Just Keep Swimming...

After service, she came up to me with abounding enthusiasm and showered me with compliments. She loves music. Then her smile dimmed, though only some, as she began to tell me that they received news that the doctors have done all that they can and now it is just a matter of time...

A far too familiar story for so many.

We must be so considerate as we speak of heartache and grief with adults. Everyone processes differently, and to simply be blunt is thought to be insensitive. With children, it is a different story. As I continue to spend time working with and loving on her children, concerns are raised and heartache is discussed. "We don't think that mommy will be living much longer" are words that are almost more my ears can bear to hear. And yet they are uttered to and trusted with me.

How sweet the honesty and transparency of a child's heart. How refreshing. All we know to do is to just keep laughing and loving and smiling and crying, and to take it one day at a time. There is no denying the fact that some days will be spent crumbled in sorrow, others overwhelmed with joy, and everything in between. Our grasp of one another's hand is a little tighter now as we continue to hold fast to our trust that God is in control.

What an incredible family. What a beautiful blessing.

One Word for Kasia

Where is your cell phone? Counter

Significant other? Kelly

Your hair? Brown

Your mother? Saint

Your father? Baba

Your favorite thing? Love

Your dream last night? Caterpillar

Your favorite drink? Agua

What room are you in? Kitchen

Your fear? Loss

Where do you want to be in six years? Kelly

Where were you last night? Home

Something you aren't. Tall

Muffins? YES!

Wish list item? Graduation

Last thing you did? This

What are you wearing? Guess.

TV? Nope

Your pet? Nope

Friends? Adore

Your life? Beautiful

Your mood? Tired

Missing someone? Yes

Drinking? Nope

Your car? Penny

Something you're not wearing? Makeup

Favorite color. Green.

Last time you cried. Yesterday.

Di Di

This afternoon, my brother said, "thank you yi jie jie" and kissed me on the cheek.

What a gift.

If only you knew...

Lunch with the 'rents :)

Check out this guy's beard!

Eating jello with chopsticks isn't as easy as you'd think...

Yeah, there was a chocolate fountain!

1, 2, 3.....500,000,126...

Taking the morning to count my blessings. To love on the memories of those I miss, and to anticipate those I will meet. Appreciating the family I was blessed into, and finding peace in the unfinished and unknown.

Thank you, Lord, for this morning.

20--A Picture of Somewhere You'd Love to Travel

There are a lot of places in the world I would love to see, but there's nothing quite like a visit to Cherry Valley.

21--A Picture of Something You Wish You Could Forget

The anxious thoughts that interrupt my sleep.

22--A Picture of Something You Wish You Were Better At

23--A Picture of Your Favorite Book

24--A Picture of Something You Wish You Could Change

A twenty.

25--A Picture of You Last Year and How You've Changed Since Then

I have learned so much from this little guy. So much.

26--A Picture of Something That Means A Lot to You

My piano students (who are all nearly as tall as I am--even when I'm wearing heals).

27--A Picture of You and a Family Member

Sis

28--A Picture of Something that Scares You

"wo de yi jie jie bu ai wo!"

"my sister doesn't love me!"

29-- A Picture that Always Makes You Smile

I'm IN!

Kasia is doing this, and I wanted in. So...I'm gonna!! But, I'm going to go backwards if it's all the same to you.

Day 01 – A picture of yourself with 10 facts.

Day 02 – A picture of you and the person you have been closest with the longest.

Day 03 – A picture of the cast from your favorite show….

Day 04 – A picture of your day.

Day 05 – A picture of your favorite memory.

Day 06 – A picture of somewhere you’ve been.

Day 07 – A picture that shows your true self.

Day 08 – A picture that makes you laugh.

Day 09 – A picture of the person who has gotten you through the most.

Day 10 – A picture of someone you see yourself marrying in the future.

Day 11 – A picture of something you hate.

Day 12 – A picture of something you love

Day 13 – A picture of your favorite band or artist.

Day 14 – A picture of your favorite pastime.

Day 15 – A picture of something you want to do before you die.

Day 16 – A picture of someone you’ve been friends with the longest and still feel connected to

Day 17 – A picture of your biggest insecurity.

Day 18 – A picture of your favorite place.

Day 19 – A picture of a habit you wish you didn’t have

Day 20 – A picture of somewhere you’d love to travel.

Day 21 – A picture of something you wish you could forget.

Day 22 – A picture of something you wish you were better at

Day 23 – A picture of your favorite book.

Day 24 – A picture of something you wish you could change

Day 25 – A picture of you last year and how you’ve changed since then

Day 26 – A picture of something that means a lot to you.

Day 27 – A picture of yourself and a family member.

Day 28 – A picture of something you’re afraid of.

Day 29 – A picture that can always make you smile.

Day 30 – A picture of someone you miss.

Lingering Poetry

"So, I guess I'll throw a few more pennies and a pocket full of dreams in the well of faith and I'll listen for a splash."'

"Her hair spilling softly around her shoulders would make me want to steal a kiss, and her laugh drifting out across the stillness; oh those times I'll always miss."

"I'm now so sure love's once forsaken grace will remain on our hearts and forever meld with time."

"My breath is seeps in misty scented clouds, blown thin by the wind like thoughts and scattered leaves. And at the end of the day when all the spoons, they're put away, I will pray for all I have and nothing more."

"Behind my eyes a tired place longing soaks my eyes."

"We must have met so that I'll always love the girl...who hung the moon."

Thank you for you heart, sweet man.