This Week's Light: Battles Won and Lost, Orchestra Triumphs, and Honoring the Mothers Who Shape Us

A weekly reflection from the Shared Light community

Hey friends,

Some weeks are about fighting battles on multiple fronts. This week brought illness, celebrations, rough workdays, and the bittersweet nature of holidays that hold both joy and grief.

When the Bug Wins (Temporarily)

This week started with more of the same sickness that's been plaguing our house. I was feeling pretty miserable and actually lost the battle, staying home from work Monday and Tuesday. Sometimes your body gets the final vote, no matter how much your mind wants to push through.

But by Wednesday, I decided I wouldn't let it win and willed my way back to work. There's something to be said for sheer determination, even when you're not operating at 100%.

A Day Made for My Girls

Wednesday turned out to be an amazing day for my girls, all three of them, including Dustie. Since I went back to work, I felt bad asking for time off, so Dustie and our youngest got to have a special day date filled with sushi and watching our oldest perform at her very first festival for orchestra.

And here's the incredible part: they got the highest marks for beginner orchestra! You could hear the excitement in their voices when they told me about it. There's something beautiful about watching your child excel at something they've worked so hard for, and it was wonderful for Dustie and our youngest to have some quality time doing something they both love.

We decided to let our oldest pick dinner as a celebration because achievements like this deserve to be recognized and celebrated properly.

The Bug Strikes Again

Unfortunately, by Thursday, Dustie caught whatever bug I had and was down and out for the day. It's like this illness was determined to work its way through our entire family, one person at a time.

But she forced herself to get out of bed for our oldest's last concert of the year that

evening. I got to attend this one since it was in the evening, and they did amazing. You could tell they had worked their tails off throughout the year. There's something powerful about watching a group of kids who started as beginners transform into real musicians over the course of a school year.

Rough Days and Wrestling Escapes

Friday ended up being a rough day at work for me, as it sometimes goes. But we brushed it off and got caught up on wrestling in preparation for Backlash. Yes, I know our not-so-secret shame continues, but sometimes you need something completely mindless and entertaining to reset from a challenging day.

Of course, you know that means Saturday was donuts for my people at work and Backlash in the evening. Just a day focused on being present with our little family and enjoying the simple pleasure of cheering for predetermined outcomes in a wrestling ring.

Mother's Day: Joy and Grief Intertwined

Today is Mother's Day, and I want to take a moment to remind everyone of the important mothers in our lives and how they play such a crucial role in shaping the future. Whether it's biological mothers, stepmothers, adoptive mothers, mother figures, or anyone who has stepped into that nurturing role, these women deserve our recognition and gratitude.

Mothers are the ones who kiss scraped knees, celebrate orchestra achievements, show up to concerts even when they're sick, and somehow manage to hold families together through all of life's chaos. They're the ones who teach us resilience, compassion, and what it means to love unconditionally.

But I have to be honest today is also the second Mother's Day without my mom, and I'm sad. I've been thinking about her most of the day. There's something particularly difficult about holidays that celebrate the very people we're missing most. I try to keep it to myself since it's also Dustie's special day, but the grief sits heavy alongside the celebration.

What We're Learning About Presence

This week reminded us that showing up looks different depending on the circumstances. Sometimes it's willing yourself to work when you're sick. Sometimes it's forcing yourself out of bed for your child's concert. Sometimes it's celebrating achievements with special dinners and quality time.

We're learning that presence isn't about being perfect or feeling 100%. It's about choosing to be there for the moments that matter, even when it's hard, even when you're grieving, even when you'd rather stay in bed.

Honoring All the Mothers

As we celebrate Mother's Day, we're holding space for all the different experiences people have with this holiday. For those celebrating amazing mothers who are present and thriving. For those missing mothers who are no longer here. For those who wanted to be mothers but couldn't. For those who are mothers but struggling. For those who had complicated relationships with their mothers.

All of these experiences are valid, and all deserve acknowledgment on a day that can be both beautiful and painful.

What We're Carrying Forward

We're grateful for orchestra achievements and the hard work that leads to success. We're thankful for partners who show up even when they're sick and for children who pursue their passions with dedication. We're appreciative of simple pleasures like donuts, wrestling, and family time.

And we're holding onto the memory of mothers who shaped us, even when they can't be here to celebrate with us.

How are you honoring the mothers in your life today? What lessons from the important women in your life do you carry with you?

Thank you for being part of a community that understands that holidays can hold both celebration and grief and that showing up for each other means acknowledging all the emotions that come with important days.

Here's to the mothers who shape us, the achievements worth celebrating, and the courage to keep showing up even when it's hard.

With love and remembrance, JR & Dustie

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