I have to admit….I have several contenders for BEST GIFT.
There is the gift of fitness.
After the Hot Chocolate 5k with some fabulous DC Moms gals! (that would be me on the right with the Sparkle skirt and rainbow race legs! Talk about being blessed with the gift of fashion!) 
The gift of wine.
Tasting cabernet sauvignon from our newly filled barrel of wine from the Winery at La Grange. In case you cannot read the plaque it says: "Love first, wine second."
New acquisitions of wine! Several more bottles than Rocket though we were leaving with. (oops!)
The gift of a delicious dinner out with Rocket.
Popcorn ice cream with PB powder. No joke. It was delicious.
The gift of new clothes that fit!
A car full of new clothes (some are Rocket's, I swear!)
The truth though is that the BEST GIFT ever is not stuff. It is not a thing.
The best gift is that despite not looking like a triathlete or runner, my body still allows me the latitude to pretend.
The best gift is that I have a closet that is big enough to house three sizes of clothes..the clothes that fit two years ago, last year, and now.
The best gift is that Rocket lets me be ME, and actually loves me that way.
The best gift is that Principessa has a ridiculous cackle and beautiful singing voice.
The best gift is that we have a house big enough where Principessa can create and invent to her heart’s desire.
The best gift is the feeling of friendship and community amongst virtual friends turned in real life friends.
The best gift is that my parents are only a Skype call away and that Principessa is so close to her grandparents.
The best gift is that I am living proof that doctors are wrong sometimes.
The best gift is that though life will not be as long as it should for others that I love and admire, the world is a better place for having had them in it even if for just a short time.
The best gift is that although I make plenty of parenting and spousal mistakes each day, I am still part of this family.
The best gift is that despite the odds, each one of us is here, connecting, sharing, and relating….each day.
The best gift is that we are who we are, steadied by our imperfections, strengthened by our convictions.
The best gift is the one of the future. The one that gives me whatever possible time with Principessa and with Rocket, with our families. One day, one year, or 30 years….each day together, is the best gift ever.
What is your BEST gift?
xo
Elena
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{ 18 comments… read them below or add one }
This is beautiful. You have such an appreciation for your life.
Congratulations on signing up for two triathlons! Just reading that post made me tired
Thank you so much for that. And yes, I was a bit exhausted after having registered.
So great to hang with you on Sunday, even though the run was not all it was promised!
Absolutely! So glad I found you when I got there!!!
OOOO I like all of your gifts, things and not things! Best gift I have is the ability to stay home. I GET to take my children to school every day. Some days I have to remind myself of this as a gift but it is. It truly is!
Oh Elena, you truly have gotten the best gifts all around, dear friend! From that delicious ice-cream, to the beautiful friendships you’ve made, and all the precious moments you’ve got to spend with your loved ones. Really, when it comes down to it, it’s a beautiful thing, life, isn’t it? So many things to be grateful for. You too, are a gift to all of us here, in the blogging community! Love you, my friend!
I do love your positive approach to life, Elena!!
You know what else is a gift? The one you give to others by sharing your outlook and your spirit with us.
xo
Stopping by from Just Be Enough. LOVE this post. Beautiful, heartfelt sentiment. Enjoy those gifts, they are the ones that last a lifetime.
I can’t get over the popcorn ice cream. Really? It was good? I loved all of your pictures!
you know just how to be thankful for all the RIGHT gifts…to remind me over and over again about the important stuff. To take it in and breathe a little.
You’re such an inspiration my friend, I feel like you a GIFT I’ve gotten this year. xo
You’re positivity is AMAZING!! Those are all definitely wonderful gifts! You also have an amazing gift of writing!
Such beautiful gifts! Thank you for sharing them with us! So wonderful to think about the fact that many of us have beat the odds and that despite what people said made it and today we are here able to enjoy our gifts.
You are so right. Thanks for reminding me to appreciate so many things.
I am also grateful for virtual friends becoming real ones.
Glad we got the share the race together.
lovely and eloquent! a wonderful reminder to cherish the gifts we already have. so great to see you saturday! here’s to more girlfriend hang time in 2012!
Beautiful dear! XXOO
Totally beautiful, Elena. And true. The best gifts in life are not things. Ever.
Love this post!!