12 Readers Share Their Joyful Moments
Every now and then, we all need a boost. Life is beautiful — but it’s also hard! Over the years, I’ve learned that looking out for glimmers, large and small, can help turn my mood around. So, to bring some uplifting energy to Cup of Jo, we asked readers to share their happy moments, and they are all so good…
Both photos, above: “Our family just got back from a whale-watching trip in Washington, where we saw a beautiful pod of orcas (with a baby!) in the San Juan Islands. I can’t help but feel so much joy whenever I think about them.” — Sindhoo, Littleton, Colorado
“Last year, my parents retired, moved across the state, and built a house. They didn’t want to ever worry about mowing the front yard, so, they seeded it with wildflowers. I recently visited them, and as I drove up to the house, I was met with the most brilliant carpet of sunny, yellow blooms.” — Sarah, Unicoi, Tennessee
“In June, my 12-year-old daughter, Plum, joined me on my biannual sisters trip. On the last day, we took a floating sauna out into the harbor, where we swam, sunned, and soaked together. I can hardly describe the feeling of connection, friendship and fun that I felt, sharing this memorable afternoon with my baby girl, who is quickly becoming a young adult. What a gift!” — Miranda, Richmond, Virginia
Katherine on the right, with her friend
“I’m a first-time candidate running for San Juan County Council and recently participated in our community parade. It was a dream!” — Katherine Ingman, Lopez Island, Washington
“I got lunch at a new-to-me Indian restaurant in town, and the chef made a smiley face on the rice. It made me feel like a kid again, excited to see a smile on my food.” — Elizabeth, Burlington, Vermont
“I took my kids to Wisconsin Dells for vacation, and we did one of those old-timey dress-up photos. My four-year-old insisted on the pirate theme, and this family photo cracks me up.” — Meredith, Des Moines, Iowa
Maggie doing the peace sign
“My brother and I haven’t seen each other in person in over 10 years. He’s been finishing a medical residency and working hard to build a practice. I’ve been rebuilding my life after a lengthy divorce and custody battle. This summer, I flew to the Dominican Republic, where we grew up, to visit him for three days. It was fast and expensive, but it was so worth it. We took a road trip to the beach, and I met my niece and nephew for the first time. The whole trip was joyful from the moment I landed to the moment I left, and I will forever keep the feeling with me.” — Maggie, Carmel, Indiana
“Just my son Boden and me, lying in the grass in Northern Michigan, with nothing to do but simply be together. The world can ask so much of him as a non-verbal autistic child. But here, he was completely at peace. These quiet moments may seem small, but to me, they’re everything.” — Betsy, Charlotte, North Carolina
“This has been such a year. My mother is in palliative care, my partner of seven years left me, and being a human is a lot. But my sister just moved into a new flat, and one of our traditions is building her furniture together. Makes me feel useful, strong, and joyous!” — Sara, Marseille, France
“Joy isn’t found solely in the act of crossing a finish line. Sometimes joy blooms in the quiet seconds before, when everything else fades, and it’s just you, holding the weight of your struggle, your late hours, your private milestones. My forthcoming novel, The Seekers of Deer Creek, is my most ambitious yet — a story strung on imagination and will and, above all, joy!” — Thao Thai, Columbus, Ohio
“My mom and I went to Chicago to preview the Obama Presidential Center. Having worked on President Obama’s campaign, I found the experience surreal and hopeful. Highly recommend.” — Katherine, Bremerton, Washington
“My little sister had her first child in May. Getting to know him, while having a front-row view of my sister becoming an amazing mother, has given me more joy than anything else in recent memory. I’m so incredibly proud of her and her partner. It’s making me cry, just writing this!” — Ashley Ford, Indianapolis, Indiana
Thank you for sharing! Does anyone else have a moment of joy to share? We’d love to hear…
P.S. Readers share their hobbies and what they love about their looks.
