Rich is away today for a meeting by the shore of Connecticut. Jacob and Ethan are at work, Grace is home with me and cheerful, David, Caleb, Seth, and Sarah will be home from school soon.
I did a lot of crying yesterday but look! I’m still here. I’ve felt like crying a few times today (even now) but so far…..have been able to restrain myself. I feel quiet and calm and deep down sad. This is an improvement over yesterday’s “my heart hurts so bad make it stop sobbing”.
There is a chicken bubbling in broth on the stove with celery, onion, and seasonings. When it’s done I will let it cool, take the meat off, and add it back to the broth with noodles for dinner. Or maybe I’ll make biscuits. This is an improvement over yesterday’s dinner of “nothing”.
Seth has a band concert tonight. Have I told you he plays the trumpet? He’s 10? A new player? Not very good? And it’s loud?
I went for one walk today so far and did some reading. Mainly I’ve been parked here in my favorite spot on the couch most of the day with my camera nearby to snap photos of birds visiting the porch feeders.
I saw six lady-slippers by the trail.
In all their affliction He was afflicted. And the Angel of His Presence saved them; In His love and in His pity He redeemed them; And He bore them and carried them all the days of of old. Isaiah 63:9
My mom wrote this verse in my journal for me when we visited last.
tiny soft pinecone
“He started carefully down the trail, knowing that at any moment something unexpected might happen……knowing that nothing was exactly what it seemed to be.” Anpao (newbery book) page 183
Then, my friend Bridgette sent me a link to an article about Charles Spurgeon and I read it with interest and copied down some quotes.
After this I continued reading Beartown and rested for a while.
Caleb just got home from school, Grace is reading and I’m going to go for my second walk and try to get the rest of my steps done (10,000 per day).
Thank you for stopping by, friends, you are loved.
“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7
Good to be Home 
Your dinner sounds delicious! Wishing you more peace with each day!š
Thank you, T!
Thank you for sharing, even in your struggles. Hugs and prayers Shanda. š
Thank you for saying that as it is hard to blog while experiencing this current sadness. But it helps so I do it anyway. Hugs and prayers back to you dear Cynthia!
{{Hugs}} Your dinner sounds wonderful! Your photos are awesome (as always š
Thank you, Pam! Dinner was good but I actually just ended up putting rice in the pot and half a bag of mixed veggies. The kids ate it all up and there was nothing left for their Dad. I have to get used to making larger amounts now that they are all home for the summer! Much love!
Oh, oops! I’ve never been a great cook so I’ve also always admired your cooking abilities š I guess maybe the times when Seth practices trumpet might be a good time to go for a little walk lol.
Beautiful pictures. Blessings upon blessings to you.
Doris, thank you for the blessings. I’m glad you liked the photos, I know you like bird photography just as much as I do. It’s so fun. Have a great day!
Love your nature pictures. Please never stop blogging.
It takes so much courage to write through the process of pain. Thank you for your vulnerability. š Praying that each day brings an added glimmer of hope and light. I love the photos of the birds and of you and Gracie sitting together. Oh, and that nail polish color is everything! Love, Chris
I love you, mom.
I love you, Grace.
Love the pictures. So beautiful and peaceful. š