pure joy on two faces as one, receiving his wrist band, exclaims, "Unlimited!" and the other grasps the reality of carnival rides where the tickets never run out

fireworks seated between husband and son, amid the excited shouts of "Here it comes!" and "Whoa! Look at that!"

the hands that cup and carry the airplanes, safely lifting off and landing, filled with my, and others', loved ones

warm air, blue sky, pulled cotton clouds, soft breezes, sand beneath my feet summer

worship and prayer, church in the park, pancake breakfast, sandcastle building, watermelon eating, who gets this kind of life? more than I could ever ask or imagine

daughter dribbling, fingertips forming pine trees on the hill of our castle fortress, joy again, there it is, joy again

ferry rides on a beautiful day, happy excited children, laughing, ready for adventure, a friend to share with, a pod of five orcas playing off the port side

quiet, still quiet, all the ache of the past months' torment, questions, seeking surface, deep cries out to deep, such deep sorrow, comforted by Your presence, the joy, beauty, people, gifts..who gets this kind of life? Father, Your love is extravagant.

Emmanuel - God with us.

You give and take away. My heart will choose to say, Lord, blessed be your name.