Sneak Peeks

The Sweetest And Toughest Part...

Dear Mimi,

..."OMG! Daddy! Mommie Sophie! I just got the news: I got accepted into Boston University!" I swear I wanted to drop the glass that was in my hands.  My youngest baby is due to leave the nest and conquer the world. "Okay, I'm going to meet up with Katherine and the girls to share the news.  I'll be back by dinner."  As much as I was happy to hear this, my heart sunk into my toes.  My wedding anniversary is coming up and soon, my baby will be gone...

..."Sis, don't worry.  She will be fine. You know Dean and I will be nearby so if she needs absolutely anything, it's hers." "I know but...MY BABY'S LEAVING!" Although I was looking forward to my vow renewal ceremony, nothing could erase the fact that she was leaving...

...

...as the house was quiet and I was alone with my thoughts, I decided to empty my mind.  I headed downstairs to the music room where I have a desk and some office items in there.  Once I picked out the song I wanted-no, needed-to hear, it was then I was able to write what I needed to. 

   My Darling Cupcake,

       Ever since I met your father, he made my heart skip a beat and made me feel complete.  Once I added you, Iyanna, and Joseph to our family, my heart was finally whole.  I know I didn't bring you into this world yet, through a horrible moment and God's wonderful power, you and I became mother and child.  I knew I could never take your mother's place yet I always pray that I did a great job of loving and nurturing you.

      I've seen you go from a sweet little girl to a strong, beautiful, sassy young lady filled with Heaven's best and with all of our traits, including your crazy aunts and very unique uncles (LOL!) Now, you're about to leave and conquer the world.  The world's not ready for you but that's their loss and they will have to get over it! 

    As I sit here and write this letter while listening to the song "Never Too Far", I hope that you know that you will never be too far from us or from home.  Remember when you were younger and I gave you a jewelry box that plays the tune "Forever Young" by Audra Mae and The Forresters? I want you to remember the words in that song.  Each verse is a piece of advice that will help you along the way in life.  The most important part I want you to know is in the third verse: may you always have a strong foundation when the winds begin to shift.  This life is not easy yet, no what happens, you keep your faith in God and in yourself and you shall never go wrong. 

    I swear if I could, I will keep you here at home but I can't.  But know you can always come home. 

    Okay, I think I've said enough Cupcake.  Now you go out and conquer the world on your own terms! You will always have your father's and I blessing.  If you need anything-and I mean anything at all-remember that your Uncle Dean, Aunt Daphne and cousin DiDi are in Downtown Boston, your Uncles Jon and Jey and your Aunts Naomi and Tiffany are in New York City and your Uncle Justin and Aunt Kelli are in Johannesburg, South Africa.  I swear we're all going to visit them.  Your Uncle Jayson and Aunt Tonya travel quite often so they are usually in that area. Your cousin Marcia will be attending Julliard around the same time you start school. 

    We're so proud of you and we love you always.

   With love always,
    Mommie Sophie

After I finished the letter, I filled out a check in the amount of three thousand dollars and slipped it in the envelope.  I also set up a link to our account that automatically deducts a small amount into her account just in case...

...

..."Hello?" "Mommie Sophie? How are you?" "Hey Cupcake, how's everything in Boston?" "It's great.  I just got back from dinner with Uncle Dean, Aunt Daphne, and cousin DiDi.  Olive Garden is quite yummy." "Wonderful.  Do you like your place?" "I sure do.  Awesomeness!"  I smiled as Jojo talked about eveything and the condo, which is in a nice part of Boston and not too far from the school.  She picked that tidbit of advicd from her mom and aunts: if you're going to get a place then get a foreclosed home, which Nikki Bella actually helped her pick out.  I had no clue that Nikki was a Relator and a good one at that.  By the time it was time to pay for it, we had very little to pay.  The bank gave her an incentive of five grand and waived all the fees.  We paid for it as a gift to her.  She really didn't want to stay on campus (another thing she picked up from the "Fantastic Four") and dang didn't want to share an apartment with a roommate since she didn't really know anyone (yup...she learned that from us too!).  "Did you want to talk to your dad?" I asked.  "Nah, I'm sure the Old Timer's out walking Freddy." She replied and she was right.  "Besides, I'm beat and I'm about to hit the sack.  I just wanted to check in and thank y'all deeply for eveything." I felt her smile through the phone. "Awe Cupcake.  No problem at all."  "Okay baby, well good night and we love you." "I love y'all too Mom. Night night." Right after I hung up the phone, I paused and smiled. She said Mom...not Mommie Sophie...but Mom.  I smiled big...

..."Hey babygirl, why are you smiling?" "I was thinking about this wonderful love story that all started with a simple catch from a tall ladder." "Oh really now? Is it good" "You tell me."...

...as I looked at this sexy man who still makes my heart skip beats with strands of grey in his hair, I just thought of all the madness that I went through to be here...in this moment...with him...

..."You know, you still make my heart go pitter patter Mr. Reigns." "Just like you still rev up my engine Mrs. Reigns." 

..."I will always love you." "Just like the Lone Wolf will always love the Chocolate Fairy." 

...With that, we melted into each other and enjoyed another blissful night.