Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Bittersweet

Ordinarily, I love a party. Love having them in the calendar to look forward to. Love the build up of excitement as the day approaches. The colour, the food, the fun, the happiness. Children's parties, I would say I enjoy just as much as the adult variety. Before I had the boys I would bound along to parties for littlies of friends and family, lapping up all that childish energy. I used to dream of the day when I too, would have my own little ones to dress up and take along, gift in hand, to party party party.

But on Saturday, I was forced to dig deep and drag that desire to party out of me. A first birthday celebration for a good friend's little lady and I knew I couldn't miss it. In reality, I didn't want to miss it. I just wished I could source that fervor, normally found in abundance within this big-kid-of-a-Mama. So I spruced myself and my big boy up, left an extremely fractious and overtired Felix with Nana and Pop, then rocked on over to share in the milestone for my friends and their daughter.

I'm sure glad I did. A sunny afternoon, at the home of people who care about me and my family, with friends who have also experienced the dark depths I've been to of late. Women who were open and honest and comforting, with their own stories of sadness and suffering. It was enlightening, in a way I wouldn't have expected. A day with a healthy mix of reflection on one instance and genuine elation for another. And the best bit, seeing a bunch of animated tots, zipping around in the Summer heat. Tots I have known and cared for, from the very beginning. 











18 comments:

  1. So cute and the weather was great for them. I haven't been by to say hi for a while hope your all after having a great summer. x

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  2. I just want to give you the warmest hug.

    I know you feel empty now, but the emptiness fades, I promise. It doesn't disappear, but it fades.

    You still have that wonderful way with photos & words.

    And the photo where Angus is looking at that sweet little girl, that's a swoon worthy photo right there!

    xx

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  3. Good on you J for getting out and putting yourself out there despite the pain. You are amazing and brave and strong. Sending big hugs xoxo

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  4. Agree with Cherie that Angus...look out girls!! So glad you went and felt loved in a safe environment, keep breathing lovely your doin great xx

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  5. I agree with everything Nat said....I know you are hurting right now but you are still there for your family XX

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  6. I agree with everything Nat said....I know you are hurting right now but you are still there for your family XX

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  7. poor piper had a carrot muffin and 2 friends come for her big day,
    bouncy castle looks much more fun! x ashley

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  8. Oh - his sweet, sweet little face ... and that cake.
    But most of all, you.
    You are just beautiful through and through.
    I'm glad that pushing yourself (for someone else) on Saturday was able to bring you some form of comfort or enlightenment.
    xxxxxx

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  9. I'm glad you're finding comfort in the moment Julie. Good on you, surrounding yourself with loved ones will only ever help. Much love. xo

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  10. Glad you dug deep and went to the party. You need to be around people that can help you get thru this painful time. Surround yourself with children, laughter, and cake!!

    thinking of you xo

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  11. It's good to hear that you are finding comfort with your loved ones Jules. Keep on m'love. We're all thinking of you through this difficult time xxx

    P.S I just love the expressions on Angus' face. Gorgeous boy :)

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  12. Awesomeness all round! The kids never cease to teach us lessons, glad you had a nice afternoon. How good is that cake btw, what a masterpiece!xx

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  13. You are just astounding, Jules. What depth of character and such a huge heart you have. J x

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  14. Friends, fellow mothers, the company and laughter of children can be the best medicine. Nothing like a bit of "Love Medicine" to help mend a heart. Lots of love to you Jules xox

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  15. That little lady is a doll! So glad to hear that you had a good outing - with good friends to wrap around you. Lovely. It's always such a good feeling, when you go along to something that you really didn't think you had the energy for...only to find it was exactly what you needed to give you that boost. Alison xo

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  16. I'm glad you found some comfort- friends got me through my dark times too - and still do.... amazing cake!

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  17. What a fun party that must have been and wow, what a cake! I'm so glad you had a good time. You need to crash more kid's parties I think!

    Take care and Pinch & Punch for the first of the Month!

    Best wishes,
    Natasha In Oz
    xo

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  18. What a big heart you have. Glad you made the effort. xx

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