My husband, son, and I drove 22 hours over the course of about 35 to get home from our little spontaneous getaway from reality. During our time away, we had beach-walks and seafood, sunsets and laughs. We also had one back injury, and another didn’t feel well, and mostly all rainy days. My boys did as little of their business work as possible as they were trying to actually have a vacation. The work they did do was fruitful to say the very least as they succeeded exponentially in their endeavors. Highs and lows. Little things and big things. Good mixed in with the struggles. Life is like that no matter where you are, but somehow it’s just a bit more bearable with your feet in the sand.

Having traveled with my son and husband on this adventure, I found myself quieter than usual. They talk business and life and I listen to them and enjoy their male camaraderie, and feel myself getting more thoughtful than usual. Because they occupied each other, I read more and did yoga on the deck and spent some good time alone, and came home feeling contemplative.

Amidst all of this STUFF and busyness of arriving home and getting my crazy messes back in order (not helped at all by a broken fridge and nowhere to put so much food!!), I found some treasures and I can’t help but feel just the most loved. In the piles of things to organize and put away was a pile of mail from our absence. Three packages were for me. Three treasures straight from heaven through the hands of three most beautiful ladies straight to my heart.

After spending time with boys and in the midst of feeling overwhelmed by crap to do, I got to open a handwritten card signed, “I love you forever, Mama Chris” from the momma of my heart given to me by God to fix that momma-shaped-hole I had for so long, a gift of a book with an inscribed note in the cover from an auntie that found me and loves me (it’s the neatest old cookbook ever), and a treasured gift from my heart-friend that will decorate our home and forever remind us of our purpose with this big, ol’ house we live in.

I was also able to go with my daughter and granddaughters to an ultrasound and view my newest grandbaby sticking out its tongue and showing us its cutest little lips and feet — enjoying some girl time and lunch and snuggles. I got precious time with my youngest daughter feeling welcomed home with food and a sign and the best hugs ever.

I am just basking in feeling valued today. I am reminded that women have the unique ability to use our beautiful souls to consider each other and show such love. I am inspired to remember to reach out in simple and extravagant ways to the INCREDIBLE females in my world and treasure each heart and friendship with all of who I am. There is something special about what we offer each other and I want to encourage all of us to keep doing it well.

What is the most thoughtful gift you’ve ever received? Do you find yourself thinking of the cherished women in your life and remembering to send them love in some form? How would you be challenged to do that throughout this next month?