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!
14 comments:
Yes,what adifference a year makes. I bet you could never imagine how GREAT you are all doing now. And could your kids get any cuter??? love Piecy and Papa
what a great post:) im glad you and your family had fun:) cute pictures:)
Beautiful! And what a nice day you had! We went to our first Buddy Walk today and it was cold!
Beautiful post Laurie!! It is a wonderful journey we are on isn't it. Have a great week and thanks for sharing.
That is such a good post. Your description of your first year sound like me last year when we went to our first walk. I was still pregnant but what you described was so much how I felt. Glad you had a good day!!
Looks like you had fun. I am so proud of you Laurie. You are such and inspiration to me. Mom is right could you kids get any cuter?
I have felt so many of those feelings too. Thanks for putting them into words.
I hope you know how much we all look forward to reading all your comments.I so look forward to reading them.Please continue.
You are in out Prayers.xo
I love love love how Dylan is sitting in his stroller this year - Jane does the same thing and it just cracks me up!
You summed it up so well. I was pretty terrified at last year's buddy walk. Wondering how the hell I had landed there. And it was on my birthday too. Very surreal to celebrate in such a foreign way. This year, I wasn't scared anymore and I didn't feel like I had landed on a strange planet where I didn't belong. It was a fun family day and I was happy to see all those smiling faces. Yes, what a difference a year makes.
First of all...I literally laughed outloud when my eyes fell upon your typo in the first paragraph:
Buddy Walk t-shits
Oops!
We actually have missed both our Buddy Walks. Last year was the day after B's OHS, and we were not even in town. This year, we were at the beach.
I love the pics and the perspective in this post!! :)
Yes, what a difference a year makes!!! It was great to see you, although briefly. Hopefully we can find a time to get together soon.
Laurie - I can't wait to be where you are. Leah is 9 months old, and I'm closer every day, but still not quite where you are. But I can't wait. Thank you for the wonderful post. Your Dylan is so freaking cute, I want to squeeze him up. Take care,
Tara
What a journey. You've come a long way, baby!! (meaning both of you!)
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