Celebrating Life and Death

It has been a very long and interesting week to say the least.
Last Friday Ryan and I celebrated five wonderful years of marriage. We reflected on how hard we have worked and how far we have come in five short years. It feels so wonderful to have found someone who knows me inside and out, is there for me through good times and bad, supports me, and is truly my best friend. Ryan is a wonderful husband and father and I feel lucky to be able to share the rest of our lives together. Charlie also enjoyed himself at Mimi and Poppa's house for a few days, he never even thought about Mom and Dad while he was being spoiled rotten as always!
We also celebrated both of our birthdays Sunday and Monday. We are both so blessed to have family and friends who care so much about us and shower us with love. We have had more cake than I would like to report, flowers, cards, and wonderful food!
Sometimes it stinks to share your birthday...but I always look forward to that week in July when we are spoiled together.
Unfortunately with good, sometimes comes the bad. My incredibly sweet father-n-law, lost his father to cancer early last week and our hearts and prayers went out to Mike and his family in West Virginia. Then on Friday, my uncle lost his battle to cancer way too young. It was heart wrenching to watch my cousins watch their father suffer and lose his life so young. He is definitely in a better place and finally breathing and living without burden or regret. His service was so beautiful and my cousins and aunt showed their strength and grace. The dinner and reception afterward at my aunts beautiful home proved our family's love and support for one another.
Often in life, difficult periods transform and enlighten our views. This week we have celebrated life and death, and with that lots of love and thankfulness as well.

Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.
-- Marcel Proust