Tags: reader comments, reader outfits
Comments
130 commentsKatherine, I was on Lopez for the weekend and saw your signs around the island—so exciting!
Making pico de gallo with produce from the farmers market, a mushroom grow kit gifted to us, and strawberries from our raised bed garden.
Yesterday morning my 7-year-old called us into the playroom. She proudly displayed what she called her “cat stack,” where she had piled every cat stuffy and toy she owned in a precarious tower. After we died laughing, my 9-year-old drew her interpretation of a “cat stack,” with a majestic cat king on top demanding “more cats!” We died laughing again. I love their sense of humor and playfulness so much.
There’s a board book called Stack the Cats that my 7yo still pulls out sometimes. Might be a worthwhile library borrow!
I recently had my 32 week ultrasound and the ultrasound tech noted that I had a “happy, wiggly baby in there.” I was worried about growing a giant baby, because he was 90th percentile at an earlier scan, but everything has evened out and he was pronounced “a perfectly average little peanut.”
congrats! 🥜
I don’t get the proper amount of sun for a garden to thrive, but having grown up with a huge vegetable garden I just can’t be without. So yesterday I was thrilled with 3 cherry tomatoes and 1 strawberry. It was a palmful of joy.
I’ve been having some annoying health issues lately (is it cyclospora or just normal anxiety-produced IBS?!) BUT I got my own office at work after 14 years with the company. I’ve worked in a lot of communal spaces mostly and most recently was the only person who was plunked down in a sort of elevated cubicle in the middle of the hallway, directly across from two single-use bathrooms. Hearing everyone’s bathroom habits was miserable and I always felt like a secretary which I am not. But I got my own office and it’s teeny tiny, but so cozy and feeling like I have my own space makes me feel like a bona fide grown up! I love it so much!
Ooooo! Thao, I read and LOVED Banyan Moon a couple of years ago. Very excited to read your new novel, just looked it up and it sounds amazing!
Group trip to the Obama Presidential Center?? I’m dying to go!
Yes!
Oh, how I love these posts! They are uplifting to read and inspire me to treasure the JOYS all around me. My most recent “glimmer” was swimming in Barton Springs (Austin, Texas) with my 18 year-old son, who is about to leave for college. The keen awareness of this “ending point” of his childhood is making me treasure all the more each moment we have together this summer. I’m deeply grateful.
Whenever I see “Barton Springs,” I’m reminded of Tony Hoagland’s poem of the same name—a poem I cherish so much that I printed it out and put it on my fridge, where I can see it every day.
We were visiting my hometown last week. Extended visits with family can have their challenges – esp in a heatwave! – but my two favourite local friends each came down to visit for an afternoon at the outdoor community pool. Both times, we had a picnic, then got into the water and bobbed around and chatted for a couple hours while our kids played around us. Then we got ice cream from my favourite place, which I only get to go to during the one week a year I’m in town. It wasn’t fancy, but it was lovely, and I was able to be fully present in the moment in a way that has felt out of reach for a while. Maybe it was the magic of just adding water? Either way, I’m really grateful for the moments and the memories.
Please keep bringing us posts about moments of joy. They are so needed. My joy has come from following Neil the Seal online – viral elephant seal sensation who arrives in the same town in Tasmania annually for his molt, and causes chaos along with mild infrastructure damage. He is beloved by the town. He will sleep in the middle of the street and they will just direct traffic around him. He has a thing for knocking down pylons and bollards, etc.
Ashley cried writing about her sister, I cried reading about her writing about her sister. That tells me one thing: the love there is BIG and POWERFUL and JOYFUL. Witnessing love like that, her pride in her sister, her delight at her sister’s success, makes me feel so good.
Brilliant post – so fun, so uplifting, thank you! Can you do this a few times a year, maybe quarterly? Glimmers = Rx
Thank you so much for this post. It changed my mood in the best way. Love from Sweden.
These are all so lovely!
