Whoopsy!
I accidentally found my birthday gift today.
I was literally waiting for the mail and a package to be delivered to the house all day.
So I busied myself as I waited, by cleaning the kitchen, sweeping the floors, folding clothes…
Then …I decided to clean up the spare bedroom.
And that’s when I accidentally found it.
A card and a gift bag.
With my name on it.
In the dresser drawer.
As soon as I opened up the card, I saw it was from Justin’s mother, Jaynane.
And, then I saw the words “Happy Birthday!” I immediately stuffed the card back into the bag. My birthday isn’t for 2 more weeks!!
At first, I felt terrible for accidentally stumbling upon the gift bag.
But, then I realized how great it made me feel — so loved — so thought of!
Jaynane must have left the gift for me after she stayed with us for the holidays, and I’m sure she didn’t think I would find it.
The irony here is that Jaynane has been THE gift to me.
She was Mama Sling’s best friend. She’s been like a mother to me in so many wonderful ways… before, during and after my mother’s death.
It’s nice to have someone in my life who knows just what I need, when I need it — like a mother.
(Like leaving a surprise gift in the spare bedroom dresser drawer.)
It also made me remember how much I love the bonds of family — both those who are related by love and those who are related by blood.
And that brings me to… my gift today.
My gift today was a simple note of love to my sister, Dawn.
Mostly, I told her how much I love her and her amazing laughter. She has the best laugh ever. Her laugh fills a room. It is extremely contagious.
I love my sister’s laugh because it’s so powerful it makes me cry — like sidesplitting, wipe your eyes, can’t stop crying laughter.
And I don’t think I’ve ever told her that.
It almost felt like a gift to me, to say that to her.
I suppose there are many more gifts that will surface over this year of giving and abundance. And I can’t wait to find them.
{Do you need to say something to someone in your life that you love?}
More tomorrow.
Lovemore,
Jamie
P.S. Jaynane, I promise not to open my birthday gift until my real, actual, birthday! Promise.
P.P.S. Speaking of promises… you can make your own here: The Promise Daily
I promise I will send you good wishes on your birthday, as I do every day when I read the Promise, but – when is it?
Jan 26!! Love you Miss D. xo~Jamie