I was sitting this morning with my friend Larisa.  She has trips coming up – one to Paris to meet with suppliers for the company she owns with husband Bart.  A second somewhere else for the same purpose.  And a third with the family to Bonn, Germany to celebrate her son Philip’s tenth birthday.

There was no doubt which one made her smile … precious time with Seba, Philip and Bart.

A few months ago, Larisa figured out what makes her happiest in life: being a good mother to her children.  Feeling the love flow.  Seeing them grow into marvelous human beings.

I asked Larisa if she ever imagines her sons as 40-year-old men.  Her answer was “Yes” – with them taller than her, muscular and hairy.  I told her about one of my favourite books, a story for kids called Love You Forever.  It was written by Robert Munsch.

The illustrations run the gamut of human life.  Earlier you saw the first one.  Here is the last.  They say it all:

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Larisa is on a lovely journey

Some of it in the past

And much to come