Sunday, January 19, 2025

Sunday, January 19, 2025

Tonight's picture was taken in January of 2006. Mattie was three and half years old. I was the parent helper that day, so that meant that I got to assist the teachers and also get to know all the children. I am so happy that Mattie went to a coop-preschool, and I got to experience these moments right alongside him. As parent helper, that also meant that I was responsible for bringing in snacks for all the children. I got to learn quickly what the children gravitated to, so I always baked something and had some kind of fruit! Mattie's teacher snapped this photo of the two of us, and I am so glad she did because I look upon that time fondly. In fact, many of my friends who are still a part of my life today, I met at this special school. 

Quote of the day: The meaning of things lies not in the things themselves, but in our attitude towards them. ~ Antoine de Saint-Exupery

So far 2025 has been the year of snow! It snowed again today. My neighbor who typically helps me dig out is traveling. He alerted me to this, so I knew I had to be resourceful today to manage the snow. The only way to manage snow is to constantly go outside and dig out before it piles up and becomes unmanageable. Thankfully today's snow was wet and slushy, making it much easier than the heavy snow of two weeks ago. Typically I am not a cold weather person, but I viewed going outside today as a blessing. I needed fresh air and to see the peacefulness of the falling snow. As odd as that sounds, one has to look for the small and simple moments in life. 

Mattie loved the snow. Not so much sledding, but the possibility to create and build snow structures was right up his alley. I know if Mattie were alive today, he would be outside and right alongside me. It is hard to believe that Mattie would be 22 years old. Of which only 7 of those years, was he actually alive. I knew 7 years old Mattie, but I have no idea what 22 year old Mattie would be like. Which is upsetting as his mom but I also feel his death is a loss to our world. What I do know, regardless of age, was Mattie and I would have always been close and there would be no way he would have me outside shoveling snow alone. 

Between shoveling and doing Foundation work, I also cooked a whole chicken and I am in the process of making chicken broth from the carcass. 

My daily existence is challenging, but snow days are even worse, because I am trapped at home. Some people love that feeling, but I am not one of them.