Blessings in Disguise

I know I've been a bit whiny the past week or so, complaining about giving up my freedom, independence, and serene solitude. Yesterday I got to see a little gift in our current circumstances: Bug and his grandma.

We moved away from family when Michael was only fifteen months old. He's grown up without his sister, grandparents, or cousins. Over the years he's kind of adopted other grandparents and extended family through church and neighbors. Kind, sweet people who've embraced him and loved him and made us all feel like family.

When we had the opportunity to move home again a couple years ago, I was happy that Michael would actually have the chance to finally get to know his grandmother and cousins. No longer would we have to spend birthdays and holidays with just the three of us. Still, there are only so many of those 'special' days, and we've not had as much time with family as I thought we would and now we're moving on once more. Fortunately, this move will take us to be with Bill's family, and Michael will have his sister and more cousins around, and a chance to know that side of the family now.

Yesterday was the first day of a four day weekend from school for Michael. We have bowling plans the last three days of the break, but nothing was scheduled for Friday other than a trip to our favorite Chinese buffet: the Fortune Star. We stuffed ourselves silly, full of crab rangoon, stir-fry green beans, egg foo yung and more...Michael couldn't wait to show Grandma his dessert concoction of pudding, chocolate cake, cookies 'n cream ice cream, all smashed up with fortune cookies. Yeah, it looks pretty gross, but he makes it every time we eat there, and you kinda have to admit--what could be wrong with a combination like that?

After we came home, Bug and Grandma played a few games, then cuddled on the couch, gabbing away. Michael is as much of a talker as Grandma is, and the two of them prattled on most of the afternoon. It melted my heart to see him so happy. As frustrated as I have felt, I'm really thankful that the two of them have this time together--this gift in the darkness, a light of love...makes the rest seem easier to bear.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." ~Matthew 11:28-30

Pigging out at Fortune Star--such manners...