I rarely speak with or see my mom but I love her deeply. She lives with a severe mental illness so our relationship is complicated. It was her birthday a couple days ago and I was feeling down. As I walked up to my house, I noticed a California Sister butterfly had settled on my front door – right in the middle as if there specifically to greet me. I walked closer and it circled completely around me several times before leaving. What a shift to joy I felt in that moment. And as I walked through the threshold young sweet voices of my children welcomed me home.
I just got back from a visit in Boulder ,Colorado with one of my college roommates! We went hiking in the mountains, reminisced about our college years, wondered about what our other roommates are doing (Facebook and Linked In hunting has been futile!) , Shopped, ate, talked about family….it was my first time seeing her since her mother passed away. It was so pleasant and soothing to spend time with someone I’ve known over 40 years, talk about similair challenges and joys being at the point we are in our lives….to just be.
My kids are in their tween years but they’re still both dashers – you know how when you ask a kid to go complete a task in a public cafe or something “hey can you get a napkin” they duck a little and run off to go get it? Bonus points when they’re wearing backpacks! I just love how much it shows what it’s like to be a kid – the earnestness, you’re just always kind of running around, self awareness and consciousness hasn’t fully come into play. What a sweet time. There was a comment here on cupofjo awhile ago from a mom with grown up kids who commented she would give anything to have her kids ring her doorbell as elementary school kids, with backpacks, ready for a sleepover. That imagery always makes me so weepy – I think someone also replied with the word saudade – a Portuguese and Galician word describing a melancholic longing for someone or something absent that may never return. It blends nostalgia, grief, and a bittersweet hope for reunion. I’m excited for them to grow up and learn and experience but gosh it’s so precious now!
Stopped by the pharmacy to pick up meds for my dog and was greeted by name by one of the pharmacy assistants as she was headed for her break! What a surprise! And how wonderful to be known!
My pharmacy denotes medication is for a dog not a human with a little paw print on the label next to his name and it makes me smile every time.
Laughing about this brought me some joy today: at a doctors appointment I was given an iPad to fill out demographic info. When I got to language preferences there was the option for English, then Middle English (1100-1400)and also Old English ( 800-1100). I couldn’t stop laughing. Who came in that they had to include those variations to accommodate? I asked the receptionist about it and… crickets. I sat in my car afterwards and continued laughing.
Ol’ Geoffrey C rocked up and when they asked why he was there, he said, “Whan that Aprille with his shoures soote, The droghte of March hath perced to the roote, …I kickt a rocke and hurt my foote!”
Thank you so much for the unexpected laugh!! I wasn’t going to comment, but then I just kept laughing, and laughing some more, so I just wanted to say I appreciate your sharing this!
OMG! my high school English teacher read us Canterbury tales in Middle English and I still laugh thinking about it. I know it’s not supposed to be funny but reading it for a bunch of 16 year olds…
hahahahahah
I read this out loud to my husband and laughed till the tears came in my eyes. Too funny. I would be so tempted to choose Old English..
I want an SNL sketch about this.
My high school English teacher made us MEMORIZE and RECITE the first thirty lines of the Canterbury Tales in Middle English. It has been twenty-four years but I impressed my kids by rattling off most of it from memory in the car a few weeks ago.
Our family was lucky enough to visit the Obama Presidential Center this past weekend! The museum was inspiring and the entire campus was beautiful, we easily spent almost 4 hours there. And it was wonderful to feel a stirring of hope again. Tickets are sold out until January, but I already can’t wait to go back.
These are all so lovely. Sitting in the shade, reading while my kids do cricket practice has been wonderful. Any time I can snatch a few moments quiet to read and look at nature is a win. Also, my 10 year old son wrote really sweet thank you cards to his teachers which made me so happy.
A lad after my own heart! I started writing letters around his age, and at 40, I’ve kept up the practice ever since. It seems to please absolutely everyone, even if they aren’t inclined to send any themselves. I hope he feels compelled to keep writing them!
