had I not waited

I never told you how the GRE went. Well, it went. It's over. It was exhausting, but it was worth it. I sat in that room wondering why I ever took a break between my bachelor's degree and my master's degree. Then, I quickly remembered that I am right where I am supposed to be and all thoughts of "what if" dissolved immediately.

Had I not waited to return to school I wouldn't have taken such a brilliant run this morning, beachside. I watched the sun rise on my left, the full, pregnant, hazy moon falling ever so slowly on my right, the ocean tearing the sand between the two. I would not have stood on the pier this morning and sighed with total contentment that I am standing right where He would have me stand. Had I not waited to return to school I wouldn't have been able to spend quality time with my grandparents, cozy-ing up for breakfast in bed or blueberry pancakes over a game of cards. I would not have spent time in southern France, tasting the culture and the delectable cheeses, (only to find that cheese is the source of my ailment in my legs, and thus I can no longer eat it), touring the countryside as I learned to smile once again. And, had I not waited to return to school, I would not know these kids. They are the cure to every bad day I could have, the best part of every morning, the funniest story-tellers, the cutest and most fashionably dressed, the most delightful smiles you have ever seen, the most loving hearts you have ever seen in action, the most wonderful part of any day. They make everything I thought I wanted to do seem so unimportant, and they aren't even my own kids! I am so proud to be a part of their life. I am so proud to be a part of their day. I am so honored that I get to walk down the street, to the park, to the store, or anywhere else with them alongside me. I am so thrilled every night when all of them and I go downstairs to my little studio apartment to play before bed. It's them and me, like our own secret club. I love it. I love making the bedspread forts on Saturday mornings, the Sunday morning runs with Melvil, the tennis matches with Milan, the dancing with Domino, the tender touch of Cecil. They are so worth knowing. I wish you could just see them, for all it takes is one glance and you are hooked instantaneously. I am all the better for knowing them, and all the better for letting them get to know me.
It has been a while since I have reminded you how much I adore these kids. Just thought you might like to know that graduate school is worth the wait simply because these kids are part of my life. From school projects to mornings at the Library, they are more delightful every day. I know it's not that way for all kids, but I hope you have the pleasure of spending time with little children at least a few times every week. They are a perfect reminder of the good life.