Gratitude

Mike trying to look like Jasper! In't he cute?!

Mr. Cool!

The breathtaking organ at The Cathedral of Saints Peter & Paul where the Civic Chorale performed.

K. Sutherland, 5 ... M. Sutherland, 15 ... I never realized when I proposed this blog to be a family project that it would turn into something of a competition. (Not that Michael sees it that way.) But quite obviously from my perspective, I'm gettin' my butt whooped here! So, here's my attempt to catch up ...

Since Michael has already reported on our recent trip to Maine, and my lesson today in oil based paint, it's only suiting that I note the day in between. Yesterday, was probably one of the most enjoyable days in recent weeks, at least for me anyway. Michael and I started off the day with our obligatory coffee and internet session on the couch until we motivated each other to get to the gym before noon. (On our way home from Maine the day before Michael remembered that the wedding of his long time friend, Allison, was this Saturday and we had been planning to attend.) The work out felt especially good after having not been to the gym in nearly 3 days and indulging quite a bit while out of town. Not to mention just a great way to start the day! After hitting the shower and getting spiffed up for the wedding ceremony, we headed off to the church in Cranston.

Attending a wedding as a newly married couple ourselves proved to be a nice reminder of our own love, and the vows we made to one another only a few months ago. Although Mike and I are still discovering what makes each other tick, we've both learned quite a bit about the other in a very short time, often making it feel as though we've been married much longer than we actually have. Witnessing Allison and Richard's ceremony caused me to reflect on our own and all the events leading up to it. My courtship to Michael, as most of you know, was exceptionally romantic, rapid, and intense not unlike an on-screen love affair! With the onset of reality, things have of course settled down now, we've come to develop routines around or with each other, and needless to say, share nearly all our emotions (even the not so pretty ones). The wedding yesterday enabled flashbacks of our whirlwind romance to frolic around in my mind a while leaving me feeling emotionally refreshed!

We continued to enjoy the bright, summer like day by riding home with the top down in the Z, promptly changing into some scrubs, and heading back out to the local beach for a picnic lunch! We chatted briefly between bites of sandwich, but mostly just sat side by side enjoying the warm shade, gentle breeze, and the comfort of companionship. Clearly Michael continues to be stressed over not being able to find work, despite his gallant efforts ... but it's moments like that, that I cherish most. And although I find myself getting slightly more anxious too these days, I am so deeply grateful for every moment ... even those in silence, that we share together!

That evening as I watched Michael perform with the Rhode Island Civic Chorale this gratitude I'd been feeling all day began to overwhelm me. The music trickled into my ears, and down my spine, pulsing out through each finger and toe. My gaze fixated on the man I've come to see in so many different lights, as the precious life we created danced inside me. The reality of how drastically everything has changed in less than a year sank ever more deeply with each note. The fears Michael and I face these days suddenly became so minuscule in comparison to that life I left behind. Money, was the only comfort I had a year ago, however in lacking amongst all other aspects of life, simply made it impossible to enjoy. The priceless value of being surround by family, supported by your partner, and creating new life as a result of love is what sets my mind at ease now, because without those things life just isn't worth living ... and with them, not much else matters!