March in Review: Embracing a Smorgasbord of Experiences

My Grandfather was the first person who I heard use the word Smorgasbord.

As I reflect on the whirlwind of March, memories of my Grandpa's enjoyment of what he called a "Smorgasbord dinner" flood my mind. To him, Smorgasbord was a mishmash of leftovers, magically transformed into a culinary delight—a true feast for the senses. Much like this meal, March unfolded as a smorgasbord of experiences, emotions, and events.

Amidst the chaos of the month, I found myself neglecting my writing, feeling overwhelmed by daily life. However, a nudge from a mentor and the encouragement of a respected writer and educator reignited my passion for writing. With renewed vigor, I dusted off my notebook, ready to write again.

The term "smorgasbord" perfectly encapsulates the kaleidoscope of emotions I encountered over the month. From the euphoria of marathon training to the challenges of parenting teenagers, each day presented a buffet of experiences. 

One poignant moment that stood out over the month was the loss of our beloved Golden Retriever, Prince, to cancer. His absence left an emptiness in our hearts that will not easily be filled. He was truly special. 

On a brighter note, my oldest son decided to that he wanted to accept the offer to Attend the University of Michigan. While it is exciting, it is a heavy decision when you have several great offers! I also immersed myself in a diverse collection of books, relishing what they each offered. Spring break also brought much-needed relaxation, allowing me to recharge amidst the tranquility of the beach. The crash of ocean waves and the warmth of the sun rejuvenated my spirit, inspiring dreams of future adventures. I felt connected to my Grandmother who used to always start thinking about future trips on her vacations. In addition to beach life, I had a chance to go on a few long runs, watch my daughter immerse herself in books and music, realize how good my middle son is at driving, and watch my oldest savor any opportunity he found to play soccer.

Our trip near the Kennedy Space Center introduced me to a new world of enthusiasts, igniting a passion for exploration and discovery. Witnessing the collective dedication to progress toward lofty goals for our world and The Solar System filled me with hope, excitement, and new energy.

March continues to embrace the frenzy of basketball season, a welcome distraction amidst life's chaos. We have been filling out brackets for a while now, and it is a great way to connect as a family and get excited about a television that does not change channels over the weekend! 

Moments of joy were tempered by realizing that my Aunt Gail had passed away on the 28th. She made her life amazing! She was one of those people you are just drawn to. Aunt Gail was a public school teacher and counselor. She traveled a lot, and loved her extended family well! I remember spending the night in her classy city loft watching the Price is Right and doing our nails. She had so many colors of nail polish and made everything seem exciting! 

As I say goodbye to March, I am reminded of how rich life is and the importance of cherishing every moment. Each experience, whether joyous or sorrowful, contributes to our story and serves a purpose. As I eagerly await the moments that April will hold, I carry with me the lessons learned from March's smorgasbord of experiences.

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