My daughter for the Win

I’ve always joked that I’d know who my soulmate was because they’d organize carolers to come to my door and sing to me at Christmas. Somewhere along the way, the old-fashioned romantic in me became attached to that idea, and for years I’ve been unable to give it up.

Turns out my soulmate is my 16 year old daughter Olivia Beckett who planned and executed a Christmas surprise, adding some much needed magic to what has been a very emotional, sometimes trying December. It’s always been you baby 💜.

I’m overcome with gratitude that my friends and family took the time to stand in my dark driveway in what feels like 2 degrees and sing words that evoke joy, innocence, and the memory of a family heirloom housed in the verse of a song.

Olivia , Ashley, Ashton, Gina, Blake, April, Sam, Atlas, Theresa, Janie, Maxx – I don’t really think I deserve friends as good to me as you are. I don’t think I’m anywhere near as generous as any one of you. I mean if you were like dying and needed me to come sit with you in the hospital, I’d be there, but to come out in freezing cold temperatures on a Monday night to spend time signing to you – nah…probably not. (Olivia just confirmed that I, in fact, would do no such thing in any temperature below a sunny 72).

I’m not sure how to adequately say thank you.

My broken outdoor lights. My falling apart garage. Writing rejections. Work stress.

It all seems so damn stupid and insignificant when you open your door and find that the best present is the people you love – loving you right back – only bigger and better than you’ve been able to love them.

And Maxx – thank you for making me feel much younger and more beautiful than I feel ☺️
🎄💜🙏🎶🥰