FLORIDA, A YEAR LATER

 

February 9, 2023
Last night, I put my windchimes out by the front porch that people had given me for Brighton. This morning, I woke up to the sound of them chiming. So beautiful and unexpected as it is so quiet in our house.

I met with a landscaper the other night and am so excited for our butterfly garden for Brighton. I think it will be a beautiful way to remember him.

Kyle got home early last night and surprised us which was so great! Lassen and Suzy and I leave for Florida tomorrow so I was happy to get some more time with him.

February 13, 2023
Lass is only 1 month away from turning 3!! I really can’t believe it! We have been having a blast in Florida. Lassen did great on the plane and fell asleep before we even took off. 

We spent hours at the beach on Saturday and he had so much fun. Digging and dumping sand the whole time. He has loved being with his Lolli and Pops.

Suzy and I had a great time too! We ran and walked 17 miles in the 2 days she was down here. We ran to the beach and then walked to the farmers market, got empanadas and pretzels, and then walked home. A year ago I ran down there and I was 26 weeks pregnant with Bright. I looked at the sun coming through the clouds and there was a brilliant sun dog and an elephant shaped cloud backlit by the sun. I love you sweet boy.

February 19, 2023
We’ve had a great last few days with Kyle. We’ve gone to parks and beaches, farmers markets, and went on long walks. Kyle and I even had a date night away in Sarasota on Thursday. We could see the water from our window. We went to St. Armands and walked out to Lido Beach, which was the next beach down from Siesta Key and the sand felt the same. We ate dinner at a place called “Made” and then went and watch Purdue basketball. In the morning, I got to run across the long bridge to St. Armands, eat a complimentary breakfast by the pool overlooking the water, all before heading home. It was so good to spend time together, just the two of us. Just always so thankful for our time down here with Mom and Dad to rest and recharge.

February 22, 2023
Psalm 116:15
“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His faithful servants.”

There is so much I don’t know about God, and I love reading His Word, finding something new that is of comfort to me.

We went to the beach last night in the late afternoon so we could eat pizza and watch the sunset. I wrote Brighton’s name in the sand and it was really bittersweet. I also love being in Florida at the same time though because I feel close to him and have sweet memories of all the things we did together last year.

Monday, we went to Rum Bay on the water taxi and saw several dolphins as they followed our boat which was so cool. Then, to top it off, there were four manatees up close in the marina, including a baby!

February 25, 2023
Hebrews 12:2
“Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfector of faith. For the joy set before Him, He endured the cross…”

Jesus knew life was hard but He knew life with His Father had joy in all circumstances. There was joy before Him—I want to focus on the joy that Jesus provides. Thank you Lord for giving us joy in the middle of hard times.