My Joy personified...

It's been awhile since I've written about my daughter, Sunsetta Cavanagh-Draper. As she gets older she has to approve of the pictures I take of her and because I respect her, I also want to be careful as not to tell her story, because I know that she can tell her own story now. I was telling this to my favorite hair dresser, Michelle, at Mane Attraction and she encouraged me to still write about her, because other mothers may be able to relate.

I did get this photo approved and it was taken when she went hiking with her aunt and uncle, Aunt Pamela and Uncle Justin Jones while I was away at my sisters for a week. They had taken her hiking. What a beauty she is inside and out. She has the best time with them because they take her places and she gets to experience things she wouldn't ordinarily experience hanging out at home. We are blessed to have them.

(photo taken by Pamela Jones)

Sunsetta is 12 years old now and she is my Joy Personified. This is how my grandma K. used to describe me growing up. I know just how she feels as I feel this as a mother, the way my grandmother felt about me. It's such a special bond I have with Sunsetta. It just gets even more rewarding as we both age. There is so much love and laughter. She got me laughing so hard yesterday that my belly muscles and cheeks were sore! Bill came home from work and said that he could hear me laughing when he got out of the car and into the neighborhood. What a joyful noise!

I know that there are good mothers and fathers out there that can relate, which brings me to the page today. I want to write this love note to Sunsetta to let her know just how proud I am of her this day, this year, and every present moment, really. She's just such a good human being! As her teacher at Lowville Academy Central School said something like this, "I don't worry about Sunsetta. She does things to the best of her abilities, participates in class, and she is always joyful...making me realize the reason I became a teacher in the first place."

This week in church we lit the advent candle of JOY and it's in my early morning awakenings that I get time to write myself right as I call it. If I were to write a book about Sunsetta it would be called "Sunsetta's Eyes" because I have enjoyed looking at the world through her eyes. It's a dream of mine to write more books as my love for writing is just as avid as my love is for being a mother. Perhaps Sunsetta and I could write a book together one day... her talents are myriad and amazing! It seems like there is nothing she cannot do! I often get asked by helping agencies and foundations related to her CF what Sunsetta loves to do in her free time... She loves to draw, sing, dance, play musical instruments, but she doesn't want to perform outside of the home or even perform in front of her relatives. I feel like we have such a precious gem shining in our midst that I wish I could share with all the world to see...

Right now Sunsetta is really into playing guitar with her Dad. I love hearing and watching them play together. Sunsetta loves music just as much as I love writing. Her taste in music is eclectic and she loves to sing too. In our household we are all very talented so when we get together to "play" it's such a joyful noise! Sunsetta plays guitar and sings as she plays now and I sing along with her. We love to sing Zombie by the Cranberries, the newest one she has learned while playing with her Dad in the studio.

I have written a book about Joel and Mandy when they were young, entitled, Shadow Dancing and it's about all the joy I felt being their Mom. This book encompasses all the Joy that is felt being a Mom. It can be found on amazon.com.

Sunsetta's growing up fast, slow down... it all goes way too fast. In the blink of an eye lives are lived. So if you are reading this blog, savor all the precious moments you have with your kids. Take nothing for granted. I know we are living in a volatile time, but hold onto the love that saves you and snuggle in close to your kids no matter what the age. Take time to experience your Joys, Live out the loves of your lifetimes, and Don't forget to Laugh! Make a joyful noise!