Flying a jetpack, seeing a wonder of the world, sleeping on the beach, taking a helicopter flight lesson, giving birth, finding the best Italian restaurant, volunteering for a new organization, and seeing immediate family may seem like an odd grouping, but it’s just part of my 2012 Bucket List. It wasn’t until this month that I’ve been able to accomplish one of the most important items (Obviously under delivering my baby girl). On July 7th, 2012, I returned to eastern Canada so Athena could meet her family. The complete happiness that filled my grandfather as he held her in his arms for the first time was one of the most memorable moments of my life; the look on my mother’s face when she gazed into Athena’s eyes warmed my heart; and watching my little sister, Gabriella, play with Athena like I played with her made me feel like I was in the Lion King and listening to Mufasa talk about the circle of life. Although only number 7 on my 2012 Bucket List, seeing all of my immediate family was one of the greatest highlights of the year.
My grandparents live in Sydney Mines, Nova Scotia and they were the first stopping point. My grandfather, who has taught me more in life than any other single person, recently had a triple bypass and at 9 months pregnant, I couldn’t be at his side. It was the first time in my life that we didn’t stand tall together in times of distress. While trying to remain calm to avoid complications during pregnancy, my heart was breaking. Three and a half months later, we were standing on his doorstep. Weak and tired, his entire presence changed as he lifted her from my arms. He instantly became 20 years younger and his pain slipped away. A sigh of relief escaped my lungs. I had my grandfather back.
A similar feeling consumed me as my mother rocked Athena to sleep during their first day together. She held her with such as ease and relaxed manner that Athena couldn’t help but feel complete peace. My mother has a way with children and life that I aspire to achieve. Thinking about the beautiful relationship between my mother and I filled me with hope and excitement for what is to come with Athena.
Then, there’s Gabriella. I remember when she was as tiny as Athena, when she looked up at me with those inquisitive eyes, when she held my hand as we crossed the street, when she caught her first fish…. I was 21 years old when my mother told me she was pregnant with Gabriella. She marked the 6 child in the Samways family and she was obviously a surprise, but she has given all of us more joy and happiness than humanly possible. At 10 years old, she’s a confidant, a best friend, a sister, and a gift from heaven to my entire family. Athena’s smile burst from the seams every time Gabriella looked at her. They were lost in their own little world together and I was proud to witness it.
Seeing Athena with all of my family surprisingly made me feel like a kid again. All of the precious memories that I had with my grandmother came flooding back when I heard her sing foolish songs to Athena; and taking care of my sister, Suzanne was reflected back as she interacted with her new niece as I interacted with her. My family taught me that life is worth living and it’s full of limitless possibilities. It’s because of my family that I continue to live my dreams and now I get to experience them with Athena, and Darren, at my side.
Dear Lesley,
I really love who you are.
🙂
Lisa
P.s. beautiful family!!!
🙂
LikeLike
Thank you!
What a beautiful thing to say 🙂
LikeLike
Dear Lesley,
You just do such a good job of showing your heart.
Some people, you don’t have to meet in person to know them.
😉
Love, Lis
xoxoox
LikeLike
Do you live near me? I think we’d get along well together. 🙂
LikeLike
Dear Lesley,
I don’t think so…ha ha ha!!!
South Dakota.
But I agree. I predict, if we went to lunch…we would forget about eating, for all the sharing of ideas.
😉
But life is funny, you just never know. We may get to meet some day.
😉
Love, Lis
xoxoox
LikeLike
I’m originally from Sioux Falls SD 🙂 Beautiful piece of writing here Lesley. It’s amazing what the presence of children can do!
LikeLike
Family….#1 in importance. Love this post.
LikeLike
Sweet reflection on family, and a precious baby girl!
LikeLike
Sweet and tender. What a joy to bring all these generations together. Your grandparents, who mean so much to you gained so much through the time you spent with them. Beautiful family. You remind us that no matter how scattered we are, it’s important to connect while everyone still can.
LikeLike
I nominated you for the Very Inspiring Blogger Award

1. Link back to the person who nominated you: http://transformedbythejourney.com/
2. Post the award image to your page:
3. Tell 7 facts about yourself:
4. Nominate 15 other bloggers and let them know they’ve been nominated:
LikeLike
Beautiful, Lesley!
LikeLike
Lovely, lovely post!
LikeLike
Love your spirit. This post really confirms my belief in trying new things.
LikeLike
Hi, thanks for liking my post about HK food, and good luck with life and your bucket list!
LikeLike
How good to know you are so accomplished. I never had a bucket list. All I had was a piece of paper with desires counting under 10. You are so different but so endearing to know. May you be blessed. 🙂
LikeLike
HI Lesley,
It was such a joy reading this post of yours that I can not explain in words. I could actually connect to what you wrote. God bless you.
