I felt a great sense of fulfillment. The semester was over. Despite all the obstacles, I was able to finish it.
Yes, it’s been a good week. I feel that God, acting as a Heavenly Maestro, orchestrated notes each day that have culminated in a beautiful symphony – a symphony of blessings. Even as I write this, I look out my window at a beautiful sunset over the lake, the color of which ranges in blue tones from navy to turquoise, and I’m aware of the warmth that surrounds me from a prayer shawl that a complete stranger knitted for me. Many blessings indeed.
The things that happened this week were not extraordinary. I just took the time to notice them, to feel them, to appreciate them. Did you hear the symphony in your life this week?
Share the strength.
Sharing the Strength 
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