the moment I knew...

It was mid afternoon as I entered her office.  I had finally worked up the courage to meet with her. The one who perfectly captured my missing daughters face.  The art she displayed was breathtaking, proving that she had a true rare talent. A talent very similar to my own mother.  "I hear you are interested in one of my pieces?"  I turned to see who had spoken.  I wasnt prepared for this. When I looked into her eyes, I felt as though I was staring into a mirror. I turned and walked out, frightened as to what this meant.



*Bloggers note: This is my 100 words for http://www.velvetverbosity.com/  The word is Frightened. 

The endless obsession....

                                                                          

It had been almost 20 years since that awful day that she would never forget.  The fliers, the endless searches, the milk cartons, nothing seemed to help her.

"Eileen, come on.  I want you to see this piece." The annual art show was was one of her favorite outings. Something she looked forward to. All of the proceeds of the show went to the children shelter she volunteered at. 

"Eileen? What's your obsession with that piece?"

It took me a while to gather up the words, the strength to talk.  "That girl in this painting.  Thats her. Emily.  My daughter....."

*This is my 100 words entry for http://www.velvetverbosity.com/  .  The word is obsession.

What I really want

Valentines day...  

                                                                                   
This is a day that means so many things to so many people.  I have been both in a relationship and single on this day.  No matter what my relationship status might be, I still want the same thing.  For someone to appreciate me.

My husband gave me the greatest gift ever today... He gave me a stuffed animal that says "I'm wild about you", a box of my favorite candy "ferrero rocher", and lunch at one of my favorite places "Cracker barrell".  Those things were great, but they dont compare to the best thing I could ever ask for.  My husband took the day off of work to spend time with me, he then let me sleep for 3 hours extra this morning.  I know that may sound silly to some people,  but it told me that he understood me.  He understands how hard I work and he appreciates me. There is not a better feeling or gift in the world. 

Love and appreciation isnt shown by how much money is spent, or how many gifts you get.  I was listening to the radio the other day and the DJ asked women to call in and tell the thing they wanted the most for Valentines day.  Most of them said, I just wand him to do the dishes, get the kids on the bus, cook dinner. I did not hear 1 woman say anything material.....

So to all of the guys out there. Flowers die, candy diappears, but appreciation will always be in our hearts...

Learning the language...

                                                                         


As I was standing there looking at the audience I could feel my knees getting weaker, and my palms getting wetter. The people standing beside me, my equals, had worked just as hard as I had to get here.  Only 4 short years ago, I had traveled here with my family from Vietnam.  Learning this beautiful language was one of the hardest most fulfilling accomplishments of my life.  And now, I was proving to myself that I had made it.  The school I was attending held its annual spelling bee.  Now, it was my turn.

Mam, your word is ENGAGES......


Bloggers note:  This is dedicated to my beautiful step mother.  This is my 100 word entry for http://www.velvetverbosity.com/

And there goes my baby.....

Wow... My heart just broke into a million pieces.  Carly, my 6 year old, just broke me.  Everyone always teases me that she is my favorite.  They say that I give her everything and use all of my attention on her.  That couldnt be further from the truth.  I love each of my children equally.  I treat all of my children the same.  What the older ones don't realize is that I baby them as much as they will let me.  I would give anything for one more cuddly hug with Taylor my 15 year old. One more "mommy, your the best" just because she means it, not because she wants something.  Lyla sometime will climb up in my lap and hug me, but most of the time she want to act like she's grown.  Almost like, "I will love on you, but dont let anyone see."  Carly, however, is my baby..

                                                                           

Well, apparantly she has decided that it would be ok to grow up.  This is not ok.  She can read now, and she seems to be developing this attitude of "I love you, but I want to do my own thing".  I told her the other day that I wanted her to stay this age forever.  She very quickly replied that it would not be a good thing if she did because when I die, there will be no one to take care of her.  What she did and said tonight, was the breaking point for me.  I asked her to pick up something and throw it away.  She said to me in return.." I do everything for you and you do nothing for me"  GASP........

When did this foolishness happen.  I got very upset and very loudly explained to her what exactly I do for her.  She then proceeded to tell me everything she thinks she does for me.  She plays with me, she cuddles with me, she gives me hugs and kisses all of the time... she listed these things like she did them out of pity for me.  I yelled some more... Taylor came out of her room, smiled and said "did you really just yell at Carly, you just made my whole week"  She acts like I never get on to Carly.  I have a feeling that I am going to be making Taylor really happy in the future.  Carly seems to be developing quite the attitude. 
                                                              

                                                                    
What am I going to do when I dont have a baby to baby anymore?  If you listen real closely, you will here the crumble sound of my heart....

But she said.....

                                                           
As I sat across from my son's kindergarten teacher, I felt myself growing anxious.  What could he have done to warrant this meeting?

"Mam, we had an incident today that we need to discuss with you.  James told me that he had a crush on his friend Kelly, and asked how he should handle it.  I told him to treat her like a gentleman, show respect and honor.  He ran outside and jumped on top of her knocking her down."

"James, What do you have to say for yourself?"

"Mom, I did just what she said and jumped ~on her~!"



This is my 100word entry for http://www.velvetverbosity.com/ .  This weeks word is honor.