Many Adventures Await Us

So the other night I made an official countdown for myself and the kids. We were all somewhat shocked to see that we still have 99 days left here in Massachusetts. After the initial disappointment, I pointed out that there was much to love about our time here. My son admitted that he loves the small townhouse because we are always near each other. My daughters both love that their artwork is covering every single piece of wall space in every single room of the townhouse. We had to stretch a bit, but we found much to be thankful for. Most of all, Hayden's healing.

We have vowed to focus on the positive and my mission is to see and do all the things we will miss once we are gone. So that means more trips to the beach (even if we are in winter coats) where our dogs can run wild and enjoy the sand and water before Memorial Day, after which they are no longer permitted.

We have the most glorious, expansive woods smack in our backyard. Yesterday after school we followed a trail further than we ever had. The stillness was absolutley beautiful; surrounded by evergreens I looked up to the sky and thanked God for that exact moment. Me, my children and my dogs ~ all healthy, happy and together.

We absolutely love strolling along the streets of this quaint New England town. In and out of all the shops, picnics on the green. What now makes our time there even better is the variety of restaurants to choose from. Prior to Hayden being allergy free we would walk past and talk about the future when he would be able to go in and eat in any restaurant. Well the time has come and let me tell you we are determined to try every place, before we move away forever.

Last night sushi was on everyone's mind. Watching the joy radiate from all of us must be a sight, we are giddy and can barely stop smiling long enough to chew our food. When will we be off this high? ....maybe never & that's fine by me, it feels amazing!

We seem to have developed a habit after dinner in town...stopping in the ice cream shop. Heck, I figure after 10 years of not having it, we have a lot of making up to do!

As we countdown our time here and relish every last second of all the "good stuff" I am reminded to not wish it away too fast. Our time here has been challenging, healing, full of heartache and triumphs, none of which I would trade for anything. It has been during this journey that I have physically and emotionally pushed myself further than I ever dreamed possible, it has been during this time that my strength as a woman, mother and wife has been put to the test. I feel privileged to have had this opportunity and I know it is preparing me for my next big challenge... Possibly something more difficult than this.

Amanda

"Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear." Ambrose Redmoon

Sweet Bliss

We just returned from visiting our dear friends in San Francisco & I still cannot find the words to fully describe our experience other than to say pure & utter bliss. The trip itself was phenomenal on so many levels, but the freedom to eat out for EVERY single meal is still blowing my mind!

I kept saying to my girlfriend, "Wow, so this is what it feels like to be "normal" and to eat anywhere your heart desires?"

My son ate at an Asian Fusion family style restaurant where we ordered several meals, passed them around and shared everything. I could not believe my eyes as I watched Hayden partake in this adventure. He was practically inhaling food without chewing and I often had to remind him to "sit down, breathe and chew." "But mom, I have waited 10 years for this." Yes my sweet boy, yes you have.

Then there was the seafood restaurant where he ordered fried shrimp and french fries with malt vinegar. When the cocktail sauce came he had no idea why his "ketchup" tasted so weird. Poor thing, he did not even realize it was cocktail sauce, how could he have known, he's never had it before. So many things that need to be explained, things most of us take for granted.

He ate at a French restaurant where he could barely pronounce his entree!!! The original sushi boathouse in Japan town was hands down his favorite experience. He tried octopus, tuna, salmon, ikura, but eel was his favorite.

A trip to Ghirardelli was a must as when we were there two years ago he was not able to have anything. He walked in looked at all the chocolate and decided to purchase a milk chocolate bar filled with yummy caramel. He was unable to speak after the first bite!!! Love, love, loved it! He takes after his mama I guess :)

One of the best moments was as we were walking to hail a cab, my husband saw a Ben & Jerry's and insisted that we go in. Hayden was beside himself with all the choices & finally decided on Phish Food, halfway through it he asked to trade with his dad who had caramel chunk.

There were breakfasts at diners, Beard Papa's pastries for the hotel room, lunch & peanuts on the airplane, Haagen Daz from the hotel for movie night, yogurt and a croissant from Starbucks in the airport. The list goes on & on & on!

Pleased, happy, free, not even ecstatic would touch on what I am feeling these days when I watch my sweet boy enjoy every new food or restaurant experience.

Who knew any of this was possible? Who knew with a little hard work our lives would turn on a dime? Who knew the freedom, the complete and total relief we would feel when we could walk into a restaurant and order anything? Who knew life could become so much easier, so much less stressful?

God knew & that is why he put an overwhelming, unexplainable fire in me to move across the country and do this work. God knew my little family could handle it and he blessed us with an outcome that has brought to me knees in thankfulness for His grace & healing. I am humbled.

Amanda

"Where there is FAITH, there is LOVE; Where there is LOVE, there is PEACE; Where there is PEACE , there is GOD; Where there is GOD, there is BLISS." ~ Sri Sathya Sai Baba