Invitations & Icees

Last night Candice and I went shopping for baby shower invitations. We missed Mom who is still suffering from a cold (get well soon, Mom!), since the three of us were originally planning to go together.

Candice drove us to Target where we picked out two different kinds of invitations (since they didn’t have enough of any one kind for the 50 (!) invitations we needed).

We also browsed around Target looking at baby clothes. Candice showed me most of what she registered for. It was nice to see her style and talk about what she likes. I hope she gets everything on her list!

Afterwards, we decided to see a movie together. It was a toss-up between Martian Child and Bee Movie. We decided to see Bee Movie (yes, I’m aware I’m a big, fat hypocrite).

Before the movie, we stopped by the concession stand, since neither of us had eaten dinner. I decided on a pretzel-n-cheese, and Candice told the girl behind the counter that the baby wanted an Icee.

The girl was like, “Awww…” and for a second I thought we were going to get the Icee for free.

No such luck.

The movie was okay, made more fun by Candice and I trying to juggle pretzels, nachos, cheese cups, hot dogs, sodas, and the aforementioned Icee in the dark.

After the movie ended and the lights went up, I saw my friend Andrea was in the theater with her three kids! We couldn’t believe we’d all been there and not seen each other.

Andrea told me about our friend, Jack. His family took him to the emergency room when he complained of extreme pain. Turns out, he had gall bladder problems, possibly severe, so he may have to have surgery. In any case, he’ll probably be in the hospital for a couple of days.

It’s amazing how God works this out – I was able to see Andrea and find out about Jack, all because Candice and I decided on Bee Movie.

As we were driving home, Candice and I were talking – poor girl, I talked her ear off.

And I saw it. Just a glimpse.

I saw Candice as a mother. I saw her sitting up straight, driving, talking, and showing concern, laughing with me.

It really hit me that she’s going to be an incredible mother. I could almost picture the baby seat in the back. My mind’s eye saw Candice turning around to check on the baby and talk some baby-talk.

I couldn’t help it. I just smiled.

I’ve always thought of Candice as my cousin, my almost-sister, and most definitely my friend, but in a few months, she’s also going to be a mother.

An amazing mother, by my guess.

I realized in that quick flash, that I’m so fortunate to be here now, in her life, as her family, as her friend. She inspires me in so many ways, a shoulder to cry on, someone to laugh with, and even though she may not always understand me; she loves me anyway.

This is going to be one fortunate child!

I’m so grateful God gives us those little moments of clarity when we get to see what’s really important in life. I’m certainly glad He gave me one last night.