Grateful

Yesterday was Pam’s birthday so we did all of her favorite things. That meant blueberry pancakes at the Camden Deli, several hours of casually pointless shopping, a lobster roll lunch at Hazel’s, a paddle board excursion with Kaitlin and Sarah tagging along in the kayaks, a delicious dinner which she insisted in preparing which featured lots of laughter and conversation and ended with whoopie pies. Then, Sarah handed out special gifts she had bought for the occasion…

It should be noted that my daughter-in-law did not buy the boys matching pajamas, a fact for which I will be eternally grateful. Suffice it to say that my wife had the best birthday ever. Yesterday was one of those days you dream about where everything seems right with the world. It’s why you work. It’s why you plot and scheme and calculate. It’s the reward for all the grinding, the relentless slog through meetings and paperwork. To be able to gather your family together in a place like this and hear their voices, see their happy faces…

Then, this morning, I wake up at 5:30 to this…

Grateful…