Quiet March 26, 2020

Quiet March 26, 2020 These are strange times we are living. Many have been forced to…stop. The many activities that consume our time have…stopped. The constant motion…stopped. Our children’s many activities and games…stopped. And in its place…quiet. Perhaps even…peace? In the midst of a time when so many are fearful, is it possible? Can you…

Intentional Jan 13, 2020

January 13, 2020 These came up in my photo memories today. Sweet memories, painful memories. What would I have done differently if I had known Ashley would only be with me for another three months and eight days?! I would have been more intentional with my time, I would have held her tighter, and breathed…

Silent Night Dec 25, 2019

December 25, 2019 Silent night…holy night…the world held its breath…expectantly…a Savior…a King…a baby. A star to guide the shepherds. Today has been a day of quiet, literally on “a road to nowhere”…quiet, peace, silence. Such a sweet respite for our souls. Within me, though…there is a cacophony of emotions in my heart today. Joy…for sweet,…

Two Trees Dec 16, 2019

December 16, 2019 I will always love Christmas. In spite of the commercialism, which I notice now in ways that I didn’t used to notice…My heart is much more sensitive to the true meaning of Christmas. I love our decorated house; Ashley loved our decorated house. A beautiful space…full of anticipation, of family, of joy,…

Grief & Gratitude Dec. 14, 2019

December 14, 2019 Grief and gratitude…together. They can be intertwined and for a grieving parent, usually are intertwined…one joining the other, interlaced in an odd dance that we could have never imagined. Distinct, yet in grief…often different emotions and forces that are brought together. One overriding the other, often coexisting at the same time. I…

Tattoo Dec. 9, 2019

There are many things I have done to get through this journey. Today, I finally did it…got a tattoo! It is meaningful, as I’d hope most tattoos are. Not like you can just wash it off. First, the heart with Ashley’s name…that’s her signature. It’s from a Mother’s Day card from a couple of years…

Birthday Thankfulness Nov 22, 2019

So blessed by two loving sisters. Thank you for your thoughtful kindnesses this week (Rhonda & Cindi)! I love you both! Also blessed by my amazing son, Zach, who get me a gift from him and from Ashley. Then, an actual gift from Ashley…she found a way to give me a gift! 💕 God is…

Therapy Dog Oct. 31, 2019

One year ago. Ashley loved working when therapy dogs were visiting the ER. Love your babies today…hug them, tell them how blessed your life is because of the gift they are to your life. I love you, Ashley…I will see you soon! 🥰 💕 🥰

Butterflies Sept. 30, 2019

Sept. 30, 2019 Beautiful. Ephemeral. Big revelation coming; I love butterflies. Who doesn’t right? Since April 21st, I find myself drawn to them, and I see them more than I did before. Well, maybe I notice them more. I don’t like to think that I would have been oblivious to something so enchanting, but perhaps….…

Flood Sept. 20, 2019

Note: Our house floods fairly often, and this was written after being flooded. Today has been unexpectedly emotional. Cleaning…finding things I had forgotten about…finding things that are likely ruined, things I wasn’t ready to say “good-bye” to yet. So, this is my “Hope Chest”, which I’ve had for 36 years. It holds many special memories.…