After a very rough year, friendwise, family health wise, schoolwise, my daughter and I have landed into a “lazy and we like it” summer groove. We just finished a wonderful trip, with a dear friend of mine along, (who now lives very far away). We swam everyday for hours, we saw spinner dolphins, sea turtles, read books, watched soccer, enjoyed the fans having fun. We are now laying around alot, at home, enjoying the afterglow of that, watching semi trashy YA tv series, we have no ambitions or plans other than to make some brownies, and play with the dogs a lot, keep swimming. Watching her come through the last year, with courage, pluck, resilience, even when her heart felt broken, seeing her now just relax and just have FUN is a huge glimmer. I’m grateful and I am soaking it up. She turns 13 soon, this peace and closeness is not guaranteed going forward, but we have it now :)
That trip sounds wonderful! May I ask where you saw the sea turtles?
Hi Grace, it was on Maui. We saw them daily right off Kaanapali Beach, just north of Black Rock we stayed a short walk up the hill from it. Apparently they head towards the reef area at Black Rock to feed on rich algae sources. Everyday that we went down to swim & soak, there were a few sightings, and they came so close, we had to move out of their way!!! Rent snorkel gear locally, and you’ll see stuff!
Ok – I’m having one of those very small world moments. First – I was TOTALLY drawn in by Sindhoo’s photo – what a fantastic picture! And then to read that it was taken in the San Juan Islands. Then I keep reading and I see the mention of Katherine on Lopez. I JUST returned from a girl’s trip up to Lopez to visit a good friend Elizabeth who just hosted a get to know Katherine campaign party over the weekend. The San Juan islands are a journey in and of themselves to get there (planes, trains, ferry, car) but soooo worth it! And Lopez (or Slopez as the locals call it) is very special. Best of luck with your campaign Katherine!
My three year old son calls goggles gobbles right now. :)
That is the best thing! So fun and sweet.
We had a juvenile humpback whale visit Semiahmoo Bay last week and it was a summer (life!) highlight to watch it breach right off the shore. I got teary eyed and full body shivers! What a gift to witness with our toddler and the rest of our community. We kept our eyes peeled on the local fb group to see when and where it was active and then rushed down to the beach to catch our glimpse. Everyone was giddy with excitement we all turned into little kids again!
This is so lovely. I get giddy when I spot dolphins at the beach, it always feels like nature is secretly sharing something wonderful with me.
My 10 year old daughter getting herself up, dressed, fed, and lunch packed for her first day of theater camp yesterday. She was vibrating with excitement. I felt so joyful witnessing her joy! Also, I planted a baby mango tree in our yard 2 years ago and she fruited for the first time this season. The joy of growing, harvesting, and eating my own mangoes honestly rivals the births of my children.
Oh my god Alex, this comment made my whole week “The joy of growing, harvesting, and eating my own mangoes honestly rivals the births of my children.”
So delighted to see Wisconsin Dells mentioned — we went every summer when I was growing up and definitely took those old-timey photos on breaks from the water parks! Meredith, I hope you had a wonderful time on your trip there!
Current joys: My “Weirdly Happy” super random playlist, spotting lightning bugs in Minneapolis for the first time in years, dog walks at sunset, my kid thriving through his neurospicy struggles PLUS the anticipation of a weekend away with a dear college friend and her fun husband at Big Top Chautauqua in Bayfield WI this weekend – a GEM of a music venue.
My daughter has just turned 3 and is in that phase where everything is just a wonder and a delight to her. Her face is constantly beaming with pure joy and excitement and there is nothing better in the world. Also the way she speaks in full sentences (which she has done since 2.5yo) has us in stitches. A few days ago she said. ‘At first I couldn’t reach it but I tried and tried and eventually I managed to get hold of it.’ I don’t know a single other 3 year old (probably not even another person who speaks in the way she speaks) and I find it truly hilarious (and quite impressive if I’m honest) 😂
Hahaha that is so cute! I totally relate. My son is very similar (speaking in full sentences since 2 also; he’ll be 3 in Dec.) and the other day he said “Mama, I’ve got my basketball shoes on. I like them because they’re soooo… steppy.” I was like, I totally know what you mean LOL
Lush and uplifting xxx
I read Charlie and the Chocolate Factory to my 7 & 5 year olds boys this summer. The anticipation on him winning the ticket was building and when we got to the part in the book where Charlie wins the golden ticket, they literally screamed and high kicked the air in joy and excitement! It made me start yelling in excrement too, it was contagious and made me so happy.
