What a difference...

a year makes.

We attended our local Buddy Walk today. And so many things, so many of the details, were the same as last year.

This year, just like last year, my Little Ones sat in their same spots in the stroller. Like last year, we registered too late and did not get the official Buddy Walk t-shits, and I ran into my friend Sharon from Brennan's Beginnings, shortly before the start of the walk. Also, Cassidy asked for a balloon (although this year, because she refused to let me tie the balloon to the stroller, in a moment of forgetfullness, or maybe curiosity, it was let go and proceeded to float away to the sky), she started out relatively strong, but eventually got tired and yelled and dropped to the ground when she didn't get her way. Dylan drew people's attention, took a short rest in the stroller, and simply had a fine time for himself. Just as he did the year before.

Today:



Last year:


But the differences, the emotions, now those were far more noticeable.

This year we were quite excited about attending! I remember last year, on the drive there, my stomach was twisted up in knots.

This year Dylan's heart surgery is a memory. No, not a faint one, but a memory nonetheless. Last year, we were living in frightened anticipation.

This year I smiled as I looked around me, for what I saw was truly beautuful. Last year, I studied people.

Last year I was scared. I was overwhelmed. I smiled, sure, for I knew that I loved my baby, but still...



This year I was happy. I am happy. Because the fear and the worry has been replaced with hope. With encouragement and optimism. And love. Yes. Lots and lots of that, too.


Happy Buddy Walk-ing everyone!