Cherishing Time

It’s 7:30 am.

In typical New York City fashion, there are sirens going outside. Nothing unusual.

I woke up to snow blanketing the sidewalks and the streets below. It makes NYC seem softer. Less like the intimidating, eat-you-alive city that it is.

My mom is visiting. We’ve been shopping, eating and enjoying our way though the city.

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We strolled through the Union Square Christmas market and even stopped for an icing-filled-birthday-cake-croissont from Union Fare. Yeah, just let that sink in.

We went to mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and marveled in its majestic beauty.

Had a “soul conversation” sipping wine in front of the fireplace in my apartment.

We saw the Nutcracker last night, and wow – what a breathtakingly beautiful show. The costumes, the music. I think I’ve finally entered the Christmas season.

It’s just been a really magical time.

This is going to be really quick tonight, because well…I’m going to practice what I preach. And that is to be present.Ā 

There are so many distractions. Be it the phones in our pockets, the smartwatches on our wrists, the emails waiting for us on our computers…the list goes on and on. But this Christmas, I’m going to challenge myself toĀ put the technology down.

Step away from the wifi-enabled-elctronics.Ā 

This trip with my mom is extra special because it’s a milestone marker. It’s been almost a year since her stroke. And on that terrifying night when it happened, there was a period of time when I didn’t know if my mom was going to make it.

And for a second, my mind went to a dark place, and flashed to a life without her. And Praise God for bringing her through that terrible episode, and for facilitating her recovery and restoring her mind and body. I am so grateful to have my best friend back.

So this trip, I’m not taking anything for granted.

Because if there’s one thing this past year has taught me, aside from the obvious –Ā Trusting God –Ā it’s that there really are no guarantees. We’re not promised tomorrow, and this momentĀ right now, is a gift.

So really, how do I want to be spending it?

The BuzzFeed videos, sure they may suck you in, but at the end of the day, is that really how I want to spend my precious time? And yeah, Facebook may send you down really fascinating rabbit trails from the past, but Facebook can’t love you back.

Life isĀ happening, whether we’re engaged or not. And this Christmas, I vow to be present for every second of it. Soak up all the joy and the memories and the priceless time my family is together.

Starting with this trip with my mom.

So if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got some quality time to cherish with my favorite woman in the world šŸ™‚

See you on Monday, friends!

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143 responses to “Cherishing Time”

  2. It’s good that you have such a great relationship with your mom! My mom is my best friend. I don’t know what I’d do without her!

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  3. Yes, time is shorter than we realize and moves faster than weā€™d like to admit, so enjoy your time with your mom every chance you get! ā¤ļø

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    • Thank you Mary. Yes! She is my hero šŸ™‚ and God has been good to us. big hugs to you xox

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    • Thanks David šŸ™‚ yeah my mom is beautiful, isnā€™t she šŸ™‚ hehe Hugs and love xox

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  9. Youā€™re killing me with the croissant pic here, Caralyn! You are absolutely killing me!

    And whatā€™s with the pic of you and your sister? Whereā€™s Mrs. BBB?

    Well, Iā€™m just glad you two are having a great time of it! The wine in front of the fireplace sounds divine, especially in your cozy little apartment! I suddenly have memories of my little place in Detroit. No fireplace, but I do have fond memories of some really good times there.

    Listen, Iā€™m gonna take a cue from you tonight. Julie is on her way home, and Iā€™m getting dressed so we can go out for some dinner, maybe drive around to some Christmas lights somewhere. You have fun with Mrs. BBB and whoever the babe is next to you in the picture!

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    • Hahaha youā€™re funny. Thanks Jeff!! I hope you and Julie have a wonderful night!!! Hugs and love xox

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  10. Sweet thoughts, Triple B; and a very sweet photo of you and your mom together–precious! Having a loving family is a gift of gifts to be cherished for sure. (Heh, heh, seems like mom is getting a lot of positive hits on this one….)

