stop and smell the roses

The last couple of weeks were a bit tough around our house. You may have read all about it here but if not you can click on the link and read all about it now.

This weekend when I was right in the thick of taking care of sick, miserable children, Maggie came in and tried to give me a rose that she had picked from outside. I, gosh this sounds terrible, basically blew her off. I didn't have time to stop what I was doing and smell the rose, give her a big hug and tell her how thankful I was for her sweet, kind gift. Although, I will say I don't think she even really noticed and if she did it didn't show.
Off she went with the rose and I didn't have a clue what she had done with it. To be honest, I didn't even think of the rose again for a few hours.
Then when I was in the kitchen I noticed it on the very cluttered and messy counters. It was sitting there, in a yogurt cup with water. I picked up the cup and my first thought was that I was going to put it outside, get it out of my way, most likely to never be looked at again.
But, I put it up to my nose and smelled the most wonderful smelling rose I have ever smelled. My heart immediately swelled and I was brought back to positive thoughts in the midst of a yucky day.
I needed that. I needed my Maggie to make me smile. Of course I instantly felt so very guilty that I had basically blown her off.
That rose didn't go anywhere but right back on my counter. But not until I went and found Maggie and thanked her the right way for her wonderful, sweet gift.
Since that moment I have picked up the water filled yogurt cup that holds my beautiful rose and smelled its amazing scent. Every time, every single time, I do it I am instantly relaxed. I am reminded that although being a mom of sick kids is not fun it will pass. I am reminded to look at the positive things going on and try not to focus on the negative.
I won't say I am perfect now, I am sure I will never be, but I will try and remember this.

So, next time life is crazy, and chaotic and overwhelming take time to smell the roses. Or lilacs if you prefer.

Try and see the absolute beauty that is a water filled yogurt cup holding a beautiful rose...

Thank you Maggie, I love you!