Irini Sings (and hearts melt)!

 

Irini has been singing for years, in choir, in the car, on her own as she studies. And as she'd done that she's found it to be hugely satisfying. In HS she decided to stick with choir (something she started in MS) and she happily hides in the visitor bedroom as she practices away for hours on end (sometime). Then, once a semester, she stands in front of a full house in our school's theater to sing her heart out. She is one of many voices, but boy do they bring hope to one's soul. 

It's hard to leave one of these events, as a parent, and not have gone through a bit of a catharsis as you've watched your child be part of something so beautiful. Unlike sports, choir has a sophisticated, collaborative beauty to it that speaks directly to one's soul, especially if that someone has a connection to one of the choir members. And so there they are, mommy, daddy and sister, all looking down on this symphony of voices speaking to many things - broken hearts, dreams and all those things that give life meaning. How amazing that our children are able to be part of this all. 

Our hearts melt just as they become whole. 

Silent Winter Beauty

 

There's something about snow and clear, beautiful days that fills the soul with that quiet luster and makes one's heart happy. Daddy's time in Sweden, though unexpected and anxiety-ridden, was also a chance to take a deep breath and find the calm splendor of nature. But it's not only the seen. It's also that cold chill enveloping one's cheeks, and warmth of the sun, as if making its way to you through the cold to give you a personal "hello". It's the breath of fresh air, over and over again. And with every breath it's as if the natural world is sharing it's self with you. And it just does it's thing, without worry about the stresses we all face. It was the yin to daddy's yang in moments when a respite was needed, and also the listener of thoughts. And, in some strange way, it fills one with hope, even by saying nothing. 

Seeing Pappou in the Hospital

 

And while the girls were in Malaysia reconnecting, daddy was on a different plan. This one was a strange mix of love-filled support and worry about what tomorrow might hold. Daddy had changed plans (he was originaly going to Malaysia with the rest of the gang) to head up to Sweden and see Pappou and Moca. His arrival found them at a hospital where Pappou had been for nearly three weeks. The staff friendly, the spaces clean and healthy-looking but three weeks in a hospital takes its toll. Pappou was in there with a kidney problem that, as luck would have it, got progressively worse as daddy was there; perhaps for the better. 

Daddy's days went between doing what he could to be there for Pappou (and giving Moca some well-deserved time to reorganize things in the house and, perhaps, to get an extra hour of sleep?) and share stories, take him for a walk down the hall or to the cafe downstairs. Before the weather got really cold they also went outside once, but Sweden in March is not particularly warm, so that didn't happen again. 

Vince and Jess made their way to the hospital for a day also, making it a nice reunion of sorts. So, in a strange, not-so-great reason for being here, kind of way it was a good chance for love to reconnect everyone. 

By the time daddy had to leave (to return to Dubai) there was a plan for Pappou to go home, first on a trial basis and then permanently. Daddy left with tears in his eyes, not knowing what was to come and whether the worst was ahead of us or behind us. Thankfully, it was the latter and by the time we write this note the news is great... Pappou has returned home and is happily getting better where he belongs. Love is best when it's home.