The American cemetery in Normandy, France |
November
11th is also Lāčplēša diena,
the Latvian commemorative holiday marking the anniversary of the Latvian
national army's victory 93 years ago today. Although independence was
proclaimed November 18th of 1918, Soviet and German troops still occupied
the country until the decisive battle almost a year later. Lit candles are placed in
windows throughout Rīga to honor the freedom fighters who fought for Latvia’s
independence.
It isn’t
just the holidays and the approach of Thanksgiving that has me reflecting. I have a score of things to be grateful for, each a reminder of the
multitude of people and things in my life that fill each day with love and happiness.
The
first came a few weeks ago when we finally left our temporary apartment to move
into our new home. Our belongings arrived soon after, and the comfort of having
our clothes, our kitchen, our furniture quickly superseded the temporary inconvenience of boxes piled
high throughout the house. After the 6 months spent waiting on our apartment in Clermont-Ferrand, I am immensely grateful to be warm and cozy in our own home
before the holidays, so quickly after our move.
The
second gift arrived a week ago in the form of my mother. Her assistance has
been invaluable; the unpacking, cleaning, cooking and care of Lauris and Mikus
seemed insurmountable before her arrival, and in only one week we have gotten
so much done that it seems like we’ve been living here for months.
Photo credit: my mom |
It isn’t
often enough that I slow down and take stock of all the blessings bestowed upon
me and my family. Especially recently, after moving back from France and during
all the chaos that has ensued, I have taken for granted the family and friends
that have been there for us every step of the way. This month I have decided to
take some time every day to think about how very fortunate I am to have been
blessed with a wonderful husband, two healthy children, a foyer to be a femme to!
* Today
I wish to mention how thankful I am that my sister and her family in Brooklyn
were spared the fury of Hurricane Sandy and the subsequent nor’easter, and how
very proud I am of their volunteer efforts to help their neighbors and those
not as fortunate.
Un es esmu bezgalīgi pateicīga par tavu priekšzīmi - kā māsa, kā sieviete, kā māte... Sūtam mīļas bučas un siltus apkampienus!
ReplyDeleteSo great you are settling into your new home. Looking forward to Mikus' walking video!
ReplyDelete