HECK YEAH!
😭😭😭
i love this and also giggled at the typo in “yelling in excrement” :) :) :)
Sindhoo, you blew me away in the most delightful way, you look so beautiful and “here in this moment” and your aura is just wow!
Oh man this comment made me SO HAPPY. Thank you Charlotte :)
I had the exact same thought!
Moments of joy are Scrabble battles with my husband (word nerds unite …), phone calls from my 21 year old son, who is away on an internship and the rare moment when I get to hang out with my busy, college-bound daughter. And long walks with my best friend, who doesn’t always need conversation.
Last week I had the opportunity to return to Missoula, MT where I went to graduate school 25 years ago, and to introduce my husband for the first time to all of my old haunts. We were hiking in my favorite wilderness area, the Rattlesnake, and an hour into our hike we passed a woman on a bike. We exchanged a passing, “Hi,” and as soon as I heard her voice I knew who it was: my thesis advisor from grad school! I stopped in my tracks, turned around, and shouted her name – only to find that she had slammed on her brakes and done the same; we immediately recognized each other! We hugged and caught up on life, and I introduced her and my husband to one another. She told me it was the first time she had been out on her mountain bike all year! It would have been wonderful to see her in any context, but the impossibly slim odds of randomly running into one another in the middle of the woods, on the one day we hiked there that week, on the one day she was out on her bike this year?! I still can’t get over it. It is enough to make one a believer in the goodness of the universe.
That is incredible!
Ahhhhh!!! Amazing!!!
When I lived in San Antonio, one of my very favorite professors was also vegan, so I ran into him on a lot of first dates, given the local options. Years later I was in Chicago for work and went to a museum event and I hear “Kelly?” He was on a date!
38 weeks pregnant, in a summer heatwave, cooling off in the ocean with my dog… that’s my joyful moment. Oh — and my daily bowl of Jeni’s ice cream. In my most anxious moments (lately between 2-4am), I can’t believe I still have to birth this baby and feel a bit terrified. Words of encouragement from the CoJ hive are always appreciated <3
Heidi, cheering you on!! I hope this is helpful – an elder friend told me when I was pregnant with my first: “everyone does it.” Now obviously not EVERYONE does it but the point was, you see all these people? In the world?? They were all birthed. YOU can DO IT!
It feels impossible and afterwards you will feel invincible. Not sure if you’re going the natural unmedicated route but if you are, it was the hardest thing I have ever done (twice). But I made it through. And you will too. Make sure you have people you trust in the room with you if you can. I was panicking without realising at one stage during the second one and my midwife said to me ‘don’t be afraid’ and afterwards I couldn’t believe that hadn’t triggered me but in the moment it was exactly what I needed to hear and she knew it. Instantly calmed me down. Stay calm. Breathe. You can do this.
At the time of action, reach out with your heart and mind to all the other mother’s across time and space who successfully and smoothly gave birth. They will be there with you, supporting you. If things get challenging, pray. Above all, breathe. Talk to your baby and tell them you are doing your best and you can’t wait to meet them. The very BEST of luck to you. I hope it is a wonderful experience, beyond any expectation.
Don‘t be terrified! It will be the best experience and once you hold your baby and the adrenaline is at peak it is just the best day of your life. We are all with you :)
I had my second baby (a perfect little girl!) earlier this year, and was feeling very anxious about labor and delivery beforehand. My midwife shared this affirmation that really stuck with me: Many have done this before me, and I can do it too. Sending you positive energy for a healthy and smooth delivery!