    Reply

  14. Good call – it’s easy to numb out and it takes vulnerability to be present. Have you ever noticed that one thing that God makes a big deal about is our time? We are told to be continuously praying and worship is a way of life. But even more so, he asks us to dedicate 24 hours to him – to put aside our cares and concerns, our bills, our errands, our everyday routine – and just spend time with him. And wow – he asks us to do this every single week!
    Have you thought about how vulnerable and trusting we need to be to do that? It’s almost like he’s trying to develop a deeply personal and intimate relationship with us.

    Reply

  17. Awwwwe <3 you look so cute, both of you… What a great World to live for. You must be a loving daughter of your Mom… and I can see it. Mom's deserves to be loved back because they are the one who loves unconditionally despite of any mistakes we committed.. For that <3 thank you so much šŸ™‚ Enjoy your time with your Mom. šŸ™‚

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  18. Yes! Spend every second toy can with your mom. I lost mine 10 tarts ago just after Christmas and hearing of your mom’s stroke broke my heart for you. Cherish every moment.
    Merry Christmas to you and may your new year be filled with more blessings than you’ve ever experienced in a single year.

    Reply

    • Thanks J for sharing your story. Iā€™m so sorry to hear that. Sending you so much love. Merry Christmas. Hugs and love xox

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    • Aw thank you so much. Thatā€™s so kind of you to say. My mom is pretty awesome šŸ™‚ Hugs and love xox

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  20. This hits home as my father is suffering from Alzheimer’s. The consistent decline is noticable. But right now he still enjoys family outings and movies. So during those times, I only use my phone as an enchanement to a conversation. Like on one outing my parents brought up a hot dog place they used to eat at in their youth and I was able to bring up pictures and the history of the place. Of course, I can’t remember the name of it now!

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    • Oh Mike Iā€™m so sorry to hear that. Iā€™ll definitely keep him and you and your family in my prayers. Sounds like you are a real blessing to them. Sending big big hugs xox

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  21. That’s a great picture of you and your mom. So happy that you two can spend some quality time in NYC! Your post tonight was a great reminder to get off social media and be present. I struggle with it, I hate the fact I do that, and I really want so much to improve in this area. Life’s happening and there are wonderful people who God has blessed us with, so why spend so much time looking at our phones when we’re with them? Have a good night and a great weekend! I look forward to reading your next post.

    Reply

  22. Hey Caralyn. So super that your Mom is able to visit you in NYC. It is easy to see where your beauty originated. Two lovely young ladies, Mom and daughter, enjoying each otherā€™s company in this Christmas season. Sitting, enjoying yourselves, chatting, praying, a terrific way to spend a few days.
    Godā€™s Blessings to each of you.
    Luv, šŸ˜€šŸŒ¹ā¤ļø
    George

    Reply

    • Hey George! Yes! Iā€™m loving having her here. Yes it is. Thank you for your wonderful words, as always:) big hugs to you my friend xox

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  23. I hope you continue to have a beautiful time with your Mom. Staying present during each day is a beautiful gift to yourself and those who love you.

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  25. Such a great reminder, especially during this holiday season. With the busyness of all the activities that we are involved in, sometimes we forget to slow down and enjoy the people who are closest to us. Thanks so much!

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    • Thanks so much friend!! Yeah try as zuckergerg might, that will never be part of the fb algorithm! Hahha Hugs and love xox

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  29. The birthday cake croissant, looks delicious! Was it as good as it looks? I’m with you on social media–it can become more of weight to a person than a benefit. I hope you have a wonderful Holiday! God Bless.

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    • Thank you friend. Iā€™ve got to be honest, my mom enjoyed the croissant. I am sadly glutenfree. But it sure looked amazing!! Same to you! Hugs and love xox

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    • thank you so much! yes! it has been a wonderful day šŸ™‚ glad you stopped by! big hugs xo

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  35. It’s funny because too many of us fight what we and the world was built on, balance! think about it we have front and back , left and right, we got up and down to go with right and wrong. So fill your plate but know only one half can you eat.

