Monday, January 18, 2010

Looking Forward

Whew, it's been a while since my last blog post. But there is a good reason for that. It's my birthday today. Although I am pretty low key about birthdays, I have in fact spent the last few days celebrating. Thanks to Martin Luther King day , my son was able to come home for a long weekend. We've spent a lot of time, cooking, chatting, watching movies, and playing endless rounds of Skip Bo. And laughing, lots of laughing.


Those African violets up there were a gift from my son. I haven't had any for many years. Not since he was small. I'd forgotten how much I love them and their lovely range of purples. He's located an ideal spot for them in the lounge room and in clear sight so I will be unlikely to neglect them. The sun shines through their blossoms and lights up the petals. Beautiful.


Mostly I look forward in life. But this year I couldn't help but look back to last year at this time. We spent from mid December until now waiting for word of my son's return from Iraq. It was a brutal 15 month deployment, many lost comrades, his own humvee blown up 2 days before he left theater. And finally, home, on my birthday. I thought I would never have a more beautiful birthday. But this year closes a circle of remarkable emotional recovery for all of us. What more could one ask for.


But then this beautiful gift of violets, that brings me back to his childhood and my absolute most beautiful gifts in life, my children.


Yes, I am indeed looking forward to celebrating another year of life and all it brings.

23 comments:

Unknown said...

How great is that...that your son can be home for your birthday. Happy Birthday!

Tammy and Rob said...

Happy Birthday Leann!! I can only imagine how grateful and happy you feel having your son back home. It's amazing how a mommas love is so naturally enduring and how we often make ourselves sick with worry for them. May he be blessed for all that he has done for his country and all of us, I know you are proud!

Nena said...

Happy Birthday and congratulations on having your son home. It's the simple things in life that brings the most joy in our lives.

Judy said...

The happiest of days to you LeAnn! I am so glad your son is home. God Bless him and thank him for his service.

sharon said...

How fortunate you are, you and your son, to be able to share a beautiful birthday together, and many more. You truly know the meaning of what is important...all the best to you now and always! Biggest hugs LeAnn!

mairedodd said...

the happiest of birthdays leann - and what a wonderful story... life has such challenge and beauty, but perhaps without the former we would never appreciate the latter... so glad that you got to spend the day the way that brings you joy ~ xo

Pearl and Pebble said...

Happy Birthday:) And I'm so happy that your son was with you!! Those are the most beautiful violets!!! The colors are amazing!

Prairie Emporium said...

Happy Birthday LeAnn and what a wonderful one. Love the violets!! I am a violet girl, I love em all.
And tell your son how grateful we are for him and others who serve our country, he is very special.

Katie said...

Happy birthday! I am glad that you were able to have your son with you two years in a row! I am also glad that you look at your birthday as an opportunity to look forward to things to come - so many people focus on the things that have already passed...

I am sending you birthday hugs from Maui :o)

Cindy said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! I am so happy to hear your day was a special one...and your son home safe and sound, what could be better. What a beautiful blog post...I hope the year ahead is full of love and laughter. :-)
Cindy

Marie Cramp said...

Happy Birthday!! I used to "breed" Violets. Tips to keep yours at its best...
Don't put it in direct sunlight, but not too far away. Don't water it from the top, put a deep dish under it to water it. Water it before the root ball dries out but do not let it get soggy, you will rot your plant. Instead of just water and instead of fertilizer, put your leftover tea in that saucer, guaranteed to help with the blooming. and last tip, once you find it's home, don't move it, they go into shock. They don't like being moved. I hope this helps keep your special birthday gift healthy and blooming for a longtime :)

Marie

stregata said...

Wishing you more wonderful birthdays just like it! So good that you were able to celebrate with your son. Hope your daughter gets a chance to visit soon. HUGS!!

Leslie @ Bei Mondi said...

Happy Birthday! Your african violets are stunning.

Patti said...

Happy 'Special' Birthday, Leann!

SueBeads said...

Happy Birthday, LeAnn, and I'm SO glad your son is home and safe! I hope he doesn't have to go back!

Unknown said...

Happiest of birthdays to you! I'm so glad your son was home to help you celebrate this year :)

Erin Siegel said...

Happy Birthday, Sweet Leanne!

TesoriTrovati said...

Blessings abounding LeAnn!
What a wonderful gift to be with your son and to have something so beautiful to remember the day!
Enjoy the day!
Erin

Sharon said...

Wishing you a Happy and Joyous Birthday with many, many more to enjoy!

Vintajia Adornments said...

Happy Birthday LeAnne. Some gifts cannot be wrapped in anything but love

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday Leann. Your African Violets have the most wondrous hues. Terrific that your son was able to share your day. May the coming year be blessed and bountiful for you and your family.

lunedreams said...

happy birthday yesterday!! sounds like an awesome one.

Kirsten said...

Awww.... What a lovely post Leann! Happy birthday and best wishes for many more! So glad that your son has come home safely. He has great taste- gorgeous African violets!