TABOO TRUTHS

I can  see my children at any age.  Their ponytails, their toothless smiles, their round plump cheeks….  It’s a true blessing bestowed upon a mother.  The ability to relive a lifetime with our children simply by closing our eyes.

A joyous and momentous occasion took place at the end of January.  My youngest daughter, Courtney reached a milestone.  She now joins the ranks of us who can retire to a quiet pub and enjoy a spirited beverage of her choice!  Our Taboo Truth threesome celebrated this event by venturing to New York City.  We stayed right in the heart of the city, Times Square and tirelessly scoured the city…enveloping ourselves in its warmth and vigor.  More to come on that subject.

Turning inward to explore my feelings of this moment in time has made me melancholy and anticipatory.  As with all children, Courtney breathed a new life into our family.  She has always had a mind of her own.  Always pushed to have her feelings or thought known.  Even at the innocent age of 3.  In many ways I see much of myself in her.  Not the child I was, but the woman life has molded me to be.  As I’ve observed her through these many years there have been moments when I wish I would have had her self confidence and diligence at such a young age.

As with both my girls, creativity drives Courtney’s soul.  She has been writing stories and plays since the age of 7.  Her ability to craft characters, think transcendently and image worlds that are crafted from what her minds sees is an amazing journey to witness.  As a child she was insightful and witty.  Never failing to toss a cute or funny comment into a conversation at just the right time.  Though small in stature, she be mighty in purpose!  Courtney has always felt comfort in times of solitude.  In the warm Michigan summers she would spend hours swinging listening to her “walkman” or lazily swaying on the suspended lounge dragging her toes in the sand of our backyard.  It wasn’t unusual for me to realize after hours in our home on a particular day, I had not seen her!  Without fail I would find her in her room nuzzled with a book.  Courtney has always been an avid reader!  Both my girls LOVED  me to read books to them nightly and Courtney’s love of the written word has never wavered.

Since our relocation to Virginia, Courtney and I have gained a closer connection that may not have been possible living Michigan.  We clung to each other in times of doubt and frustration.  It gave us the opportunity that Lindsay and I had to connect on a unique level.  I can truly say that she has grown to become one of my very best friends and has taught me as much as I her.  How lucky I am, to have my daughters evolve to become friends!  Courtney has brought back my love to write, encouraging me at every step.  She sees what you may not, she loves even in times you may be undeserving, she is loyal to those who know her inner being, she is tireless in her pursuit of self fulfillment and she is, and always will be my little munchkin.  Happy Birthday my love.  I love you with every breath…for what you have been, for all you are and the excitement of what is yet to come!  

My daughter and I made the trip to Michigan yet again over the Easter holiday weekend.  Spending time with my family, seeing friends and breathing in that Michigan air that feeds my strength are always good justifications convincing me to put my butt in that car seat for another 20 hour ride.  This time however I had one additional purpose…to clear out the storage unit I’ve paid for since my move to VA.  Yes, I had a 10 x 4 foot unit housing the treasures I left behind and couldn’t fathom losing!

Really?  After almost 4 years of surviving without those “treasures”, kept safe in a cozy little storage facility I decided it was time!  If I hadn’t needed or missed them by now, I no longer did.  So my daughter Lindsay, her boyfriend and I began the task of deciding what could be given away, what was trash (and there was plenty!) and what sentiment  would not let me live without.  It took several hours, a “three car filled” trip to St. Vincent De Paul donations and a load of junk to dispose of but….we accomplished our goal.  I had only a few buried bits of gold I could not let go.  One was the rocking chair that resided in the nursery of both girls.

Purging is a wonderful feeling!  There is nothing that gives equal satisfaction and fulfillment to let go of things in ones life that weighs…pulling you into the past.  Objects that may have once been precious but have no further purpose.  My tip for today?  Clear your space and your mind!  It does wonders for the soul.

What are you willing to let go?

Next week my Dad turns 70 years old!  Hard to believe.  I’m heading back to Michigan to celebrate with my family.  The last several weeks have worn on my soul and placing my feet on Michigan soil will do me much good!

My sisters and I have been contemplating how to approach this momentous event.  A roast?  Party?  Trip?  With the date coming closer my Dad expressed, in NO uncertain terms, he wants no party!  A bit disappointing since I don’t have the opportunity to see my extended family very often but it is his birthday.  My siblings and I have come up with a gift idea that I hope he will love and use!  I’ve never been able to call my Dad…my Father.  Our relationship is one of comfort, love, realness and yelling…sometimes.  He is and always will be the rock in my life.  We are far to similar in personality for there never to be challenges.  As with many Dad’s, he is always there for me.  Though his expectations are high, he always wants only my happiness.  After being the care-giver for my Mom before her passing and all he’s done for myself and siblings…all we want is his happiness!  It appears he may have met someone recently!  What a joy it would be to see his heart full again…

He is considered the “Godfather” of our Maino family.  The last of the elders.  So is celebrating expected???  ABSO-FRICKIN-LUTELY!