Together Is My Favorite Place to Be
I had the best Mother’s Day weekend. Nothing overly fancy or extravagant, just the kind of weekend that quietly fills your heart in all the right ways. Good food, meaningful conversations, some rest, little moments of joy, and most importantly, time with my favorite people.
Michelle came home for the weekend, and honestly, that alone felt like the greatest gift. I miss having her close by more than I probably even say out loud. Between busy schedules, life responsibilities, and some health struggles along the way, getting together hasn’t been as easy lately, so having her home this weekend felt extra special from the moment she walked through the door.
Yesterday morning, the day before Mother’s Day, I had an early routine doctor’s appointment. Afterward, I decided to treat myself to breakfast at a NYC-style bagel deli I had never tried before, and wow… it was SO good. One of those meals where you immediately start thinking about when you can go back again.
After breakfast, I ended up discovering a nearby park and decided to go for a long walk. I had no idea it included a bird and butterfly sanctuary, which made it feel even more peaceful and beautiful. As I walked, I took it all in, and just enjoyed having nowhere to rush off to for a little while. It felt good to simply breathe and be present. It sounds easy, but I don’t have time to enjoy life like that all that often.
Later that evening, Michelle arrived with Auggie, and we grilled burgers at home. The four of us sat outside on the deck eating, talking, laughing, and enjoying the kind of conversations that somehow feel both ordinary and meaningful at the same time. Those are honestly my favorite kinds of nights.
Bella and I stayed up afterward watching the documentary series we started last week before finally calling it a night. I had an early wake-up call this morning for work and church, so eventually responsibility won over late-night TV.
As I sat out on the deck relaxing for a little while after work and before dinner, Bella surprised me with my favorite latte. Yum!
We went out for an early Mother’s day dinner at one of my favorite Polish restaurants. Everything was delicious, especially the giant bowl of ice cream we all happily shared afterward without a single ounce of guilt.
But I think my favorite part of the whole weekend happened during dinner. Michelle and Bella started asking me questions about their childhood — what they were like in elementary school, junior high, and high school, the funny things they used to do, their personalities growing up, and memories I still carry with me. Sitting there talking about those years made me emotional in the sweetest way. It reminded me how quickly time moves and how the little everyday moments somehow become the ones you treasure forever.
This weekend reminded me that some of the best days aren’t necessarily the big exciting ones. Sometimes the best days are simply the ones where everyone is together, the conversations are easy, the food is good, and your heart feels full without even trying.
And this weekend, my heart felt very full. ❤️
