Danni’s song

Had I known how my family would expand in such heart swelling ways, I might have been less wistful about each childhood’s swift passage.

The milestones that took them away — first steps, first day of school, college, that first real job, marriage — actually made our family more whole.

I know that now.

I felt a pretty overwhelming sense of gratitude when I met my husband and we started our life together. Then our kids began to arrive and I had to pause every now and then among the happy chaos to take it all in. I could not believe how lucky we were. Not every day was perfect, but neither were they boring and I thanked God each night for the gift of my family.

Then, the partners started rolling in, and they elevated the line. The games got a little more competitive, the table grew a little more full. We added phone numbers to the family text chain and important dates on the calendar.

We celebrated our son Vinnie and his wife Danni’s five-year anniversary this week. The wood anniversary is extra special for two people with a gift for rooting themselves in their community and strengthening the family tree. Then, a few days later, we celebrated Danni’s birthday, and I gave myself the gift of reflecting on all she brings to this old world.

Danni makes everything better — occasions become events, notes become music, guests become friends. Beyond and because of all that, she is an excellent listener. I have, on more occasions than I care to admit, begun to tell a story at a crowded table, realized the conversation had moved on from me and then glanced up to see Danni, looking at me, smiling and waving me back into the discussion.

If she isn’t interested in what I’m saying, she feigns it very well.

All of this is to say, Happy birthday/Anniversary week Danni!

We’re so glad you’re here.