February 19, 2017
Day 50
The spires punctuate the blue sky. We are in the middle of the nowhere in western North Dakota.
It is the Assumption Abbey in Richardton. I read about it online and learn it was formed in 1899. A couple clicks later find the daily reflection.
Regardless of your beliefs the message is universal.
"Take no revenge and cherish no grudge against your fellow countrymen. You shall love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord'. Leviticus 19:18
February 18, 2017
Day 49
For two days I have peered endlessly at the mountainside and dense forest in hopes to catch a glimpse of a big horn sheep, a bear, or a moose. The deer have been plentiful, 5 feet outside my window, but they aren't what I longed to see.
Then today, there she was. In the last place I would have expected; she was in a backyard of a home in the middle of town.
To find what you are looking for in the last place you would expect it... that is how it goes with this crazy thing called life.
February 17, 2017
Day 48
We are not perfect parents. Actually far from it. But we try.
We try to give them all that we were raised with, along with that which we were not raised with.
We try to be active parents. We try to give them freedom and boundaries, as contradictory as that seems.
We apologize. We screw up. We say "I am sorry."
We try to give them experiences versus stuff... and I hope that works.
February 16, 2017
Day 47
Skiing is a bit strange, if I think about it...
Go up a mountain and have faith you will arrive at the bottom safely, on a couple of 5 inch slabs.
"You've got this. You are fine!" I say to them. And though they may have a bit of fear, they have faith in me, and I know they can do this.
How many things in my life have presented themselves like this? On the precipice of something, with fear I leap, hearing "You are fine! You've got this" somewhere inside.
You have to have faith in something that loves you and a desire to accomplish something you are not sure you can do.
February 15, 2017
Day 46
We headed west to heal our hearts.
Together as a family we will bond and make memories. As the sun sets over the mountains I am so grateful for this time together to play and rest. For some reason, the mountains always feel like coming home to a place my soul has always known.
February 14, 2017
Day 45
I have lost my shadow.
I was not anticipating the blaring void in my daily life that her death would bring.
I walk down the stairs and she is not on my heels.
I drive up to the house and she isn't waiting in the bay window.
Murphy did not eat, because she always ate first. So he waited...
She truly was part of our family. She was my girl.
February 13, 2017
Day 44
To love something enough, to let it go.
My children learned this today. They were brave enough to say goodby to Karma.
Our hearts are broken, but we know she is now free.
The youngest did not cry. I asked him how he was doing. He said he was sad, but he did not cry because she was going to heaven, and their would be lots of friends there for her to play with. He is an old soul, that little guy.