Today I awaken to a silent house. For the first time in days, I am alone. Brian is off at work, family and friends are back to their normal routine, and I am left here, in my quiet house, with my thoughts.
Too easily could I get swept away by all the terrible things that have happened in the last twenty-four hours. My heart is broken for those families and teachers, first-responders and hospital staff. I have not had a moment to shed tears for them yet. Up until now there has been enough to keep my mind occupied.
But instead I choose to cling stubbornly, selfishly, to the happy moments of the past several days. We've had so much to celebrate, so many things to be grateful for, so many reasons to smile.
Brian's pride as he welcomed friends and family---a veritable entourage---to his graduation ceremony on Wednesday...
My own glee at watching my husband reach for his dreams, and succeed.
Being surrounded by friends and family---some related by blood, most related by love---on our important occasion.
Laughter, fun, friendships that feel more like family...
To those who carved time out of their busy lives to celebrate with us this week; for the phone calls and text messages and cards and Facebook messages; for those who braved the rain and the cold to attend the ceremony; to those we love the most, we send you a heartfelt thanks. You made an important day into a party. And we were humbled and overwhelmed by the love we felt.
And from me to each and every one of you, a hearty thanks for making my husband feel like a total rock star, because even though I remind him of that status every day, I don't think he always hears me.
So today I will reminisce. I will relive those moments of jubilation and joviality. I will wrap myself up in those feelings. I will remind myself of all we have to be grateful for. I will hug my family tighter, tell my friends that I love them, and focus my attention on living this life to the fullest. And I will smile today, even though my heart weeps for others who know not my joy. That is the greatest gift I can give to myself and to the world today. And I have you, our nearest and dearest, to thank for it.
...but if I was, I don't think I'd be the type to sneak into people's houses and steal their valuables. Don't get me wrong, I like diamond tennis bracelets and antique vases just as much as the next girl, but if I were an internationally-known thief, it wouldn't be trinkets I would poach.
It would be people's attributes.
Reader says, "WHA?"
You see, there are so many people that I love and admire, and if I could take those things I see in them all for myself, I could build a better me. Here's a run-down of the attributes I covet the most.
1. Brian's Sense of Wonder
My husband has always been the guy who's not afraid to live out his childhood as a 31-year-old "grown-up." He's the guy you see riding the shopping cart downhill. The one who checks out the toy aisles of every store, looking for that elusive Transformer to add to his collection. The guy who buys funny t-shirts, just because he knows they'll get a reaction out of somebody. I so admire that about him. It's the attribute of his I'd most like to steal.
2. Dad's Endless Positivity
My father is the eternal optimist. I am the total opposite. My Dad has been through more than most, and yet he always maintains a positive outlook on life. Things will always get better. One day, he's going to win the lottery, and we'll all have new cars and big houses, and we'll finally open that family-operated Irish pub he dreams about. It will happen, because he believes it will happen. So Dad, watch your back. I'm coming for your optimism.
3. Mom's (Hidden) Courage
(Sidebar--I love this picture. It was taken moments after Mom and Dad renewed their wedding vows at a surprise ceremony we threw for them back in 2005. So sweet.)
You may not be able to tell by my mother's sweet appearance, but this woman has the courage of a champion. She battled breast cancer, and won, like Xena the Warrior Princess. She faced move after move after move like a trooper, and can pack like a professional mover. She stood by and held me up when my husband was sick, even though I know she was trembling inside. She may cry at commercials, but my Mom's courage is the attribute I'd most like to steal from her.
4. Adam's Ability to Laugh At Himself
My baby brother is, hands down, the funniest person I know. This kid can tell a story like no other, and he'll have you rolling in the aisles before it's over. He's always willing to put himself into a slightly embarrassing position, especially if it means he'll get laughs. He's the life of the party, and the older we get, the more fun we have together. He's a hoot...I want to be a hoot, too.
5. Heather's Sense of Loyalty
Think of the most loyal person you know. Loyal down to the very last fiber of their being. That's Heather. She's unwavering in her support and love for me, and my husband. She's always willing to drop everything if I need her (and that's saying something for a mother of 3 young boys.) For instance, let's say I decide to run off and join the circus. I'm convinced that when I call Heather to tell her of my newfound desire to be a clown, her response will be something like, "Make sure you let me know when you'll be coming through our neck of the woods---I'm sure the boys would love to see you in your clown costume!"
6. Sam's "It" Factor
Sam was Brian's friend first. I stole him. (Wait...maybe I AM a cat burglar...) Why would I steal my husband's friend? That's easy. Sam is the single-most likeable person on the face of this planet, and all the others, too. He's charming, witty, caring, funny, and down-right adorable. If I could bottle the "It" factor that Sam possesses in spades, we'd all be rich and famous. Ask anyone who knows or has recently met Sam. They'll all agree. In fact, shortly after I met Sam, I contemplated starting an "I Heart Sam" fan club. With t-shirts and buttons and bumper stickers. The whole nine yards. Somehow, I think that might embarrass him a little. But I know I'd have legions of Sam Fans beating down the door to join.
7. Becca's Sense of Adventure
Becca and I have been friends since Bill Clinton was in the White House. We were 12 when we met in the 7th grade, and have been fast friends ever since. One day soon I promise to tell you stories about Mr. T, singing to a chicken tender, interpretive dance in the car, and the water balloon incident of 99. One day...
Adventure is Becca's middle name. Who wants to go to Ireland for the week of St. Patty's Day? Becca. Who wants to drive to Florida for the weekend? Becca. Who wants to travel the world and take in all there is to see? Becca. Who turns every visit into a memorable experience that we'll talk about when we're 80? Becca. She's afraid of nothing, she's ready for anything, and don't crack jokes about making an impromptu visit to Timbuktu because she has her passport ready. I wish I could be that way. I can't even dream of taking a trip without first planning out every detail, from where we'll stay to what we'll eat to themed playlists for the car ride.
8. Jenna's Grace
Meet Jenna, formerly known as my college roommate. Once upon a time, she and I lived with a man now known as my husband. It was like Three's Company, without the gay references and Mr. Roper. Jenna is many things: beautiful, intelligent, hilarious, engaging. She is also addicted to many of the same things I am addicted to: coffee, cute babies (particularly her son Jacob), Buffy the Vampire Slayer, the great American novel. But I think the thing I admire most about Jenna is her quiet grace. She moves like a dancer, she always knows the right thing to say or do in any situation, and she instantly makes you feel at ease. Me? Well, I'm the elephant in the room that inevitably will put my foot in my mouth, make a weird sound, or trip over something before the evening is over.
And lastly, 9. Alyssa Milano's Looks
I've wanted to be Alyssa Milano since her tomboy days on Who's the Boss. My short hair was inspired by the cut she sported in Charmed. I don't ask for much, I just ask that when I look in the mirror in the morning, I look more like her. Everyday I dream that it will happen. Maybe if I end up swiping some of Dad's positivity, it will happen soon.
