They're graduating. All those Seniors. The ones that grew up together. The ones that gathered at the grave of a 17 year old. Their friend. They're moving on. Commencement. Some to careers. Some to more schooling. But they're moving on. And our son is not. His life; gone. In a moment. This time, a reminder of that ceasing. I feel the pull of the despair. I sense the ache below the surface. Yet. The Facebook posts of gatherings and graduations also spark deep love. An excitement for these young people. We raise our children with the hope that they will become ... View Post
She Wore Her Brother’s Cap and Gown
She wore her brothers cap and gown. The same cap he threw into the air, 2 years ago. The same cap I asked him to go back in to get. It was unique. He would be able to find it. I just wanted that cap. The cap and gown I would display at his wake just 40 days later. She wrapped herself in his gown. And wore his cap. She walked to the tune of graduation, hope and future wrapped in his gown. The cap, forever announcing 2013. The year everything changed. With out so much as a deep breathe ... View Post
Graduation, Ambulances and Parties. . . Oh My!
I am learning that life is not about what we want or desire. That at every turn our spirit needs to be yielded to the Almighty. Life can be unpredictable. Our response to the events placed in our path can make or break us. We can plan and prepare. We live. When our hearts are nurtured; surrendered to a life with God; life can still be harsh. Graduation was looming. Party preparations under way. Months of planning. Days of preparing. Such fun. New beginnings. Graduation day dawned ... View Post
Are You Able To Look Forward?
No matter how you look at it. This life can be hard. It can be painstakingly beautiful, too. Sometimes it just seems like the pain rises to the top. Usurping the joy. Isn't that Satan's way? He wants to steal our joy. He wants to bring this world to it's knees. Missing the beauty of the redemption in Christ. Blinding us to that which is holy and good. It seeps in. A bad day at the office. Traffic. Money issues. Kids challenging authority. "Busy"ness; running from one kids activity to ... View Post
He’s #10 but wear’s a #6
I reach into the pile. I pull out his shooting shirt. It is nice and white. I smile. He's playing so well this year. A place for him to burn off steam. It's been such a hard year. The number catches me off guard. #6 Wait. . . he's #10. I am reminded one brother wears the shirt of the other. A number now retired in memory of one so young. A jersey signed by all his team mates. My heart aches. This journey day to day can get heavy. Thoughts and memories swirl. The loss ... View Post
How Far Can Your Love Reach?
Water spews from the line. Like a geyser. A hole. Probably the size of a pin. Undetectable. Unless water flows. The droplets cascading in an arc. Grass glistening. I stare at the beauty. I haven't traveled. My Old Faithful is this phenomenon on the flats. The water line that brings nourishment to our girls. A necessity to make milk. Some girls drinking close to 40 gallons a day. So much work. Yet so much beauty. I pull myself from the daze. I want to always see the beauty around. I ... View Post
