paintedpinkmountains

Seven years ago, at this very moment, our little part of the village was bustling with police activity and a dark cloud full of grief that would continue to take up residence for a long time after. Today, it was a bright, sunny, quiet morning with few noises when I left to go to work.  They're calling for more snow tomorrow.  When I read back through your journals you mention, quite often, the beauty of the snow.  I know how much you loved winter, and that helps me appreciate it more than I did even as a wonder-filled child. I think of you every time I look out the window and see it sparkling under the moonlight.  When I'm standing at the sink in the kitchen doing dishes, I love to watch the birds at the mock orange bushes.  Cardinals often take a perch to watch me too but I imagine you know that. There are still many moments where I feel like someone is standing behind me, or is hanging out in the next room watching me.  I see movement out of the corne...

Dear Colton – There is a photo stored away in a box somewhere in my closet from about 26 years ago.   I was 13 years old and holding you as a baby who had just been born.   Your birth was such a cause for celebration to all of us who had been close to your family.   Your mom prayed for you for many years.   My mom, her best friend, prayed right along with her.   You were a miracle and it brought us all such joy to welcome you.   You were a pretty big boy, too, getting stuck on your way earthside, but you made it and we all celebrated your arrival. I remember one day when you were about 6 months old, we were all sitting on the pool deck at my parents house.  My mother and I, and you with your mother.  Somehow you tumbled into the pool and for some reason, my reflexes were the quickest.  I jumped right in and pulled you out, and you would survive. You weren't in the water very long at all, but any mother who has been through any situatio...