Important Things

We had a jam packed weekend, including visiting brothers from both sides of the family. It was the kick off of our non-stop influx of company until well into December. Months before any of that came up, I had bought tickets for Sunday's matinee of Wicked. I've wanted to see it for years. I still struggle with spending money on things like this even though I know in my heart how valuable experiences are for my family, over more things. It was amazing! I loved watching the girls' expressions and listening to their laughter while they watched. I think it is such a gift to give your children (and yourself!) exposure to different things. It was Maddie's first musical and she thanked me over and over for taking her. They still thank us all the time for taking them to Paris and London and that was a year and a half ago! I wish I had caught on earlier to how important these things are.

I loved the show but was worried about the storms that I knew were on their way. Luckily I had friends keeping me informed of what was going on outside the theater. After the show, we rushed out before the curtain call and discovered that we were in the midst of a torrential downpour. My guy, always, always, looking out for his girls, left us to keep dry while he ran for the car. I knew he was no longer questioning my choice of rain boots with my dress and was wishing he had some of his own. It was a scary drive home. We weren't sure what we were driving into and of course your instinct is just to want to get home. I couldn't help but wonder how many people die in their cars during a tornado. When I looked back at the girls and saw them holding hands I knew they were scared too but loved how they were quietly comforting each other. Sisters. It's a beautiful thing.

Then an eerie silence fell and the skies cleared and somehow that was even scarier. While there was damage around us, we were spared and of course we were so thankful. We were grateful to make it home safe and sound and spent the rest of the day appreciating the things that are really important in life. You hope you do that everyday, but of course there are always days that make you more acutely aware of how precious your life really is.

These are the truly important things.