Cherry blossoms are a beautiful reminder to live in the present.
The cherry tree in our yard is in bloom and we’re gonna enjoy their beauty for the week or so that we have them this and every Spring.
They remind me that lovely moments in life are often fleeting and so we should enjoy them while they are here.
But the good news is they will return again and again.
That’s probably one of the most important lessons I’ve learned as T’s parent.
This weekend, on May 2 specifically, marks the 5 year anniversary of when the hubby and I met our beautiful little boy for the first time.
May 2 was a Monday in 2016. We had found out unexpectedly just four days prior that we were matched with not one, but two children. We ultimately decided to pursue adoption of T.
I left work halfway through the day and went on a one-hour transit ride through the subway and bus to a home in the West end of our City.
The hubby drove from his work and met me there. We arrived a few minutes before our appointment.
We rang the doorbell. T’s foster mother, whom we met a few days prior, opened the door. In her hands was our tiny little T, wearing a very sharp looking Hudson Bay hoodie.
We spent the afternoon playing with him and his foster brothers.
Over the course of the week, we made daily visits – sometimes during the morning, sometimes the evening – with each visit becoming longer.
Then he stayed over our home for the first time in the weekend then 12 days after our first visit, he moved in with us.
As starry-eyed first-time parents who had waited over seven years to be matched with a child, little did we know the adventure that we were going to embark on.
I’ve written a lot on this blog about the ups and downs of raising a child with great potential and a challenging prognosis of at-risk FASD.
But the message I always return to is that while there are so many hard moments, often on a daily basis, there are many beautiful moments that bloom throughout each day.
The first steps, the first words, the first “I love you,” the first hug, the first family roadtrips and adventures, the first day of school.
And like the blossoms of a cherry tree, I sometimes forget to take the time to enjoy them. They often feel fleeting in the daily chaos and they are blink and gone before you know it moments.
But thankfully, life is often filled with grace – and these moments will come into beautiful bloom again and again.
Hey Ab! This post touched our heart. Thank you for being such an inspiration to all parents out there who want to adopt a child and also for changing someone’s life by giving him so much love and care. T and you both are lucky to have each other for life. We pray to God and ask him to shower his blessings on you and your lovely family.
Thank you very much! That is very sweet for you to say. 😊 It’s been a wonderful journey so far despite the ups and downs.
And wishing you and your colleagues all the best as well during these challenging pandemic times! 🤞🏻🙏
What a beautiful post Ab! Congratulations on 5 years of being a daddy and changing T’s life forever! You and your hubby have given T the life he deserves.
Thanks Diane. We are very fortunate. 😊💕
These wonderful memories is what life is all about.
Thank you! And to many more!
Beautiful heart warming loving post my friend. Wonderful memories keeps us excited of what’s new every season, and forever grateful of the ones that past. Spring and the other seasons are like promises that there is hope tomorrow and that things get better. Time do flies, if only we can slow it down. Have a wonderful week ahead. Regards🙏
Thank you! I think you summed it up very well about the Hope and promise of Spring! Especially during these trying times, it’s a reminder things will be renewed and refreshed after a long winter!
Today has been warm, looks like Summer is in a hurry though love Summer too. We also get to have more hours to enjoy outdoors, Sunsets and margaritas. Hope you get to visit Northern Cali one day, who knows I may take you guys at my fav spots in Big Sur. It is a small world after all & Canada is basically a next door neighbor. Hope this COViD will be over soon. Happy Tuesday☀️ sipping coffee & readying WP on my lunch break😇
Thank you. It was actually 10 years ago (in August 2011) that the hubby, his parents and I travelled together to San Fran and Seattle en route to Alaska. San Fran made such an amazing impression on us and still think very fondly of the trip. We did a day trip to Napa Valley as well. Beautiful. I don’t have a sense of where Big Sur is in relation to all this but will definitely be back to that part of the world again one day. And if you haven’t moved to the Philippines by then, yes, please give us a tour! 😊
Enjoy your Tuesday. The weekend will hopefully be here again soon. Lol. Enjoy your coffee.
I’d be glad to. Big Sur is close from Monterey. From where I live, about 1 1/2 drive. I feel blessed to be close to beaches. SF is about 45 minutes away. I called it my back yard during my honeymoon phase with this amazing city. The houses and land are crazy expensive where I like to go and I’m just enjoying it as much as we can before another big move again. Sacramento is more affordable & a good alternative for retirement if I decide to stay put in California. Been checking our Mendocino lately , also beautiful coastal town. Take care my friend.
This is such a beautiful post. I love the connection you made with cherry blossoms and memories. It is a good reminder to enjoy the blossoms (and just every day in general) while they are here. This time of the year is always magical, but even more so for you as it marks the anniversary of when T entered into your life. P.S. how lovely to have a cherry tree in your yard. It looks beautiful.
Thank you, L. The slowing down the world the last year has really taught us all to enjoy the simple but most meaningful things in life. 😊 We are very lucky to have inherited a wonderful garden from the previous owner of our home and the cherry tree is definitely a highlight. The blossoms will be gone by end of this week so gonna enjoy it while we can! 💕
That’s been one of the good things about the pandemic is that it’s forced us all to slow down and be more mindful of what’s important to us. One of the things I’m looking forward to when we move is being able to grow a garden. Enjoy the rest of your week and the rest of your cherry blossoms.
You will enjoy gardening I am sure of it!
This is just lovely Ab. Happy Anniversary to each of you❤.
Thank you, LaDonna. These moments are great occasions to pause, reflect and celebrate. Hope you are doing well!
♥️♥️
What a special anniversary and great message. I bet every year those cherry trees will bring you this reminder. I think I will look at them the same way!
Thank you, Robyn. It is a special day indeed. 😊 And come to think of it, yes, this cherry tree will be a nice annual reminder of it indeed. 💕