Heidi, I understand the feeling, but I promess it will be the most amazing thing!!! Just trust your body, we are made strong!
Wishing you the birth you are hoping for. And also know that however it goes, you are amazing and strong and brave and tender and so is your baby. However they enter this world will be fully of sublime beauty and grace. Big hug to you!
Something that helped me during delivery was reminding myself of all the amazing, strong and beautiful mothers giving birth at exactly the same time as me, all around the world. You’ve got this!!
What Cami says! While you’re awake from 2-4am and ruminating on everything, try and draw some support and peace from knowing that there are so many other women also awake at the same time in the night doing the same as you, wondering and worrying and hoping. For the last two months of both of my pregnancies I was also awake from 2-4am almost every night. What is it about that time? Thinking of you.
My mantra toward the end of pregnancy was “I can do it, because I HAVE to do it.” I think just reminding myself that it was the only option put me at ease. Like, I just have to, so I will. I would also repeat to myself, “I am strong, I am capable, I am brave.” Both came in handy when I ended up going in for a surprise c-section, after finding out my son was breech at 40 weeks. But I did it, because I HAD to! And now he’s 2.5 and I hope I get to do it again someday. You got this!!
Oh Heidi! I remember bursting into tears around 38 weeks thinking HOW WILL IT GET OUT? He did! You got this. Also, have you had Jeni’s Brambleberry Crunch?? DELISH!
You’ve got this! I had 2 unmedicated births and during my first pregnancy, when discussing the birth, someone told me “you can do anything for 1 minute” (referring to getting through contractions). I found this to be so comforting and empowering and ended up repeating this to myself during both births. It will be hard but so very worth it.
Wow, I am beyond grateful for these kind, empowering replies. I will be channeling you all and remembering your words of wisdom when the time comes!
You can do it!!! Anything that makes you feel calm and happy, we watched the Office while I was in labor with my first and I bounced on the big ball and my husband fed me rice pudding. By the second baby it was ice cream and I was the one cracking the jokes! I think it’s a big sense of scale for people because it’s so new and unknown. But also, I have endometriosis, and I’ve definitely had menstrual cycles all my life that were harder than labor, I’m having one right now. PS Jeni’s Watermelon Taffy is the best ice cream I’ve ever had in my life
Thao Thai AND Ashley Ford in this roundup!? What a treat! I am SO excited to hear about Thao’s new novel! I loved Banyan Moon and discovered her right here on CoJ. Her essays on this site are so beautiful, read them!
They are the best! We love them both so much x
I also loved Thao’s romance novel, Adam & Evie’s Matchmaking Tour (published under the pen name Nora Nguyen).
Seconding excitement for Thao Thai’s new novel! I loved Banyan Moon as well and recommended it to many readers in my life. Awesome to see her, and Ashley Ford here—such literary stars!—sharing their joyful moments.
Watching my kids express such a curiosity about the world, especially through the lens of this World Cup. It has been so fun to make memories around the matches, see them learn about other countries and experience joy in real time. Knowing that the fun will continue next summer with the US women’s team in Brazil is such a huge glimmer to look forward to and savor.
I wholeheartedly agree! My 8yo has been so into soccer and it’s resulted in so many great conversations about different countries/cultures/etc.
my joyful moments everyday is driving home from work. I know i will see my kids and husband. My dog will lovingly greet me no matter how long i have been gone. I don’t take this for granted, my kids will be going to college in 4 and 6 years and my mini schnauzer is 5 years old now. I have been married to my husband for 19 years and i don’t take him for granted either. I want to bottle it up while we still have everyone living under the same roof
I’m 24 weeks pregnant with our first child, and baby has been moving and grooving lately. The other day my husband got to feel the baby move for the first time, and his expression of surprise and delight at feeling that little kick was my moment of joy for the week.
