What a perfect weekend Martin and I just had. After the long and vacation-less 2009, this was our first get a way together. What made it even better was that we were able to enjoy more of our trip since I was able to use my brand new lungs. How great is that?
It was Martin's 36th birthday on Friday, the 26th. So I booked a one night spa get-a-way at the Prince of Whales hotel on Niagara on the Lake, Ontario. Just a little less than 2 hours from Toronto, for those that are not familiar with the area, this little town in just magical. Think Victorian architecture, wineries galore, art galleries, boutique hotels, and of course the Shaw festival. What made it all that much more magical was the snow storm that flew in the night we were there, that made it like a winter wonderland. Just perfect.
We walked through the streets, with the snow falling in our faces, and we truly appreciated the gift that we have been given on November 21, 2009. It was not only the gift of my life. It was the gift of freedom, of love, of hope. It was the gift given to Martin in the hopes of a long life with the spouse he chose to love. It was the gift to Scarlett of unconditional love from her mom, and to witness that love transcend the most trying times imaginable. So much was given to us a little over three months ago, and it seems like we are yet to discover how much was really given, as we discover more and more each day, that hope in itself is a gift.
Posts
13 comments:
Happy Birthday Martin!!
Brad and I are so happy for you guys!!!
This weekend Niagara - soon enough - anywhere in the world!
Beautiful post! So glad you were able to get away and enjoy your time together!
My Dad's birthday is also Feb. 26 :) Great day!
This is a beautiful post. I am so happy that the two of you could have this time together.
Happy Birthday, Martin!!
I love Victorian Villages!! I bet you had a great time!!!
Amazing! Love the snow!
beautiful :)
Lovely and heartfelt, Natalia...thank you once again for sharing so beautifully.
"It was not only the gift of my life. It was the gift of freedom, of love, of hope." For you, for Martin, for Scarlett, for family, friends and all of us who're priviledged to read along: THE BEST BIRTHDAY GIFT OF ALL received Nov. 21, 2009.
And as you wrote, truly hope is in itself a gift. You have lived God's Word:
"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."
Romans 12:12
Happy Birthday to Martin! I'm sure this birthday was like none other...a healthy, beautiful wife living life to its fullest,and enjoying fatherhood with such an adorable,happy daughter. You guys certainly are blessed and thankful for so much this year! It's so nice to hear that you were able to have a great time together enjoying more freedom and well-being. Thanks for opening up your heart again to show us how precious life is,taking nothing for granted.
Happy Birthday, Martin! LOVE the pics!
ps. Mike's bday was 2 wks after my transplant... He always says he got a whole new wife for his birthday :)
pss. LOVE the hat!
Sara - in canada we need hats like that =) and jackets....and mitts...and boots....
looks like you had a lovely birthday celebration.
many happy returns!
xxx
it's beautiful. I'm so happy for you and I hope to experience better times with some new lungs one day too!
Happy Belated B.day Martin!
We've stayed at the Prince of Whales before, I just LOVED it, so beautiful there. Did you do the half in half out hot tub? So cool. And the spa treatments are the best.
Niagara on the Lake is a beautiful rich old town, some of the shops you won't find anywhere else. My favorite, the Christmas ornament store...did you guys go in there?
I'm glad you had a good time, you guys all deserved a little get-a-way.
Post a Comment