“Motherhood is the biggest gamble in the world. It is a glorious life force. It’s huge and scary—it’s an act of infinite optimism.”—Gilda Radner
We were invited to a Mother’s Day brunch by our son-in-law Kyle’s mom, Kim Chien, and her husband Al.
Our daughter Michelle was holding our recently born granddaughter, Emmy. Our son Jason was able to join us and Kyle's brother Chip and his fiancé Katie also attended.
For families like ours, who relied on the vaccine before feeling totally comfortable reuniting with extended loved ones, it was a welcome step toward normal. Mother’s Day 2021 marks the first holiday since the coronavirus vaccine was made available. Hugs were shared and it felt good. In fact, it is safe to say that we will never take a hug for granted again.
The general family interactions are coming back on schedule with a new focus. Emmy’s pre-natal development & eventual birth in February gave us something to look forward to during the challenging pandemic winter months. She brings a burst of hope and happiness as Lyla did when she was born. We all went through this pandemic not knowing what would happen, and we can see once again that life goes on.
The Chiens provided the food and drinks and Cecile and I brought desserts from the renowned “Icing on the Cake." We sat having drinks first while lounging under a shaded trellis in the outdoor lounge area of the Chiens beautiful home getting caught up before sitting down at the table for brunch. Ever the hostess, Lyla insisted on pouring her uncle Jason a glass of champagne with his guided assistance of course. She also wanted to carry a bloody Mary to the table for Al (Pops) who was closely behind.
After brunch, the presents came out. Once again, Lyla was eager to carry the bags of gifts to the well-deserving mothers and grandmothers (Cecile, Kim and Michelle). The one bag Lyla toted outside was almost as big as she was. Anticipation, excitement and joy were in the air. The mothers loved their gifts. Just earlier everyone was raving about the sweets from Icing on the Cake, but the real Icing on the Cake was witnessing and holding our sweet granddaughters, Lyla and Emmy, and realizing that they are growing up in an atmosphere of love and attention showered upon them by a family that loves them unconditionally.
