Monday, February 24, 2014

Berry Breakfast Parfait...and Monet!

There are times in our lives when we are caught 
between moments that we wish would never end,
and moments that we wish had never begun.

When our hearts are most unguarded,
and we least expect it,
it comes...
a tender touch...
a glimpse of hope and a reminder of all that's good and true in our world.
It sneaks on up, reaches right in and
awakens something deep within us.

When I first heard some three years ago that a scrapbook was being compiled 
to be filled with sentiments and recipes from bloggers across the blogosphere
that was intended to spread a little sunshine
to someone very dear to my heart,
I was overjoyed at the chance to participate.

has won over the hearts of everyone who has crossed her path
in the most memorable way, through her thoughts and
contemplations, her stories, her photography, and her delightful recipes.

It was a privilege to pray her family through 
an especially difficult season of their lives...
a season that had been eclipsed with numerous tragedies and heartache;
And the hope was
that the small token of love
from those who adore her
would be a healing salve during that time...

So often I have felt her heart and hands wrapping around my soul. 

I have imagined sitting at her table,
breathing in the aromas of her freshly baked delicacies,
and sharing our worlds over a cup of tea. 

Stop by her blog and experience it for yourself.
Thank you Monet, for spending your morning with us.

Mornings have become special times for me. I wake up next to my daughter, next to my husband, and I take in ten deep breaths of thankfulness.

As some of you know, my family experienced a season of great loss. In 2010, my father-in-law committed suicide. A few months later, my youngest nephew drowned. Then, unbelievably, in the spring of 2011, my oldest sister and her family were in a fatal rollover car accident. We lost my nephew, and sister in the days following the accident…my brother-in-law six months later.

To say I felt scared is an understatement. I felt terrified. Confused. Angry. Lost. And yet in those darkest of dark days, I was offered cords of hope. The love and support of friends and family near and far pulled me through this season of loss into a season of healing light.

And our dear Bella was one of the kindest. Her words and compassionate presence reminded me to hold onto my faith. She doesn’t know how much she means to so many people…she doesn’t know how much she means to me. 

I could have lost myself in a sea of grief and depression…but thanks to the love of many, I got to the other side. 

On June 25th, 2013, I gave birth to my first daughter. We named her Lucille, which means “Bringer of Light” and indeed….what light she’s brought into our world! For the past year, I’ve learned what it means to be mother. I’ve learned to let go of control and to celebrate each day for what it is: an opportunity to love and to be loved.

I remember the day she was born like it was yesterday. The second the doctor lifted her to my stomach, my body swelled with such a potent mixture of love and thankfulness and pride. Tears fell freely as I thanked God again and again. Not only for the miracle of birth but for his continued presence during the quiet and easy days of my life and his faithfulness through the dark and frightening moments of the past few years.

So my dear friends, for those of you who are hurting, please know that there is so much love in this world. Let us surround and support you. Let us help you get to the other side. I’m so thankful for the people who stood beside me…and now I pray that I can do the same for those brought into my life.

This morning parfait is a simple recipe but it’s one I love. I hope you enjoy it too.

Berry Breakfast Parfait
One 6 oz container of full-fat Greek Yogurt (2% is fine too)
Fresh berries (Organic, if possible)
1/2 to 1 cup granola

Place above ingredients in a big, beautiful bowl and enjoy! (Talk about mom-friendly!)
Have a most glorious week
and as always
Keep Shining Sweet Bellas!!

P.S. Congrats to Rach Vendetti, she won a copy of "Beautiful Outlaw"

3 comments:

  1. I'm recalling all of it, Monet and typing through a few remaining tears...yet, they quickly turned to joyful tears because of God's great mercies and tenderness through it all. Smiling now at this new season and smiling every time I see a photo of beautiful Lucille! Yes beautiful "bringer of light"! I love seeing your happy smile and can feel the joy she brings to you! Thank you for sharing this joy with us...and shining so brightly! And you are so right...our sweet Bella Jaime doesn't know how much she means to us! So I'll just keep saying it....Bella, you are a gift from God to be treasured and my life is so rich because of you! If you could only feel this HUGE HUG! Love you! xoxo

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  2. I adore seeing Monet and her family happy. It was hard to read all her sadness, but seeing her come through it is an inspiration. Lucille is a real life doll, she oozes joy and I'm sure each and every day is going to bring you more and more happiness. I love that quote and Jaime I'm so glad you had Monet over to share with us. Wishing you both nothing but the best out of life.
    -Gina-

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  3. Yes, I also do remember all the tragedy starting with Monet's little nephew drowning in 2010...so tragic and very sad; but he did survive, which the outcome was not the 'best'...later we were informed about the father-in-law, then the horrible car accident...then the brother-in-law...so tragic, it still gives me the 'chill' thinking about it!

    Monet dear, you have come through the depth of 'sadness'...and survived through it, but not without a 'broken heart' that has been miraculously mended by the 'grace of God'...giving you joy and much need 'peace' in the birth of your precious Lucille. She is so very beautiful, sweet, and her awesome personality shines through in each and every photo!

    A beautiful post from 2 beautiful bellas! Thank you for sharing, and love your Berry Breakfast Parfait, which I often have even as a snack sometimes! Hugs, and much love to you bellas!
    Elisabeth

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