In November, my daughter was diagnosed with Alopecia Areata, and since then I have heard it mentioned, referenced and met advocates more than ever before. It’s like when we were facing infertility nine years ago, and suddenly I was surrounded by pregnant people in every movie theater or grocery store, and comforted by similar stories of others who were struggling as well.
So much of what happens
and how we view things,
seems inexorably linked to our
awareness.
If we are
looking…
seeking…
contemplating…
we find we’re not alone,
and that He provides
precisely what we need.
Today, it was
a one-block walk on untrodden snow, my hands wrapped around the mittened fingers of my two blessings.
a mother’s offer for hot soup and warm conversation that I couldn’t afford, but absolutely needed.
a delivered meal with a side of encouragement to new parents giddy with love, joy and sleep deprivation.
a conversation of encouragement with a complete stranger as we waited for polish to dry.
a quiet hour covered with a favorite blanket on a warm couch,
a child’s kiss on my cheek, and his willingness to let me rest.
a selfless spouse rising to make the meal I’d planned, but didn’t have the energy to produce.
a flurry of conversation, laughter and listening as we learn.
And sometimes, each of these
individually
are wonderful.
But all these things together,
wrapped up
in
around, and
through
creates a deeper
connection.
A sense of love,
joy,
peace
and patience.