LikeLike
Beautiful post.
LikeLike
You have a beautiful soul, Lesley:) .
LikeLike
I agree, being with your family is a precious given gift. None can replace the feeling of having them around. Your baby is really cute 🙂 Regards to your family Lesley.
LikeLike
I become emotional, you’re such a great family, I’m positive Athena will take the best from all of you. Great woman, grat mum. Hug u
LikeLike
Lovely post … there are 17yrs between me and my youngest brother; 10 between him and my daughter (just as you have with Gabriella and Athena) – I always think of these ‘semi generations’ as being quite special; the connections that grow. My children are closer in age to my brother; more like friends, but despite the 17yrs he is my best man friend.
LikeLike
Lovely post it warms the cockles of your heart, you have a beautiful family and motherhood suits you 🙂
LikeLike
So nice.
LikeLike
wonderful post 🙂
LikeLike
Pingback: One Lovely Blog Award « Landscape Urbanite
I’ve nominated you for a One Lovely Blog Award, for rules click here. http://creativeurbanite.wordpress.com/2012/07/30/one-lovely-blog-award/
LikeLike
I loved hearing your joy and capacity for living life. I suspect u really know how to be in the moment and live life. Thks
LikeLike
You are an inspiring person!
LikeLike
Beautiful
LikeLike
so cute….
it seems so warm…. beautiful family
LikeLike
Bravo!
LikeLike
Fabulous post!! The joy on everyone’s face, especially your grandfather, is beautiful!
LikeLike
I can feel the love between you and your family through the words of this post! What a beautiful thing 🙂
LikeLike
What a beautiful family and daughter you got! 🙂
LikeLike
What a beautiful post!!
LikeLike
stopping by for the first time. i’m impressed by your bucket list. not only by how much of it you’ve already accomplished but also the awesome and unique things that are on it. i may have to make one for myself. it’s inspiring!
LikeLike
OOOooOOO CONGRAUTLATIONS!!! Both your daughters are beautiful – and these pictures of them are adorable! You’ve done many incredible things on your bucket list (I may have to steal a few ideas for mine), but childbirth is one of the most amazing!!
LikeLike
Reading this warmed my heart!
LikeLike
Awesome post Lesley! Thanks for the inspiration! ( :
LikeLike
I have two little to girls as well.. they mean the world to me!!! beautiful family. thanks for sharing your family with us!!
LikeLike
Lesley, thanks for consistently reading and liking my blog. I’ve been here many times but never written anything, so I just want you to know I appreciate it. Your blog is fantastic and a great inspiration. This post is especially lovely and I’m glad to see you happy with your family together (even though it makes me miss my family more now).
Thanks for sharing!
R xx
LikeLike
Lovely photos! We recently visited my family after a health scare that nearly took my Grandmother’s life earlier this year. On top of that, my Grandfather has cancer and is currently going through chemo. They have both had some rough times this year, but it was so good to see them hold my 6 month old daughter Daphne. My Grandpa’s face lit up like I haven’t seen in years. It was amazing.
LikeLike
This was so beautiful! There is nothing as satisfying as watching people love your children.
LikeLike
A fabulous, open hearted post as always, God Bless 🙂
LikeLike
Beautiful post…blessings!
LikeLike
This sounds like a beautiful experience and I can feel love emiting from it like golden warm sunshine. Thank you for sharing.
As I wasn’t able to follow up with all your recent blog posts, yet, I also wish to congratulate you for the birth of your beautiful daughter and say:
Welcome to this great world, Athena! May your life be filled with love, beauty, wonder and courage and the knowingness that everything you may need is already there for you. Always.
Much love to all of you!
LikeLike
Yes! Life is worth living. I loved the pictures of your family and the love that you show towards them. Congratulations! I’m a big bucket list person… I have a lot of weight to lose then I will do a lot of things again in life and hope to share all those pictures. Thanks for sharing your life.
LikeLike
So accomplished and yet so down to earth. Thank you for sharing such intimate moments.
LikeLike
I just nominated you for blogging awards! Love your blog. Check here for the details: http://parentista.com/awards/
LikeLike
Congratulations on your new addition! There really is no bigger joy than having a child.
Thanks for popping past my blog, Im going to continue browsing yours its awesome.
LikeLike
The circle of life is truly a wonderful thing! Lovely post. Great awe-inspiring blog. And many thanks for ‘liking’ mine, Lesley 🙂
LikeLike
Beautiful.
LikeLike
Congrats! I’m so happy for you and your family, and seeing everything you’ve accomplished in just one year is an inspiration! 🙂
LikeLike
Thanks for liking my Dark Knight Rises post! Hope to submit some cycling posts to you.
LikeLike
Thank you for sharing your beautiful, precious pictures. You have a lovely family. All God’s best to everyone of you.
LikeLike