Simply a Team Teal Moment

I am in my birthday glory, riding in Carrie's backseat as she drives us to the restaurant where we will celebrate with a nice dinner. She and Doug chat away in the front seat as I happily open my birthday cards and packages in the back.

I have a package to open from a dear friend of my mom’s. Actually, now that my mom’s journey is done, I proudly call Judi my friend. She is a beloved soul and a sweet connection to my mom – something I am oh so grateful for. I tear open the padded envelope with excited anticipation and I pause for a moment to appreciate her pretty wrapping – beautiful pink tissue paper with a bright orange ribbon tied in a generous bow.

"Oooh! Look how pretty!” I say, holding it up for Doug and Carrie to see. Doug admires it in the way a boy admires things like that, but Carrie sternly reminds me that she can’t look right now.

I untie the orange ribbon and pull the pink tissue paper back to reveal an adorable apron. “Oh I love it!” I squeal as I lift it up, allowing the fabric to unfold and reveal the apron front. And then my eye catches a sweet little extra in the apron pocket – a handwritten recipe card tucked there, just like my mom always did when she gifted an apron – with a favorite recipe from Judi.

In this moment my mom is right here with me – a memory tucked inside an apron pocket from a thoughtful friend. Gosh, I love my birthday and the gifts of this wonderful life.

♥

As I link up with Alexa today for her monthly “Simply a Moment” meme, I’d like to express my gratitude to her. After a two-year run, this is the final installment for “Simply a Moment.” Thank you, Alexa, for hosting us and encouraging us to stop and notice our special moments. It’s been my pleasure to join you!

PS: I made the recipe that was written on Judi’s card, and I’ll be sharing that on my blog tomorrow.