In our Worlds

Challenges are many in our world but the greatest ones are made up of learning about those around us. We all live differently and we all really do come from different worlds. After four nights and five days in the big city so many things came to light.

You can observe the mounds of people from corner to corner but to see them as individuals can seem to hard to bare at times. As we walked down the streets we saw one different face after another but quite often we were told not to look the ones in the face that were of a suspicious nature. My question is, define suspicious?

A face of a different color or a language of another. There were groups of gathering and then there was aloneness, So many yet so few. Sad feeling came over us to see and eat in so many wonderful top notched restaurants and on the same night to see old bones and left- overs dug out of the trash cans on the streets. People, happy and laughing on the street side as they ate and just a few feet from them were others in doubt of their survival from day to day.

On Michigan Ave so many beautiful and expensive luxuries to grace the home and pull from the pockets yet we saw gold and silver as they panhandled on the street side to the sound of music. For a moment you were entertained until the whistles blew and the men in blue came.

The true beauty of the city was the reminder that human touch means the same in any place. The love and development, the guidance of a child and their mother. The holding of the hand of the one your with and the laughing and smiling as they walk hand in hand. The kindness of a simple person. So many lovers of mans best friend even right down to their own parks and walks, many more in the city then expected.

Now away from all the evidence and back into this real world the city will not be forgotten. The experience is one of many blessings and new discoveries that have become new to others. A story to tell has many avenues and this one will be held as an adventure of still more visits to come.

An Attitude of Unintentional

So much to do, she was running from place to place and side to side. She knew she was on a time limit. Too watch her you could see her dedication yet she was tired already and she had just begin her adventure for the day. She was so young with so many responsibilities. She handled them well but there were always moments of frustration. She was beautiful and duty bound. First she had the cupcakes to prepare. Did she buy the gift? Well, of course she did. It was her daughters third birthday after all. She was prepared but there were many tasks at hand for the day. Cupcakes in the oven, out of the oven and icing, colored or no. Yes, blue was her favorite with some pink and purple. They had to match her tutu.
Ok, cupcakes done and balloons were awaiting her. Wow, didn’t use to be so hard to blow up so many. Pink, that was the main color for today. Pink everything from the cupcakes, to her clothes to the table clothes. It would be beautiful! Plans don’t always go well and it takes for ever for the family to get there even when they were given the invitations a month ago. She always prepared for them to be at least an hour late. They granted her expectations now two years in a row. She was sure that this year would be no different.
Her mother was there and her boyfriend Nathaniel but it still was all a task that she took great pride in attempting for her little girl. She would prepare with elaborate decorations and great time and care on getting the cupcakes beautiful to the eye. This year they were to have a three in the middle of them. They were shaping up quit nice.
Jennifer had been a young mom but she adapted very well to caring for Zoey. From the day she was born the sparkle was in her eye as to how precious this sweet little baby was. The father was of no account. He only caused heartache and turmoil when he was present. She learned how to be strong at an early age. She had very little help from her parents as to the fact that they argued on a regular basis and they were so volatile that she was unable to count on them working anything out together. They loved their granddaughter but as a couple they could only bring her harm.
Zoey was a beautiful blond blue eyed little girl. Her smile and laughter melted so many hearts. She was full of life and growing so quickly. She was like her mother, so calm at heart yet so lovable to those who paid attention to her. She was a mirror image of her mothers love.
As the time grew closer for Zoeys party Jennifer grew more tired as she prepared the last of the details. The tablecloths were on, the cupcakes delicious and placed beautifully on the table. Pinks, purples, blues all in little princesses. Lots of work, but so many rewards yet to come. The food was complete with the hot dogs and the hamburgers for the adults. Nathanial’s contribution to the party.
It was close to time the family and friends were all starting to arrive. One, two, three the parents were of course apologizing for the later hour than requested but Jennifer took it in stride since she had expected the delay. Presents, piling high in the wake of the occasion. It was almost that time.
As the children played outside the adult guest chattered in the background to the every once in a while yell of “Hey, you know better than that, play nicely.” Food came first; presents and cake later as too give everyone time to arrive. It was almost as if a feeding frenzy had occurred. One thing this crew enjoyed was food of any sort!
Zoey, impatient and asking about her cupcakes and her presents pushed the food eating to a halt. It was time for the party to really begin and the queen of beauty who had patiently been waiting to have her day. Jennifer surrounded the little party table with Zoey in the middle and the songs began. So much laughter as she blew out the single little cupcake and then started giving the kids and adults their share of her party cakes, of course she had to remove the outside wrapper first. So many smiles and lights a flashing. She danced and sparkled as she opened her presents to find horses and hats and movies and so much fun calling her name.
Jennifer ran as if she was being chased by time itself. She was a busy momma with so much happiness and love for Zoey. She paid attention to the details, was there enough food, drink, cupcakes. Did the present wrapping get picked up? Was everybody thanked for the generosity that they showed to her and her daughter? Was there anyone that she hadn’t talked to or made sure to at least make them feel wanted at Zoeys party? She was very attentive and the day was closing.
As the family and friends began to leave Jennifer felt a sense of satisfaction. She had made it through the day. The third birthday of her beautiful little one was a success. All were happy and the comfort of success left her exhausted. As the mess was cleaned up and the rooms became empty she began to smile and as she looked lovingly towards her daughter. Jennifer felt a warm hand on her shoulder and a gentle kiss on her neck as Nathanial softly whispered into her ear, “Honey, just think, next year, for her fourth, we will have Fabian in our arms as we celebrate her birthday and plan for his first. You have done well my beautiful Lady. As always you spared no love.” He smiled and gently held her tight. “I love you more than words can say.” She showed so much strength and dedication to her family and her daughter. An Attitude of unintentional was so apparent. She gave from her heart not because she thought she had to impress any one. It was because she loved what she was doing and who all she did it for. Next year it would be even grander but at least she might have a little more energy……..