Day 205 - Crazy Day In May

Today was nothing like I expected! At all! I was off to Cochrane to surprise my dear friend Jenn at her birthday party. She turned 30 this week & her best friend, Cindy, was hosting a little soiree for her. I hadn't seen or spoken to Jenn since I'd been back, so I thought it would be fun to surprise her! 

As usual, I was late. I stopped to get fuel & then an ice cream cake. Cindy had asked me to bring an appetizer, but seeing as I was late, I thought I might just as well bring dessert instead! Jenn was very surprised to see me & I was excited to see her. She's been training hard for her triathlon & it has had an impact! She looks fantastic! I'm so proud of her! I only wish I had half that dedication! Wow! 

Jenn had a baby girl in December & I am always amazed at how much Heidi changes every time I see her! I also met Stan & Heather, Jenn's triathlon coach. (They were also Cindy's coach, but Cindy had serious emergency surgery not too long ago! She's healing well, but obviously triathlon training has been put on hold!!!) 

Heather is an OB/GYN Nurse & works across the street from the fertility clinic & had a lecture from Dr. Foong yesterday! Small world! Apparently they were discussing infertility in gorillas. Apparently acquiring semen from male gorillas is a bit of a task, as they aren't that into porn! :o) We had quite the chuckle! Heather's husband, Stan, started asking me questions about my health. At first I was a little stand offish, as I am not used to people being quite so direct, especially strangers! It took me awhile to warm up, as I wasn't sure what his intentions were. Sometimes people are interested in the 'gory details' & not too much else. But clearly Stan's intentions were true. He shared stories of a friend who was helping a couple in Cambodia, he encouraged me to pursue my photography career - he shared an inspiring website of a photographer he knows - Noah Fallis - Wow! Stan offered to help my Mom & I out in any way he could, which was most kind of him. I told him I wasn't sure what the next 6 months would look like, but we'll take it as it comes! After we had chatted for nearly an hour, covering various topics from cancer to photography to cruising, Stan excused himself & I chatted with Heather for awhile. 

I brought Valentina in to introduce her to Cindy's family & the kids loved her. (Of course!) When it was time to leave, I was saying goodbye to everyone & hugged Stan & Heather farewell & told them it was nice to meet them & I was sure we'd see each other again - if nothing else at Jenn's triathlon! As I hugged Stan goodbye, he put a wad of bills into my purse! I started to stammer right away, but he insisted that he wanted me to have it, just take it & don't say a word! What? Huh? But? I am still in shock! Speechless, humbled, flabbergasted, shocked & incredibly grateful! Crazy! I came for a birthday party for a best friend & certainly didn't expect something like this!

Looking back, I can remember the light & twinkle in Stan's eyes as he asked about my health & how I was doing. He had also just given Jenn a road bike for her triathlon, so I'm gathering he finds great satisfaction in helping people. I am so shocked by his generosity. What an unexpected gift! Angels come in all shapes & sizes! 

Needless to say, I drove home with my jaw on the floorboards & a lot on my mind. Dear ol' Contemplate was fulfilling her namesake tonight! 

With gratitude,

Maria & Valentina

xoxoxoxoxxoxoxo

I love birthday cake!!!

My Best Friend Jenn - Isn't she gorgeous!?

The Look of Love!

The Burnett Bunch are mostly May birthdays!

Lil' Miss Heidi

How cute is that smile!?!