Epic Week

There are many days and weeks that pass by seemingly ordinary, nothing unusual or life changing happens.  This is, in fact, most of our days, for which we are grateful.  This past week however was not one of those times.

This past Monday, September 1st we said goodbye to Sydney's beloved Bubbie after 98 years on this earth.  She was blessed with a long life filled with the love of her family and friends.  No one can ask for more life than she lived and yet saying goodbye to her was no less difficult.

We all surrounded her as she took her last breaths, it was a day I will never forget.

The very next day we buried her under a torrential downpour, it seemed fitting that the sky was crying on a day when we were all so very sad.

My heart was aching at the thought of having to tell Sydney that her Bubbie was gone.  We talked about her going to heaven and that she was very old and tired and it was time for her to go.  I think Syd understood because the very next day she asked me two questions:  "Is Bubbie getting all settled today in Heaven because she just got there?" and "What are we going to do on Sundays now?"

Every Sunday since Paul and I have been together our habit has been to visit his Mother at her home.  From the day Sydney was born she shared in this tradition with us and we will most certainly miss those visits with her beloved Bub. 

We were so touched by the kindness of everyone this week as we received texts and notes and e-mails from friends far and wide expressing their condolences.  My wonderful group of Dunbar Moms sent the most gorgeous bouquet of flowers for us, it was a precious reminder of what a wonderful extended family we have found in them.

In a poignant reminder of the circle of life, we also shared in a wonderful celebration as a family this week at the bris of Sydney's newest cousin Reed.

It was a beautiful celebration made all the more meaningful by the fact that we had just lost a member of our family as we welcomed this new one which was Bubbie's fifth great grandchild.

Between the bris and shiva, and all of the family events of this week, it made for many late nights and much time away from Mom and Dad for Sydney this week.

And it was a big week for Syd as today was her very first day of Kindergarten! 

It seemed surreal that today was actually here.  I had to wake Syd up at 6:45 to get her up and dressed into her uniform and fed before we headed off for an 8:30 start, early morning!

We had some time to play in the playground and garden before school started and enjoyed the new additions to the garden.

Sydney looked like such a big girl all dressed up and ready for school today.  She had a hard time saying goodbye to me, but once she was settled in class she had the best day and came out of the classroom all smiles!

My heart ached for the morning while I was away from her knowing that the precious days of us being together all day are behind us.  I'm not going to lie, I missed her like crazy!

We spent the afternoon together having lunch, shopping and playing at the park before she came home for a little Daddy time.

What a day, what a week!  Our lives will never be the same.....