across countries and cross country
Kai at his first home at Commons at Kingswood Station. The home we brought Kai to after he was born. Look at the huge butterfly bush that we planted from a little baby plant from my friend's wedding favor more than 25 years ago! Kai's first meet for Cross Country is today. He is tired from doing more than what his active body has been used to. I've been making sure he gets enough rest, food and hydration. It's been a good experience so far for the start of the fall season. Kai is turning into a teen this October. He has been through experiences that he has surmounted and continues to keep me in awe. What an amazing human. I'm blessed to be him mom. I have been more active when he is active and I have found myself sleeping at the oddest times. A few hours after waking up in the morning, I took a long nap because my body needed it. Either this is me getting older, or being more physical in my body, or both. I also find myself needing to stretch a lot more to feel like my joints are able to flex and not be stuck, more than in the past. I am keeping up, even with the menopause and weight gain which is a side effect, along with the stiff joints. I also find that I am feeling better in my thoughts and accepting of the day to day. Dare I say I feel at peace? I miss dad so incredibly much. I feel him around in the sunlight hitting the top of grass blades in a beautifully lit field on the way to work in the morning. I feel him in the sky and in the birds flying around while I walk. In the flowers on the nature trails. I am forever thankful for the time we had and continue to have together. Talking to him within is different but I find his voice and I know we are forever connected in spirit. I know how proud Nono and Nona are of Kai. And I let Kai know that everyday. I am so glad he was able to spend time with Nono and appreciate how much he loved Kai. He brought so much joy to him. Even in the darkest of times, playing basketball and having Nono shoot the ball from his bed was amazing. It showed me so much fight and spirit remain when you care about the ones you love. Family is with us, always. And we are forever blessed. Thank you for everything dad. I love you forever. And mom, we are incredibly lucky to have you and your wisdom, love, incredible cooking, and laughter. You are our rock.