Life Lately: A Heavy Heart

This morning I sent my girls back to school. I'm always emotional on this day of the year, and especially this year. We had a wonderful summer filled with days where we packed it all in and days where we did little to nothing at all.

I am excited for a new school year for both Emma and Harper, but selfishly, I will miss them. The pitter patter of their feet as they come down the stairs hankering for breakfast. I'll miss the slightly annoying yet endearing, "What are we going to do today, mama?" Yes, I have to admit that I will miss the flip flops and Sanuks strewn randomly all over the house and the constant dinging of phones with notifications from friends asking which beach they can find us at today.

The fact of the matter is I like my daughters. They are fun to hang out with. Their laughter is infectious, and we share interests, which makes it easy and effortless to be with them. I won't lie. They fight. And those fights are doozies. They are 13 and 9 after all, the prime age for bickering with your sibling. But things could be worse.

As I watched the news last night, I was heartbroken to see the Syrian refugees. My life is so far removed from theirs. I struggle to walk 5 miles on the treadmill, and the refugees are walking over 100 miles to reach freedom. This kind of suffering is very difficult for me to watch especially when it involves babies and small children. It really puts things into perspective. Needless to say, I was ever so thankful last night as I packed the girls' lunches and had a full refrigerator and pantry to choose from.

I like to keep things light here on the blog, but the refugee situation weighs heavily on me. The images are heart wrenching. The issue helps me to keep perspective. It's so easy to take our own fortunes and freedoms for granted.

On a lighter note, I got to meet my new great niece on Sunday, and she is a doll! She is three weeks old and an absolute gem. My sister-in-law had a little Labor Day get together, and I took every chance I could to hold the precious little dumpling.

It's almost time to pick my middle schooler up from school. I can't wait to hear all about her day, which means I'll be lucky if she gives me a sentence or two. But I'll take it!