Home again

I went back to see my family last month, after too long away.  There were some beautiful moments--brunch with my mom, shopping for a coat with my dad. Breakfast with one brother, lunch with my sister.  I saw my youngest niece and realized again how beautiful she is.  She has changed so much since we last hung out, but it was a joy to have this time with her.  We talked about some serious stuff, cooked dinner together, went for a long walk. They were precious moments that came on the heels of some time to talk with my kid brother.  All rare things with me living several provinces away.

I enjoyed a zoo day with my niece, her daughter, and a very good friend.  The Edmonton zoo is tiny, but when you're six it's big enough for adventure.  What a blessing my grand-niece is.  She is a polite girl, full of joy coloured with a wee bit of mischief.  I am so proud of my niece who has chosen to put the happiness of her children above all else.  It hasn't been easy but she is making it work and because I see the kids so seldom, it is a joy to realize what a great job she is doing.

The rest of the visit included a few visits with friends--and sadly, there is never enough time to see them all.  I sat with a few new friends, listened to their stories, and thought again how blessed I am. I have people who love me on both sides of the country, and have made choices for a life that makes me happy.  I don't know why it is that it takes so long for us humans to sort that out.  I only know that it is such a gift when we do.

One of my favourite moments on the trip was after zoo day, when the four of us went out for noodles.  My grand-niece corrected us after a comical prayer and offered to show us how to do it properly.  After insisting that we close our eyes, she began with great solemnity.

"God", she said and then paused for a long time before continuing.  "Thank you for the world so sweet, thank you for the food we eat".

At this point, I was able to join in and help her finish with "Thank you for the birds that sing.  Thank you God, for everything".

What struck me most was that pause, that moment of making sure she was ready to have this conversation.  I imagined my grandmother beaming at it all.  And I promised myself to start paying attention like that in the future.