My joyous moment was watching my 8-year old proudly jump off the diving board and do a 360 spin into the pool on Saturday. I wish I could whisper to the younger version of me that worried about his intense fear of water that it would all work out (comfort around water is important as my parents live on a lake in Minnesota). Now he’s such a little fish that loves the water and has gotten so brave.
I have had the same thing happen with our 7-year-old this summer! She wouldn’t even put her head under water last summer and I was getting so worried. Esp watching her even younger cousins jumping off diving boards and going down water slides. This summer it was like a switch flipped and she is ready and willing to do all things water! The joy (and relief) are a true highlight of the summer.
What a small world to see the delightful Lopez Island parade on the blog! I was there and saw Katherine walk by (obviously not knowing she was a fellow COJ reader!). Best of luck Katherine!
Hooray Katherine! So excited to see you on CoJ today ❤️
Doing the People crossword with my 18-year-old daughter. And she invited me to a night market Thursday. We have about 6 weeks left until she goes to college and even though she’s had her “soiling the nest” moments I will miss her.
I love these so much! The pirate family portrait is so good – everyone looks so happy. What a great mom you are Meredith!
Ashley, that little slice of baby head, ears, and arm is too much!!! Having a baby sleep on your chest is one of life’s purest joys. Thank you for sharing that photo!!!
I love when you post this snapshots of reader’s lives–so fun to get a peek at this special community! Can I ask–where do you post requests for folks to share their moments? I’m not on social media, so I’m likely missing them if it’s there. Would love if there was a place for requests to find their way to the blog!
Hi JBM! We share our requests for photos and stories on Instagram, but we can brainstorm other ways to get this message out to readers who aren’t on social media. xx
Same here. I am not on social media, but would love to be considered.
I’ve been avoiding social media as well (calling it The Return to Analog Year!) and totally second this request!
I know those little pirates from Des Moines. They’re even cuter in person, and they have the best mom!
Something joyful in my life right now: our twenty year old son has a girlfriend he LOVES SO MUCH! It’s so sweet and tender to see him mature in this way, to care for her, to share himself with her, to be open with me and my husband about his relationship. I’m feeling weepy just thinking about that sweet guy.
Awwwww! I love love.
Woohoo! What joy! And Washington State represents! Two about the San Juan’s and someone from Bremerton! Love, Your fellow WA resident
I noticed that, too! Often my moment of joy is just looking around where I live, seeing the mountains, the Puget Sound, the lakes, and just taking it all in. Feel super lucky to live in beautiful Washington State and get to experience the joy of being here all the time – I do not take it for granted!
What a joy to see comments about my beautiful home, the San Juan Islands! One joyful moment this week was my brother-in-law taking our family on his new boat to Deer Harbor on Orcas Island where we had a delicious BBQ dinner on the lawn of a quiet and idyllic BBQ restaurant called Matthew’s Smokehouse. Families played ping pong and badminton nearby as we enjoyed the peaceful vibe, delicious food, and beautiful spot.
I had twins two months ago. One was discharged with me from the hospital, while the other had to stay in the NICU. They hadn’t seen each other since the moment they were born, and I had not gotten to hold them together. Bringing home our “baby B” and holding my two boys in my arms together for the first time was a joy I will never experience again.
Oh Molly, my twins were both NICU babies almost 10 years ago now and this made me tear up. Holding them together for the first time was such an emotional experience. It felt like everything was just as it should be. Sending love!
2x NICU mama here, it is so special when they are home with family!
NICU mama also, Molly. so happy to hear you and your 2 boys are healthy and together at home. I wish you good luck on this new motherhood journey.
Ashley, you have me tearing up just seeing your blissful face and reading what you wrote!
Katherine Ingman: I saw you in the Lopez parade!! What a fun parade, loved your energy. We are part-time islanders and were hanging out near Isabel’s. Wishing you all the best with your campaign!
