Abounding Beauty

Me with my library kiddos! Happy Reading and Happy Summer!

Abounding Beauty

In my mind today I'm celebrating life and all of it's blessings. Just when you think your tank is empty and you're scratching the bottom of the pickle jar, beautiful things happen.

This past weekend we took Abbey to governor's school. She was full of anxiety and excitement. It was hard for Ken and me to let her sprout her wings. Last year she was at Vanderbilt for two weeks, but this year she was staying at MTSU Governor's School for the Arts for four weeks. Ken and I had been stressing. We helped her unpack, attended the parent meeting, and escorted her back to the dorm. She hugged each one of us and then bravely went back inside alone. The day was a deluge as well as our eyes as we drove away. Yesterday I texted her, "I know you are tired but I hope your first day was FABULOUS!" She messaged me and said, "It was fabulous!!! I'm getting my life TOGETHER!" She cracks me up. At the parent meeting they had opera stars perform that were from the MET(NYC opera) and Nashville Opera. She had tears in her eyes. I knew she was where she needed to be. It was such a rainy Sunday but beauty was all around.

After the long journey back Sunday, Monday morning was the first day of my summer reading program with local children. I was up and out by 9:46 am. I was jet-lagged and exhausted but something inside me pushed me forward. I was anxious about whether or not it would go as planned and be a fruitful venture for the kids. My mind was preoccupied with the things I can't do anymore. When I arrived, there were 40 children and they screamed, "Surprise!" Tears filled my eyes but I pushed them back. They were so excited to see me and had no idea how badly I needed this time with children. I saw familiar faces from last year and many new ones. A few of my adult friends dropped by for cake and a hug. They sang happy birthday and filled my heart with joy. Beautiful. Blessings.

Our book was about a young boy born with one leg. He made a bad situation into a beautiful one. He brought light to having a disability does not mean "inability." We sang songs and discussed that every day is a good day if you see it that way. The children restored my faith in the future to come. They are beautiful blocks in building a better tomorrow. Ironically the boy's name in the book was Emmanuel.

Now, I'm back in the throes of life busy despite my wilted body and wheelchair. I literally thank God for leading me to different adventures and continuing to fill my heart with joy. Today I rested. I thought of all the beautiful things in my life and celebrated.

Sarah Anderson Alley

Quote of Day:

"Follow every rainbow, till you find your dream."

Rodgers and Hammerstein

Dedicated to the YMCA of Dyersburg, McIvers Grant Public Library, Mariah & Faith Edwards, Michael Hames, Doreen Lutz, Vanessa Cain, Carrie Beld, Robert and Tracy Cupples, Amy Kolwyck, & Lisa Traverse