There is a little patch of dirt in my backyard, near the tree house, under the shade of a big tree that I often find myself staring at. 20 months ago, a little boy sat there with his collection of…
Quiet Whispers
Each of my kids have unique requests of me at bedtime. When I say goodnight to them in their beds, one will ask for my specific prayer over something, one asks for a back rub. I get requests to “way…
Wear the Helmet, Carry the Sword
This morning, as I sat on my couch and watched the world come awake out my front window, I felt the weight of 17 months of grief. I saw, for the first time, these beautiful purple flowers blooming in my…
Mason’s Place
On a special New Years trip to Mammoth in 2013, Anthony took Mason out for a “planning meeting” over candy and hot chocolate. He talked with him about setting goals for the year. He was 5 years old. And we…
Hope
For Christmas two years ago, Mason asked for a matchbox car garage, a lego set with guns, and an American Girl doll. (And yes, you better believe I would have bought my son a trendy, over-priced doll had I know it…
Without Ceasing
on the wall in my kitchen (which doubles as our homeschool room) there is a progression of first day of school pictures. 5 years. back to when ella was in kindergarten, all the kids together, mason with moose ears, griffin…