not one of those normal days

Nineteen years ago today, my life changed again for the better when Jr entered my world. He was a beautiful chubby baby, who even as a little boy, was bright and inquisitive and sensitive to other's feelings and needs. He is still a delight--so thoughtful and fun to spend time with.

And because it was Jr's birthday, one of the things he wanted for his birthday was to see all of his siblings and nieces. We all gathered for lunch together at our favorite mexican restaurant. It was wonderful to see our kids interact with each other--to realize that all of those times I worried when they were squabbling children who would not be able to stand to be together as adults was wasted worrying because they enjoy each other more and more the older they get.

Speaking of enjoying each other's company, Breanne and Audrey were with us at lunch. Once again I was amazed at how different they are from each other. I spooned up some rice and beans and salad for each girl and watched what they did. As the big two-year-old, Breanne picked up her spoon and began delicately eating her food. Audrey watched her carefully and amazingly, picked up her spoon and started using a spoon to eat her food with. She continued to eat for at least ten or fifteen minutes and then turned back into our Audrey--the one who typically has an area two feet around her at arm's length and height with nothing in it because she has thrown or swept everything off of the table and onto the floor. She loves the "I drop it, you pick it up" game and before long, she was giggling in her deep-throated chuckle that grew and grew in intensity and volume until even Breanne was looking at her in amazement. Audrey was clearly enjoying herself and she was simply hilarious. At one point, we realized that she had mushed rice and beans into her nose, ears, hair, clothes, and of course, between her fingers. At about the same time, Breanne quietly said to me, in her high girly voice, "Wash hands, wash hands" because she had noticed a tiny spot of beans on her pinky finger. So different for such similar genes.

Also because it was Jr's birthday, he and I went to the local theatre to watch a live broadcast of our favorite radio show--This American Life--from a theatre in New York to theatres around the country. The show was as usual, time well spent. Especially when spent with Jr.

After the show, the day quite suddenly changed. Jr got a call from the eldest who, along with his wife, was involved in a car accident downtown. They were driving along, slowing down for a red light that changed to green, and as they started into the intersection, another driver ran the light red, driving over the hood of their car and then rolling her suv. Luckily, neither of them were injured, just shaken up, and especially lucky, Audrey was not in the car with them. The other driver was taken to the hospital via ambulance with a possibly broken arm and some cuts, and later on, our two began to feel somewhat beat up. Unfortunately, their car will likely be declared totaled, they'll receive a small amount of money for the car and will be unable to replace the car for the amount they'll receive. A very unsettling end to an otherwise glorious day. Even though it snowed.

For a while several years ago, it seemed that many days were full of unsettling events--enough that several friends thought life in the gardens might make a good drama, although they claimed that no one would believe the story was based on true events. But lately, the days have been far calmer, with considerably less drama and stress. I've become accustomed to those easier days. Today was definitely an exception.