My middle son had his 9th birthday yesterday. With typical Emilio demeanor, he shrugged his shoulders and pronounced his party to be "pretty cool" even though he got "alot of clothes", which, mind you, he asked for.
I have always said he is the child most like myself, our Cancer and Scorpio signs so much more in tune than the rest of our Libra clan. He is sensitive, moody, intuitive. I fear the same dark mood clouds I fight back on a regular basis loom over his head as well.
Sometimes it breaks my heart to see myself in my kids. It always seems like it's the parts I want to change about myself. I just want to tell them, learn from me! Take that class, don't let the shyness overtake you! Think for yourself, don't just follow the crowd! And so on...
I know at least a little part of their nature comes directly from me- and it sucks!
So I try to focus on all the great things they are capable of- Emilio, my awesome artist and storyteller and Animal Whisperer.
And hope in the end they fight for their dreams a little harder than me.
Happy Birthday Emilio, I love you!

In Favor of a Good Cry

Today I took Max to the vet for his checkup and rabies shot. I was late and hustled Angelina and Max into the van and took off, only to have to turn back for Max's "sample" in the garage, sealed in a baggie and then double bagged in a Walmart bag. I gingerly tossed it onto the floor and took off.
As I neared the vet it happened. Tears came uncontrollably as I remembered the last time I came to the vet, with my sweet Goofy. I kept my sunglasses on as we checked in and gained my composure and the rest of the visit went smoothy.
I realized after that sometimes it is just a relief to have a good, honest cry. It may have started because I missed my sweet girl so much but then it became about more than my dog- it was a release of all the pent up frustrations and trials of life that we deal with everyday. I love Maxie to death and I will always miss Goofy, but having a good cry was just what I needed.