Dear Stefan

Dear Stefan,

Please forgive this rather hodgepodge letter. We’ve had a week of everything and nothing– long hours of work interspersed with moments/hours of delight. With the realization summer is almost over, we took out the boat Friday afternoon. Mostly everyone rode in the tube,

or rather, fell out.

Little Mary was quite disappointed no one would attempt the pyramid; maybe next time.

Mary leaves on her mission in just three weeks so we are making the most of our time with her (Mary with the sunglasses; little Mary is NOT serving a mission yet).

Last week, we joined the Bradfords and friends for the Parker Bradford Memorial Hike. Every time I am with them I am struck with the enormity of their loss– to lose a son… nothing could be harder. And yet, they live with strength and grace, sharing their considerable light with all of us. I love the way they talk about Parker in the present tense. Because he still IS and will always be their son; Parker lives and works and progresses in another sphere– but one day, there will be a great, glorious reunion.

Hiking forms a particularly fitting memorial for Parker, because no one enjoys the hike more than the teenage boys. They race ahead on the trail, strip off shirts to stand under the waterfall, climb cliffs, charm all the girls.

In case you are confused by the above photo (and who wouldn’t be?) they are spelling out #yolo. You’d better believe I ran through the waterfall too. Several times. ‘Cause you know what I say about hikes? If you don’t come home wet or bleeding you didn’t have fun. I wish I’d taken more photos, but I was really wet most of the time.

It’s amazing– don’t you think?– how friends come into our lives and become so important. They change us. We are more than we were before. I could write of list of all the people who’ve filled such a spot…it’s a long one. I know hermits seek enlightenment through solitude, but I’ve come to know God through His children.

Because I am a crazy momma, we bought another bunny. It’s a girl, so we’re not creating a rabbit farm yet. We bought her at the most incredible place– a huge beautiful estate with llamas, miniature horses, chickens, doves, parakeets, one elegant barn cat, goats and hundreds of baby bunnies bouncing, hiding and racing through the barn. Without realizing it, we chose Lucy the Cat’s bunny twin.

I haven’t had time to take many photos, but you know I’ll send you more than you’d ever need. Unlike Zoey, our new baby bun is a calm little sweetie. She hops toward you rather than away and snuggles into your lap or under your chin.

I’m so glad you are happy and well. Really, you are SO happy. I can’t begrudge your absence. But I’ll admit, every time I pass a photo of you on the wall (and there are many) my heart tugs a bit. Be careful, be well, avoid the drunks, but please let me know if you get mugged. I’d rather know.

Hugs and love and kisses,

mom