Saturday brought life-changing, heartbreaking news to my extended family. And like many of life’s “really awful things” it’s not something I can discuss openly. As hard as it was to watch my mother die, at least I could talk, write and cry on your shoulder.
But I cried on my children’s shoulders and my siblings and poor Erik’s halfway across the country on a business trip. Darling Ben drove up from BYU just because I needed him. And through the tears and the phone calls we did all the Saturday things…
my sneezing, coughing babies chatting with the Playmobil fairies
and talking Dad’s ear off (if you call Gabriel, plan on twenty minutes or so).
stacking cups
finishing the wedding album for this gorgeous couple.
Xander and Mary covering the table with paper, tape, crayons and clue as they crafted elves and paper chains– “I can’t practice my viola right now, Mom. Mary and I are getting along really well.” They know this about me: I’ll tolerate any mess, any lack of diligence when they are getting along beautifully.
Bored with their own creations they began hauling Christmas boxes up from the basement leaving a joyful trail of tissue paper, styrofoam bits and melted candles.
Happiness bubbles up beneath my feet and trickles over my shoulders. I know I am profoundly blessed and I’ll allow nothing, no one, to sabotage or dim my joyous gratitude.
Selwyn
I’ve nothing but love, respect and admiration for you guys. Luvies, SK
Annie
Oh, friend. Sending love. xo
Jeanelle
I do envy your wreath. 😉 And sending you lots of love and virtual hugs. I went to the Harry Potter exhibit this weekend – you guys would love it! If I had a big enough house to hold all of you, I’d demand you make arrangements to come up for a weekend so you could see it. But because I only have a tiny condo, I’m going to just encourage you to think about it…
Blue
when tough times come, i am trying to remind myself the following three words: “beauty from ashes”.
♥
Cath
I’m tearful for you. But so inspired by your courageous gratitude. The wreath made me chuckle. The cups made me smile. And “saying yes” to hauling out Christmas decor made me salute you. I love you.
Linn
Beautiful, grateful post sweet friend. Thinking of you and praying for your family.
Lisa
Oh life’s awful things…always getting in the way of living! I’m so happy you are able to see beauty through the chaos, bless you!
Tracy
Love you and sending you warmth, love and thoughts.
xoxo,t
Kerri
So inspiring, Michelle. I HATE the kind of pain that can’t be talked of openly. Burdens are so much lighter when able to be shared. But reading your happiness through yor upain gives me a little light. So thanks. You’ll be in my prayers.
jenjamin
That is beautiful! SO very much to be grateful… in abundance.
Rachelle
I’m sorry for your pain. The pictures in this post are inspiring and beautiful, as always. I agree… the BEST times in life are listening to my kids playing/laughing together and getting along really well. There’s nothing quite like it. One of my greatest wishes is that they’ll be friends with each other in adulthood.
Travelin'Oma
I’m going to add some stacking cups to my Oma kit! You always find the beauty in everything. I hope things work out for the best for you and your loved ones!
Tasha
Praying for guys. I’m glad God gives you so much joy and beauty to balance everything out. Love you all!