On my laptop screen, tabs stack up: The Blind Boys of Alabama, Smallwood Home print shop, Headway, and the document I keep open to write my blog. I started the morning watching Peter Gabriel’s 2002 live concert, where the rich, soulful sound of The Blind Boys of Alabama filled the air. Seeing their age on stage, we all assumed they’d all passed on. Turns out, according to my research, there’s still one living member—maybe a younger addition, but a link to the group’s past nonetheless. Smallwood Home caught my attention after seeing three wood-framed family canvases on a client’s wall. My blank walls are practically begging for something similar, yet choosing just three photos from my endless gallery feels like an impossible challenge. Headway is there too, as always, for scheduling and updating treatment plans so insurance can cover my services. It’s not the fun tab, but it’s essential. And this document? I keep it open, ready to catch thoughts like a silent observer, ever-listening.
Right now, I’m typing from the patio while the family watches Guardians of the Galaxy on our movie projector. That projector might be my proudest find yet—the device was under $50, and the 8’x5’ screen was a steal at $150. It’s been worth every cent in memories. We’re getting in some early celebrating because tomorrow is Evelyn’s 5th birthday, and I can hardly wait.
The guest list stands at 25, including all four grandparents. Tomorrow’s tasks are a mix of fun and frantic: picking up fifty helium balloons from Dollar General, making Caesar and ranch dressings for the veggie trays, and ordering six large pizzas from Holy Pie. I’m multitasking here, movie-watching and typing, just to make sure bedtime isn’t too late. If I wait until the movie’s over, I’ll be juggling writing, decorating, and wrapping presents when really, I just want my head to hit the pillow.
Today was a full one, with a visit to Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park—40 minutes away and packed with history. After the mounds, we stopped by The Rookery, a cozy wooden bar with brass mirrors, vintage lamps, and stained glass, a perfect ending to the day. And with cupcakes and cake freshly baked, the movie started just in time.
There’s a joy I feel, a kind of fulfillment that gatherings like tonight and tomorrow bring. My life feels full—a culmination of moments and years of showing up and being available. And tomorrow will be no different. We’re creating meaning together, a quiet significance in the laughter, the stories, and the effort we all put in just to be here. It’s just another day, and yet it isn’t, you know?
It’s as special as we choose to make it. Today, and I’m sure tomorrow (and hopefully every day after), whatever moments come, big or small, they’ll be ones for the books—moments I’ll step back to appreciate, with all the joy and gratitude I have to give. Take care.
Love, Jaclynn
Going On 40 