I felt tremendous joy at both the Beyonce shows I went to: Cowboy Carter and Renaissance. Especially Renaissance because it was the first big concert I went to after Covid and the vibes were amazing. Everyone was singing, dancing and free to be themselves.
Grace, yes!! I was 8 months pregnant when I went to the Renaissance tour and I DANCED MY ASS OFF. At one point, I turned around to see two security guards behind us (we were at the top of our section, so there was a big space behind for walking) and they were GETTING DOWN. It was incredible.
NML: comfy shoes were a must because I was dancing my ass off too! What a great show to work security at :)
As I read this, I’m eating a meal made with cucumbers, tomatoes, and mint picked fresh from my garden. The best feeling.
Elizabeth – need to know the Indian spot in Burlington!
Me too!
Ironically, it was the night my mother passed away several months ago. My father had passed away a few months prior, and my mother had not been well since. She was in the hospital for a easy to treat condition. I went to visit her on a Monday evening, and as I walked into her hospital room, she turned and looked at me and smiled and said, “ honey, I am so happy. I am going to see your dad tomorrow. I love you all so much. “. At first, I couldn’t fully grasp it was happening. I thought maybe she was delirious or it had a stroke. But that was not the case. She went on to tell me how she had been with my dad all day, she baked him cookies, he ate all of them, she tied his tie, she was ready to go. My mom then turns to me and asks me to call my brothers, her cousin, my godmother, her dear friend, saying the same things to each of them: “I love you so much. I am so happy. I am seeing Bill tomorrow.” Phone call after phone call, saying goodbye to everyone important in her life. I pushed the call button for the nurse when it was all done, I relayed to her what it happened, she called for the hospitalist on her floor that evening. He checked my mom‘s vitals and confirmed that her blood pressure was dropping, and her oxygen saturation was getting lower. He suggested we move her to hospice, but my mother refused. That was at 11 PM and at 3:11 AM the next morning, she passed while I held her hand. I miss her so much, and it will forever be one of the hardest and most joyful experiences of my entire life.
This is really beautiful, Andrea. I’m sorry for your loss, and what a gift to see her at peace like this.
Oh my goodness! Tears of joy and sadness. This is beautiful! Hugs to you, Andrea.
This is so beautiful. I’m so sorry for your loss, and also so happy foryou that you had these last moments seeing your mother at such peace, and in your telling, joyful at the prospect of being able to say goodbye on her terms before leaving this earth. How rare and beautiful that must have been to witness. What a parting gift she gave you!
Wow, this is so beautiful and moving. We can only hope to depart in such a peaceful and joyful way. It made me cry. Thank you for sharing
This is extraordinary, Andrea, thank you for sharing. I lost my dad in December and stories like this from others who have lost parents really help to hear. Sending you so much love.
What a beautiful example of how to treat your spouse and how they can be your very best friend. Thank you for sharing. I am also an “adult orphan” so I understand. Peace be with you.
I am so sorry for your loss, words can’t describe. But this is a beautiful way to go. If we could all be so lucky.
Crying onto my laptop keyboard, Andrea. What an unforgettable moment of tender love and loss… thank you so much for sharing.
This is an incredible story, thank you so much for sharing. So true that sadness and joy can sit so closely beside each other. Sending you lots of love.
Andrea, thank you for sharing this, What a beautiful and powerful story. Sending lots of love your way.
This literally took my breath away. Beautiful. May they be eating cookies together right now. What a gift for you all of you. Deep gratitude to you for sharing this story, I won’t forget it.
I really wanted to read something joyful and hop! there you offer it! Thank you COJ :)
I’ve started going to a gallery or museum once a month and it has become an ideal time to catchup with my brother or friends who I invite along!
One of my students is about to start grad school at the University of Chicago (she’s had a long road to get here!) — and so I had the research group over last night dinner and a send off. When I imagined being a professor it was these moments I was hoping for – students laughing over homemade pizzas in my kitchen while dogs vied for affection, hearing about their dreams and celebrating their successes. It was a really precious night for me.
This is so lovely!