Lucy

Photo by Elle-Emme-Be Photography

Today my baby girl turns 3 so today's post is all about her.

“Lucy” means light and though we had the name picked out even before her older brother was born, I don’t think there is another name more fitting for her. She is truly illuminating—from her almost permanent grin and accompanying dimples, to the sprightly way she walks, to the improvised songs she sings to herself. I find it hard to not smile when I think of her.

She is also our dare devil. Our kids share a room and we have contemplated moving them from their toddler beds to bunk beds. But Lucy’s courageous spirit causes us to pause. She would be the one to clothespin a towel to her shirt and attempt to “fly” off the top bunk. I envy her moxy. I was that kid who climbed to the highest tower at the pool but was too afraid to jump.

Though she is only 3 years old, Lucy has taught me so much:

• Sometimes you just gotta dance.
• If you get hurt, seek comfort, calm down, and then get over it.
• Skipping is a lot more fun than walking.
• Get as many hugs and kisses you can each day.
• The science behind airplanes is fascinating. Nothing that big should fly.
• Your brother is and will be your closest friend. Treasure him.
• Always have your lovey within reach.
• It doesn’t matter if your clothes match or even fit right. If you wear them with confidence then you’re well-dressed.
• Food is better if it is experienced, not just eaten.
• Snuggle time is mandatory.

Photo by Elle-Emme-Be Photography

I am so thankful God has blessed us with Lucy. She is an incredible gift. 

“Children are a gift from the LORD;
they are a reward from him.” 

Psalm 127:3

Though I do not feel worthy of such reward, I thank God often for it.

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Vintage

This morning I got ready for work in my normal hurried routine—shower, get dressed, drink a cup of coffee while I do my hair and makeup, brush teeth, put on my shoes and jewelry, grab my lunch and travel mug, and out the door.

I didn't think much about it, but when I did my jewelry step I grabbed a petite necklace with a small charm on it. It is gold with a peach-toned glass flower, similar to a geranium.
My gram gave me the necklace when I visited my grandparents at 21. She told me she received it when she was in her early 20s. I don't remember who gave it to her though.

Later in the day one of my coworkers commented on it and asked me if it was vintage. I smiled and said "yes" then returned to my office, smiling as I mulled over the word "vintage." I never thought of my gram as vintage. However, upon looking it up in the dictionary I found several definitions and one in particular really stood out—"characterized by excellence, maturity, and enduring appeal; classic." That was my gram! Enduring appeal. Classic.

I miss her so much. I know we will one day be together again but that knowledge doesn't fill the void. I didn't get enough time.

Not having enough time is a big part of the reason why I've taken a month+ from this blog. I've written plenty, but didn't post any of it. It was all too personal or left me too vulnerable. But they all had a common theme of not having enough time with the ones I love and not appreciating the little time we do have together to develop vintage relationships.

So there's no aha message, no inspiration, or no morale of the story to this post. Just a bit of encouragement...  

• Savor every moment with the ones you love.
• Take advantage of living in the same time zone, area code, or zip code.
• Teach your children the value and preciousness of older generations.
• Teens, your parents are not your enemies, obey them. (You will understand in 10 years.)
• There is nothing like a family dinner at the dining table—whether you dine on PBJ sandwiches or prime rib.
• Praise God always, when you laugh together and cry together.
• Strive to be vintage.

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