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    • Amen!! Balance!! that is so true – balance is the key to a happy and fulfilling life šŸ™‚ Hugs and love xox

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  41. Hi Caralyn, it’s always great to read your posts.
    I love that picture of you and your mum and I’m so happy for you that she is still here in your life and looking fantastic! I hope she feels as good as she looks.
    Have a great Christmas. xx

    Reply

  47. I love this – totally agree, I wish people would just put their phones down and actually talk to each other. It’s one of my goals to detox from social media because I feel like it makes you more depressed. Nobody’s life is as perfect as their Instagram feed.

    Reply

  49. Enjoy that special time with your mom! It’s so easy to get sucked into the tech world and forget about the important people in our lives. We can even forget about the everyday people that God loves sooooo much.

    Your mom looks great! Can’t even see any sign of stroke.

    Merry Christmas!

    Reply

  50. Awww so sweet! Your Mom is pretty as you are!!!! Do enjoy those cherished moments with her! Tell I said hello from the Caribbean šŸ˜ although she doesn’t know me lol! Take Care and God bless! Xx much love and hugs!! šŸ˜˜šŸ’•āœØ

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  56. Great post šŸ™‚ Spending time with family during Christmastime or anytime in general is always nice šŸ™‚ P.S. I love that picture of that bread-like thing with that pudding inside šŸ™‚ Anyway, keep up the great work as always šŸ™‚

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  58. That is such great advice about living in the moment. About 10 years ago I listened to Eckhart Tolle’s, “The Power of Now,” on audiotape a few times to make sure it sunk in, and living in the moment was one of the main takeaways and it completely changed my perspective. This is a timely reminder to listen to it again.

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  60. We will all be excited when you return but I promise You wonā€™t regret a second of choosing to be present to those you love! Hugs and blessings this Christmas to you and yours! šŸ˜˜

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    • Thank you Dawn, i really appreciate that. Same to you! Hope youā€™re having a beautiful Christmas season! Hugs and love xox

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  61. Thanks for the holiday post full of love and warmth during the cold season. Your mom is just as lucky to have YOU as you are lucky to have HER. Continue to stay connected as you disconnect from distractions.

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  64. Love, LOVE your outfit and what this is all about! This time (and really year round) is a time to slow down and invest with the people that matter most! Merry Christmas!

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  66. You are doing good things, and you go to Mass even if people choke to death on the wine .. whatever that was. I’ve been trying to find my way back to Mass since the pedophilia scandals finished off my faith. But I run across someone like you, who I know next to nothing about, okay totally nothing about, but the difference is so clear. Goodness and love is so resounding, it’s amazing. One could almost say it is miraculous, the way goodness resonates. . You are an angel among us, I’d swear on it. thank you.

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    • thank you so much, for sharing your thoughts on this. Yeah, there definitely has been some really sad and ugly things that the church has been working through. But as we’re coming to see this year especially, there are skeletons in pretty much every closet. And that in no way justifies or downplays the gravity and horribleness of what happened, but I just think that you know, priests are human. We are all broken and fallen people. And only God is perfect. And there are a lot of really really *good* men who have dedicated their lives and sacrificed a family and free time and “worldly” pleasures for being a priest. I don’t know, this is just a bit of a stream of consciousness now. But you’re right – Goodness and love come from God, and we can all celebrate and rejoice in those things. They unite us. They bring us together. And i think that above all else, God likes to see His children living in unity and harmony. OK, wow now I’m getting super philosophical hahaha oh gosh — CUT ME OFF!! Anywho – thank you so much for your kind words. sending big big hugs and merry Christmas!!! xox

      Reply

  67. This has got to be one of my favourite posts of yours.

    Your mom is beautiful…! Here’s to mothers for the sacrifices they make and ask for nothing but love in return.
    Merry Christmas…!!

    Reply

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