Two years ago I celebrated my 40th birthday. Surrounded by friends and family in a house I’d bought six years earlier, in many ways my life was everything I’d ever wanted. My 30th birthday was spent in New York City … Continue reading
The idea was preposterous. A baby. How would that happen? Branch was supposed to be my one and only chance to parent an infant. That didn’t work out. Though he should have come to me early on, it was two … Continue reading
Today, Branch is 4 years old. The call saying he’d arrived in the world came while I was shopping for books with my friend who would be his foster mother. We’d been expecting him. There was so much certainty surrounding … Continue reading
Today Athena turned 9.
Every birthday reminds me of the first one I spent with her. Three months after she came to me, Athena turned 2. She was tiny and timid. All the balloons and streamers at that first celebration made her smile and laugh.
I had no idea I’d be with her in years to come. At that point, each day contained a measure of uncertainty. Neither of us knew what the future held. I did all I could to make that one day memorable.
Since then, birthdays have become more subdued. Now that I know she’s here forever, there isn’t the same urgency.
This year, away from the bakeries and friends we relied on for spectacular cakes, I did my best to deliver. Thankfully, Athena was sufficiently impressed.
While being 8, Athena has blossomed in confidence. She loves writing stories about the animals encountered on the island. She loves to dance and do flips on the monkey bars. She loves to help out around the house – making school lunches with me each night.
She’s kind and considerate. Athena loves to make us laugh. She’s intelligent and creative. She’s absolutely amazing.
In every way, Athena continues to grow in grace and stature. So excited to see what’s in store for my girl this year!
Slightly more than a year ago, my sister called to say, “You should move to Wolfe Island!” Something in me instantly replied, “Yes!” Though I’d never been and knew very little of the area, the kids and I set out … Continue reading
