Today was my daughter's 16th birthday! Despite having to work overnight, it was a good day, packed with Ainsley-centered activities like eating bacon, watching movies on the couch and reading books. We tried to go out to eat and ran into a street festival downtown. It made our dinner plans complicated but it turns out eating street festival Indian food and wandering some crafty booths was just the familiar topper Ainsley needed for her day. On our way home she thanked me for a "good birthday" which made my heart light.
In turn, I would like to thank my dear friends and wonderful coworkers who helped make the day special. Catalina and Diana - I can't say enough how much I value all the love & support you've given me! Lindsay - the gift of the Sky Zone passes was more than just an afternoon of fun for me and my kids, it was a gesture of welcome that touched both my kids' lonely new-in-town selves. Mimi & Lauren thanks for the help figuring out the local options and making the shopping trip logistically possible.
When I decided to move and do residency as a single parent, I knew that it was going to be hard and that I was going to need a deep bench of support and assistance. I had the idea that it might be easier than the isolating stress I had been feeling during med school - when I was poor and poorly supported - because I would have the space to ASK for help. At times that felt like a horribly naive sentiment but I held out hope that even though things would be hard, they would still be better.
Having successfully navigated a milestone birthday, I feel like it is no longer doe-eyed for me to say that things are going to be better this way. I didn't do it alone. I couldn't have done it alone. Fortunately it turns out I don't have to do it alone!
Today was about Ainsley, the beautiful, self-possessed, nerdy, strong young woman who I am so very much enjoying watching come into her own. But it was also about me, the peace of mind that having friends I could talk to, people who could help me, substantively and emotionally, create a memorable day for my daughter. It was a good Birth day for me as well.
In turn, I would like to thank my dear friends and wonderful coworkers who helped make the day special. Catalina and Diana - I can't say enough how much I value all the love & support you've given me! Lindsay - the gift of the Sky Zone passes was more than just an afternoon of fun for me and my kids, it was a gesture of welcome that touched both my kids' lonely new-in-town selves. Mimi & Lauren thanks for the help figuring out the local options and making the shopping trip logistically possible.
When I decided to move and do residency as a single parent, I knew that it was going to be hard and that I was going to need a deep bench of support and assistance. I had the idea that it might be easier than the isolating stress I had been feeling during med school - when I was poor and poorly supported - because I would have the space to ASK for help. At times that felt like a horribly naive sentiment but I held out hope that even though things would be hard, they would still be better.
Having successfully navigated a milestone birthday, I feel like it is no longer doe-eyed for me to say that things are going to be better this way. I didn't do it alone. I couldn't have done it alone. Fortunately it turns out I don't have to do it alone!
Today was about Ainsley, the beautiful, self-possessed, nerdy, strong young woman who I am so very much enjoying watching come into her own. But it was also about me, the peace of mind that having friends I could talk to, people who could help me, substantively and emotionally, create a memorable day for my daughter. It was a good Birth day for me as well.
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