Thursday, November 30, 2017
Revisiting Asheville...
Last week we returned to Asheville, for the first time and last time - forever, for now. It was bittersweet to drive the winding roads that lead us back to your childhood home on Hazel Brook Road. When we pulled in the driveway, we immediately noticed the notsosubtle changes to remind us that everything has changed.
Weeds have overgrown the front yard where you used to do cartwheels. Trash lined the broken concrete in the driveway, and barking dogs warned us to stay away. It was overgrown with neglect, and even the fruit trees had been cut down. Nothing was the same, but the memories were triggered.
We tried to drive up to Craggy Gardens, to show Teresa the views. But the gate was closed to our access point. We tried to tour through the Asheville Community Theatre, but the doors were locked for the holiday weekend. And now, even our old house had the feeling of near condemnation.
So then we tried to recreate the beautiful moment when I turned to find you, hiking behind me. All those years ago, and you - my angel- are the one thing that has stayed the same!
Weeds have overgrown the front yard where you used to do cartwheels. Trash lined the broken concrete in the driveway, and barking dogs warned us to stay away. It was overgrown with neglect, and even the fruit trees had been cut down. Nothing was the same, but the memories were triggered.
We tried to drive up to Craggy Gardens, to show Teresa the views. But the gate was closed to our access point. We tried to tour through the Asheville Community Theatre, but the doors were locked for the holiday weekend. And now, even our old house had the feeling of near condemnation.
So then we tried to recreate the beautiful moment when I turned to find you, hiking behind me. All those years ago, and you - my angel- are the one thing that has stayed the same!
-
Friday, November 10, 2017
Your Love Langue: "Quality Time"
One thing that has become overwhelmingly clear is that you are a classic middle child!
You often feel sandwiched between your sisters, and much of our activities include your sisters. And both Mariah and Ashlyn are both more vocal in our interactions, "hogging" all of the conversation time. So our typical car rides include Mariah wanting to tell me a story about theater or hunter or show me a video, while Ashlyn repeatedly asks if she can read out loud to me. All the while, you sit quietly reading your book and escaping into your own world of wonder and curiosity.
I have noticed that you seem to come alive whenever we have the time to be alone together. You love to play soccer with me, or go out on dates. You love to be 1-on-1 with Teresa too, and you never want Ashlyn to tag along. You seem to NEED quality time alone with one of us, and don't like to share!
So I will speak to you in your love language. Let's go out on a date. Let's hold hands. Let me tell you what I see in you, when I look into your eyes. I want you to know that ever since you were a little baby - I thought to myself: "She is absolutely gorgeous!"
You have a very unique and spectacular appearance, with big brown eyes and captivating smile. You are always thinking of others, and love to give gifts (which might be your 2nd Love Language). You are talented and athletic, so good at everything you set your mind to. You are confident and capable, and I believe that YOU will thrive in any environment. I have so much confidence that we are raising you to become a revolutionary who will make history someday.
You often feel sandwiched between your sisters, and much of our activities include your sisters. And both Mariah and Ashlyn are both more vocal in our interactions, "hogging" all of the conversation time. So our typical car rides include Mariah wanting to tell me a story about theater or hunter or show me a video, while Ashlyn repeatedly asks if she can read out loud to me. All the while, you sit quietly reading your book and escaping into your own world of wonder and curiosity.
I have noticed that you seem to come alive whenever we have the time to be alone together. You love to play soccer with me, or go out on dates. You love to be 1-on-1 with Teresa too, and you never want Ashlyn to tag along. You seem to NEED quality time alone with one of us, and don't like to share!
So I will speak to you in your love language. Let's go out on a date. Let's hold hands. Let me tell you what I see in you, when I look into your eyes. I want you to know that ever since you were a little baby - I thought to myself: "She is absolutely gorgeous!"
You have a very unique and spectacular appearance, with big brown eyes and captivating smile. You are always thinking of others, and love to give gifts (which might be your 2nd Love Language). You are talented and athletic, so good at everything you set your mind to. You are confident and capable, and I believe that YOU will thrive in any environment. I have so much confidence that we are raising you to become a revolutionary who will make history someday.
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