We Interrupt This Butterfly Story To Bring You A Kidnapping Story (A Good One, I Swear)

I was in the middle of telling you all about the butterfly when I was pleasantly interrupted by a surprise. Seems my friends had planned a kidnapping of sorts for me and the kids for Mother’s Day so that I wouldn’t be sitting home alone curled up in the fetal position or rocking on the bottom of the shower floor – at least not at home or alone.

Instead, Saturday morning, just as two of my friends were preparing to leave my house to return home, I saw what I thought was another friend’s car drive by. Odd, I thought, because she lives a couple hours away in Pacific Grove (Monterey Bay for the non-Californians reading along). A few minutes later, as my friends were loading up to leave, we were saying our goodbyes in my kitchen, and in walks Kim and her daughter.

And off the kids and I went for a weekend of pampering and playing at their house in PG. Everything had been taken care of, right down to the house-sitting and pet-sitting back home. All we had to do was throw our stuff in suitcases and jump in their car.

The kids had a great time playing togetherand I got to take my mind off of paperwork and bills for a couple days, and just enjoy being with my kids and friends.

Mother’s Day was still hard, especially stumbling across my recent anniversary card from Bob in my suitcase that day. I hadn’t taken the time to clean out the bag before I threw my stuff in. The last time I’d used it we had gone away overnight to Marin to see David Sedaris for our 15th wedding anniversary. It seems like a lifetime ago, not last fall. Reading his handwriting and words to me made my heart stop, but they lifted me up, too. His love reached me, once again – keeping that promise to watch over me.

I cannot thank my friends enough for making this weekend getaway happen. It was an absolute godsend and I would never have taken the initiative to do it myself with everything that’s going on. You all are my angels. I love you.

Comments

[Al_Pal]

*sniff*Beautiful. Friends are the best.

& though you were robbed of the many more, I'm so glad you celebrated 15. *HUGS*

[Amanda]

Friends rock. I'm glad they were there to help you through the day.I too was lucky enough to have people come and stay with me and the kids to help us get through this first mother's day without G.

[Jules]

You have such wonderful friends and a great support network! You are lucky in many ways.

PLUS, he took you to see David Sedaris. Clearly, he rocked.

[Cathe]

What wonderful friends you have. That speaks a lot of how YOU are as a friend. I love the fact that you did not have to worry about one single detail. I know your heart hurt when you found that card, but I believe you were meant to find it. Bob got to spend Mother's Day with you. God Bless you. You have inspired my ability to believe in love and good men. Thanks

[Divacowgirl.blogspot.com]

You totally deserve this! I'm so glad you have such amazing friends in your life, it does say a lot about you.

[dawnmatthews@comcast.net]

You deserve only the best Leah. I am so glad you and the kids had a wonderful day. I thought of you all on Mother's Day. So glad you have a circle of "sistas" who are so wonderful to you. Love Aunnie's beanie, BTW:)

[Nancy Nelson]

One day you will realize, if you don't already, what a wonderful gift Bob has given you over the last 20 years. You are secure in knowing that he truly loved you. This is a gift that not everyone receives in a lifetime.

[Meg E]

@Dawn and Leah--I too think Aunnie's hat was awesome at the funeral and here. Packers rock. ;)

So glad you got away--and had fun with J & hubby on Fri & Sat. too. Sounds like a great weekend.

[Tina Cruz]

Love that man. clearly, he is absolutely watching over you. P.G. is such a nice place. I kind of miss it. Love that A. is still wearing her hat. :)

Be well. I miss you.

T.

[Fear and Parenting in Las Vega]

Friends are truly a sign of grace. I'm glad yours were able to take such good care of you. You and the kids needed and deserved it.

[Anne]

What a wonderful story. What a wonderful husband you HAVE in Bob, and that you could find that card when you needed it. What wonderful friends you have to whisk you away and let you just be.

All signs of the wonderful person you must be. Did I mention wonderful?

Peace.