Hello Family and Friends!There are times in each of our lives when we are graced with the presence of true angels on earth... individuals who are so caring, selfless and encouraging despite hell or high-waters.
Mimi, Kelli and my mom. Three stunningly gorgeous women. Their radiating beauty is a reflection of their souls. These three women have encountered challenge after challenge in life… and have ultimately grown stronger as a result of their respective circumstances. Trials only make them more positive, loving and encouraging... traits which I strive to emulate daily.
I am learning that everything in life happens for a reason. Do I still have questions? Most definitely. Why do wretched circumstances happen to innocent and good people? Why is there so much pain in the world? I have no idea. But I am absolutely certain that angels are sent to each of us throughout our lives. Sometimes only for a season… sometimes for a longer duration. Sometimes we get knocked down, but we can reach to our angels for positive encouragement, support and love.
We all face adversity at some point in our lives… it is inevitable. However, during trials we reach to those things in our life which are solid, inspirational, constant and never-failing. More often than not, help arrives via those we least expect.I was back in Ohio for the Fourth of July – celebrating the independence of our nation with family and friends. Michael and I were finally able to meet our little nephew... Jonah-man!! Although only five months old, he helped me to see what truly matters in life... not fortune, fame or outlandish circumstances... but family and friends. My family adoringly crowded around the jovial infant during our entire vacation together.
There is something so captivating about a baby’s pure innocence and joy. His belly-laugh and bright-eyed, wide-mouth stare found me laughing more often than not. Not a care in the world, but loving life. I see why my mom referred to her children as her "lil angels."So Red, White and Boom.
Always a good time had by all. (What is there not to like about glittering fire-smacks orchestrated to music?!) The visit was filled with laughing (wow, what a surprise!), grilling burgers and brats (thank you, friend!) and eating stellar food! My family also had the opportunity to watch my little cousin’s baseball game. I loved dusting off my old cheerleading skills for Blake and his UA teammates... "Come on, Nathan! Get your head in the game!!!"I was also able to celebrate my upcoming birthday with my parents at my all-time favorite restaurant ever... The Refectory!! I was so thankful that my parents had the opportunity to see the kitchen (where I worked and absolutely ADORED my job last year), as well as to visit with the owner, Kamal and "my boys" in the back (and Jenn too!) Service was impeccable (as usual) and our dishes were absolutely amazing. Granted, nothing in this world is "perfect" – but it was a pretty darn amazing night. I miss the hard work, comradery and high-paced kitchen environment. However, I know that one day I shall return to my true passion of culinary arts.
Still many questions about the future. However, the uncertainty of the future makes life beautiful. We never know what tomorrow will bring. We never know who will enter our lives. Who we will have the opportunity to help and encourage? Who will cross our paths in order to help us? But we must always be ready to offer a helping hand, to listen to those in pain, to encourage the broken-hearted and to consider others first. "Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it..."
Because more often than not... we’re dancing with angels...
All my love from Arizona!!!SB :)
PS- I am absolutely captivated with the lightning show outside... Arizona storms are amazing... but that will be for another blog :)
