2017 is the year of The New Normal, the first year without my dad. I look around my soap studio and see him in all the things he made for me. All my soap molds, display boxes, curing drawers and racks. I can feel him surrounding me as I make soap. He’s in other parts of my house too. Bookcases, end tables, television stands, pictures. And most importantly, he is in me. I am grateful for all my memories and for his guidance.
We celebrated Luke’s first birthday this past week. I’m grateful my daughter-in-law asked me to make soap favors for his party. Luke is such a happy boy. He loves to sit on his Great-Grandma’s lap. I love how he looks at her in the picture above, and I’m thankful for my son’s mother-in-law who snapped the picture.
I’m grateful Vengo now has a new warehouse closer to home and my husband no longer has to take the train into work every day. He had a one and a half hour commute each way which was cut to literally 5 minutes each way. We can actually eat dinner together now. Since he’s home earlier, it forces me to stop working on soap all night. I have a difficult time with balance. Having him home in the early evening has made me budget my time more efficiently.
I know I’ve said this many times, but I am truly grateful that my day job is in a school system. When I worked as a Medical Technologist in a hospital, I worked every holiday and sometimes had to cover an evening or night shift. Now not only do I have off every holiday, I also have the summers off. There is no way I could have Alegna Soap® if I worked anywhere else.
What are you grateful for this week?
Yours in Gratitude,
Angela
My heart goes out to you, it is so hard losing a parent.
I am happy that you were able to celebrate your grandsons birthday.
That change of commute for you husband is huge, happy you are able to have dinner together. Yes, that “free time” will need some adjusting, it will work out.
Thank you Sharon
I love how you turn your grief into your gratitude; it’s a beautiful way to honor and cherish the spirit of your father.
Thank you for the kind words Kristen.
I’m grateful for a change in the hours of my day job that allows me an extra day at home with my husband!
I’m glad that you have so many reminders of your dad surrounding you. I hope it continues to bring you comfort.
Sounds like we’re in the same boat with spending extra time with out husbands Pam. Enjoy it.
He’s so adorable. And the way he’s looking at his great-grandma is too precious.
I know Donna, he has this look of love and amazement on his face. It’s so cute. That picture is quickly becoming my favorite.