Strong, Not Stone

During the weeks we were helping care for my grandmother in hospice, living in survival mode felt necessary. There were medications to track. Visitors to update. Logistics to manage. I remember one night sitting on the couch and listening to the rhythmic hissing and puffing of the oxygen machine. The house was quiet, but my… Read more

The Mess of Grief: Losing our Sweet Kane Our sweet silver-lab, Kane, went to be with God. Now my youngest prays, ‘God, help Kane shine bright in heaven.’ Saying goodbye to our silver-lab Kane on my daughter’s 10th birthday was a different kind of grief—and now we are trying to find peace in the mess… Read more

Embracing the Unknown: Faith in the Storm Thunderstorm season is upon us! The messy unknowns—will the power go out? Do the flashlights still work? Will the wind topple a tree or the rain flood the basement? So much potential for chaos…and still, I love a good thunderstorm because I always find faith in the storm.… Read more

Ah yes. Spring is here, the messy growth, the smell of poop wafting in the air (embracing growth during discomfort is essential), and to add to that? A powdery yellow dusting of pollen. Covering every available surface, including my dog whenever he goes outside to pee. He doesn’t seem to care, but the yellow tinge… Read more

Spring has sprung, and with it comes a harsh reminder—growth doesn’t always smell like fresh flowers. Sometimes, it stinks. Literally. March 20th arrived, and all I can smell outside is manure. There is so much discomfort for growth in this season. It’s not the fresh blooming flowers or the sweet scent of a fresh rain,… Read more