Thankful for coffee

Yes. You read that right. It's November and everyone is showing their gratitude for the important things in life. Spouses children health.... and I am thankful for coffee? Trust me, I am overwhelmingly thankful for many more significant things than this and I promise - justice will be served to each and every one. But for today? It's about the java.


For me, my love of coffee has very little to do with the caffeine jolt (although I never get decaf because the fully loaded always taste better!) and lots to do with the cozy feeling that goes along with a warm cup. Meaningful conversations with the people I love often happen over a cup of coffee. From one person's 6-shot-espresso-with-extra-flavor-and-chocolate to another's shade-grown-beans-french-press-brewed-with-agave-and-soy-milk concoctation - they all seem to mirror the pesonality of the one who drinks it. I also find that coffee dates are the starting point for many new friendships. ("We should meet for coffee sometime!")


I love that just-right feeling of having coffee in hand before a long road trip, and the smell of a freshly brewed pot at home which adds a peaceful and comfortable sense of routine. And I'll just call it like it is folks. I think it all boils down the the fact that I feel like a grown up when I drink it. Thanks Joe!

Thankful

A few months ago a good friend told me about an accident her son had where he fell off a bunk bed and got a concussion. Naturally, I was empathetic and felt bad for her and her little man. It didn't make a huge impression on me though. It just seemed like one of those tales of parenthood that everybody has and I didn't "get it". I saw it through the light of the happy ending and it didn't sink in how scary this actually was to experience.

Last night I had one of those experiences. It changed my perspective on such parenting experiences. Aly and Peyton were goofing around before bed. The 7-year-old fell on the 2-year-old. I turned around to see her red-faced and clutching her side with the strangest cry coming out. I could see that she had gotten the wind knocked out of her. I scooped her up and patted her back and tried blowing in her face to get her to breathe again. Only instead of getting her breathing rhythm back she went completely limp in my arms and her eyes rolled back in her head. I laid her down on the couch and she began twitching as though she was going to have a seizure. This was NOT what I had expected. I panicked and called 911 and in the process totally lost it on my other 2 kids who were not in any way understanding what was happening.

Before I had even finished my call with 911 Peyton had snapped out of whatever happened and I didn't even have them come out. She was so totally fine, but needless to say - I was not. I will never forget that feeling or forget the way she looked - so incredibly vulnerable. It has made me very thankful for many things today. I am so thankful that little miss Peyton is 100% fine. I am thankful for my husband who came right home to check us out and calm me down. Thankful for Noah who in his 11-year-old-wisdom prayed for Peyton when I was to flustered to form a complete sentence. Also, thankful for good friends who I can count on to come over on a moments notice and helpt me "debrief".

Life is good.