Preface: I wrote this blog back in February, a few days after finding out the biggest news of our lives. I didn't want to forget our initial reactions or feelings surrounding this life-changing event. I had every intention to share this post earlier, but things got a bit crazy, COVID-19 began to spread and I … Continue reading Double the Joy
Today is World Cancer Day, and I'm here to celebrate! Why would I celebrate a day linked to such an awful disease? Let me tell you why. First and foremost, I must be clear: I do not celebrate cancer, itself. Rather, I celebrate the faces, stories and lives of those I've lost to the disease, those in the fight, those who've survived, and those whose journeys have yet to unfold. These people are why I celebrate World Cancer Day. I celebrate to honor their lives, their stories, their beauty; their mark on this world.
I've heard a few stories of heartbreak as of late: ~A two-year-old girl named Skye from Skakopee, MN who fought fiercely for her life ever since she was born at 22 weeks old. She passed away yesterday afternoon and will spend Christmas in heaven with Jesus. ~Two brothers named Steven and Curt who died in … Continue reading Holding Space for Every Story this Christmas
Over the weekend we visited my grandma. It’s been a few weeks since my last visit, something I hate to say out loud. How did I let that happen? We moved grandma into memory care this past summer. It’s a homey place with sweet, gentle staff and a friendly chocolate lab named “Moose” who never … Continue reading Connection: Priceless Work of the Heart
Hello, hello. I am back after a two-week hiatus. I can't tell you how good it feels to be back in my element; behind my computer, candle flickering in the background and glass of red wine within arms reach. "Me" time has been hard to come by as of late; thus is the tune when … Continue reading Mama Said There’ll Be Days Like This
Have you ever set out in pursuit of a dream only to be thrown to the wolves the moment you stepped foot out the front door? You thought you packed everything in that fancy backpack of yours: first aid kit, water, energy bars, insect repellent, flashlight, matches, emergency flares, the list goes on. But, you … Continue reading It’s Time to Brave the Wilderness
Yesterday, we visited my Grandma Ruth. Our family made the difficult decision to move her into memory care back in June. It was heartbreaking, but it was time. It's tough on my grandparents, mom, aunt and uncles. And it's difficult for me, too. In a sense, we're grieving her loss; mourning the person she used … Continue reading Finding Joy in the Darkness of Alzheimer’s
A birthday wish for my daughter: Jacqueline Ruth, how I long to tell you,The joy that you are - sweet, precious you. A year has flown by like the month of June, And memories savored, like a harvest moon. I could write you a story, sing you a song,Of the times we’ve had, some nights … Continue reading Birthday Wish
Sweet Jacqueline Ruth, two weeks new. Photo credit: LMB Photography My baby turns one next Tuesday, and I’m swimming in a sea of emotions. How did this happen? I might as well wear a fanny pack to carry around all these soggy tissues. Oh motherhood, what a journey you are! What a beautiful, emotional, exhausting, … Continue reading Reflections on the First Year of Motherhood
I spent the last few days trying to process one of the most beautiful weekends of my life. To spend three days with 7,580 women from all walks of life was incredible. I am humbled to have had the opportunity to breathe the same air and share the same space. We came as strangers but … Continue reading This One’s for the Girls
