How lucky am I?!! I got to spend the weekend with my darling Mia and her girl scouts troop- troop 350. We packed our sleeping bags, toiletries, some changing clothes and some cheese cakes that Derrick made, and we headed to Girdwood for the weekend. Together with 9 members of troop 350 and its two counselors, we spent the weekend in the Ashlock's cabin. The ride was cheerful as the chorus of girls chatted and sang. The weather was miserable, unlike the atmosphere in Liz's suburban, but the gray clouds did not reflect our moods, and the showers did not wipe our smiles. As we were driving, I was reflecting on how very fortunate I've been to have this opportunity to spend this time with my child. The idea of spending the weekend with a happy bunch of 8 year olds did not immediately appeal to me, but when I stopped to think about it, I reminded myself that soon, I may not be able to spend such time with my child. I had to remind myself of the joys of experiencing different things with Mia. I decided to ask Mia if she'd like me to join (i didn't want to assume that she wants her mother around all the time). To my great relief and joy, my darling child stated enthusiastically that she wants "mommy to come," and so I decided to go. I am so very fortunate to have gone. I'm honored to have been welcomed. I had a delighting time observing the girls having fun. I feel blessed to have been there in the middle of the night when Mia got scared, and though I would prefer it if she felt more comfortable, I'm honored to have been there to comfort her little heart. I'm flattered that my growing child still wants my company, and that my soft caresses on her back still calm her down at night. I'm glad that she feels I'm her shelter, and I pray she'll continue to feel like this after I pass. I pray that our time together and our experiences will help her cope when I'm physically gone and that she will be able to feel my infinite spiritual presence in her heart.

This morning, I went to the store, and came home with six beautifully radiant Geranium plants. Before they came home with me, they temporarily dwelled outside of our neighborhood's store. They sat there bathing in the beautiful Alaskan spring sun and as shoppers go by, the plants call "Buy me! Buy me!" Needless to say, I felt compelled to adopt at least some of them.

When I got back home, I planted my new plants and officially welcomed spring. Now, the temperatures have been swinging up and down in recent days, and I even noticed several lonely snow flakes floating in the air the other day, but without a doubt, and I'm sure that fellow Alaskans would agree:  it is spring.

Just as the flowers bloom, opening their colorful petals to the sun, us, less colorful humans, do the same, and as we shed our coats and winter gears, we expose ourselves to welcome the sun and soak in its caressing rays.  And they are plentiful today! And for me, the sun brings not only warmth, but it also carries yet another season on its rays. It is spring again, and I am still here.