“If life was any sweeter, I’d be a pot of honey”- Winnie the Pooh I was thinking about how on earth to come back after almost a year away and describe to you the beauty that is mine these days... But let me just show you instead: Cameron Ryan - 8 months old, 100% trouble. … Continue reading A Squish Baby & A New Direction →

I think we can all recall a time when we lost a bit of our childhood innocence. Maybe it was the first time you were hurt by someone you trusted. The breakdown of your parent’s marriage. The death of a close loved one. The death of a dearly-held dream... When I think of some of … Continue reading Innocence Lost →

In the beginning of 2020, I did several [ultimately futile] things. I organized a trip with friends. Bought a planner. Threw away old hand sanitizer I wasn’t using. I even neglected to stockpile enough toilet paper to last our small family the next 5 years. Foolish, foolish me. I also sat down and made a … Continue reading Surrendering to Joy →

One of my favorite childhood movies is Balto: the story of how the dog sled teams in Nome, Alaska traveled to bring medicine to the town's dying children. Honestly, I think the bright orange vials of antitoxin are what first peaked my interest in nursing. It wasn't long after I began giving my stuffed animals … Continue reading Stand Up →

Life's been a little crazy lately. Since the duration of 2018 was basically one life altering change and drama after another, 2019 so far has been a season of fervent meditation, determined rebuilding, and crazy answers to prayer. I'm loving it. Meet me for coffee sometime & I'll talk for hours (not hyperbole 😬) about … Continue reading Unexpected →

Grief really does come in waves. You can feel it building, like the ocean's current, pulling you out. It foams and gathers strength, until it violently crashes, hard and heavy on your head. The pain leaves you breathless for a moment, and you briefly wonder if you're going to drown. But then, as suddenly as … Continue reading Wrestling →

"To grant to those who mourn in Zion, to give unto them a crown of beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; so they will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord- that He may be glorified.” - Isaiah 61:3 Those … Continue reading Beauty for Ashes →

I remember the day that I first learned about death. Not the word itself, nor its definition or what people say it is... What it truly is, and why we fear it so. It was a few days after Easter, and the dogwoods were still blooming all over the South Carolina mountains. I was walking … Continue reading The Secret of Death →

God knew. He knew how tired I was. He heard my cries when I didn’t feel like I could do it anymore- when I begged Him to give me the grace I so desperately needed moment by moment. He knew my mama's heart; and he gave me all that I needed, even when it didn't always … Continue reading A Final Lullaby →

I got to see you today. You are so tragically perfect; five fingers, five toes, heart thumping away in a perfect rhythm.... The doctor laughingly commented on how active you were, which made me confess to our breakfast this morning of chocolate cookies and coffee. I told him I suggested a veggie omelet, but you … Continue reading Dear Sam →