If you read my last post, you read of my daughter’s life threatening accident.  This past week has been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride, filled with ups, downs, and more emotional strain than I think I have ever experienced.  But in these last few days, I’ve also learned many lessons that I believe will help me be a better Mom, Wife, friend, and person in general.

Firstly, the old cliché that “Life is short” became very real to me this week. I had flashes of losing my daughter more times than I can count, and moving forward I will truly do my best to embrace EACH DAY.  I won’t nag my youngest about housework when she wants to put on a fashion show, or worry about whether or not I’ve perfectly folded the tee-shirts and socks.  I will spend MORE time living, and less time worrying about meaningless crap.

Secondly, I was reminded how very important being kind is this week.  Be it a phone call, a text message, A fruit basket in the hospital, a card in the mail or flowers for my daughter ALL these acts of kindness helped ease my stress.  And in receiving such amazing support, I’ve been given the gentle reminder that support goes both ways.  I’ve often let a busy life be an excuse for not reaching out…well, no more.

Thirdly, the saying “Laughter is the best medicine” really IS true. J needed help in bathing again today, and as I helped her get dressed she smiled.  Just an hour prior she was irritable and grumpy (expected side effects of the injury and medications she is on), so her smile was welcomed.  I offered her my gel deodorant to use, so she took it gently and applied it under her arms.  “It feels funny,” she said, and then started laughing.  It was a gentle, quiet laugh to which she said, “I don’t even know why I’m laughing.” I just smiled with tears in my eyes.  What music to my ears it was to hear her laugh.

Lastly, do what you love, and love what you do.  Having been in the hospital for half the week, and the other half just plain exhausted I haven’t cooked or been running.  So tonight my hubby and I tag teamed dinner.  He was on grill duty, and I made some yummy sweet potato and red pepper mash.  I don’t have an exact recipe, but here goes:

Sweet potato and Red pepper Mash

2 sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed

1 red pepper, chopped

2 cloves of garlic, minced

Seasonings: crushed red pepper flakes, kosher salt, pepper, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper

2 tablespoons of butter

Boil the potatoes in water until fork tender.  Reserve about a cup of the water.  While the potatoes are boiling, sauté the garlic, peppers and crushed red pepper flakes  for 5-7 minutes until tender.  (I sauté in extra virgin olive oil over medium to high heat-drain grease)

Combine everything to include the seasonings in to a food processor, and add the reserved water little by little to ensure the taters don’t get runny.

Tomorrow I’ll hit the trails running with my dear friend for a nice 13 mile run.  There will more than likely be tears, laughter, more tears, and much needed release of stress.  But my miles will be dedicated to my daughter, as she is the toughest little fighter I’ve ever met, and I am so blessed to have her in my life.

Thanks everyone, for your continued love, prayers, and support.  We are movin’ forward!!!

xoxo!

❤ Michelle