There is something so precious about hearing a child laugh. The honest, from-the-heart sound of a creature full of the joy of life. I was talking to my daughter on the phone, and little guy was playing and having fun in the background, pretending he was a dog. (He’s a good one!) As we were ending our call, he started laughing. Hard. I think he was crawling on the floor like a monkey. You just can’t help but join in the glee. I love it when all 3 of my grandchildren are playing together, laughing themselves silly. (And boy, can they be silly!)

I am recovering. That doesn’t mean anything has changed for the better. But, life does go on. It’s time to get back to the business of living. And the childish laughter is a good reminder that there is still much to enjoy. I’m actually looking ahead again. Looking forward to the holidays–whatever they are. This is the first year that I would actually like to go away for Christmas. But, my daughter assures me we are going all out this year with decorating and baking fun. I’m looking forward to shopping for that perfect Christmas ornament to symbolize my memories of this year. (I can’t imagine what that will be!) I’m looking forward to shopping for my grandchildren. I’m looking forward to meeting my 2 new grandchildren. How wonderful that life goes forward!

Addendum 3-18-07: My ornament of choice to symbolize the chaos of 2006? It is perfect, actually, and sits in front of me every day. It is a “puffed” ceramic heart, white, painted with delicate flowers, suspended from a golden cord. Like a locket, it is hinged. When open, letters handpainted in a strong but beautiful hand reveal this beautiful word:

Hope