A Letter

Through a series of circumstances that are mostly irrelevant, I received a letter today from my dear friend Randy Shafer. I learned of the letter's existence last week, but was delayed in acquiring it because of my residency retreat. It's timeliness was Divinely appropriate. I know that most people who lose loved ones don't get the opportunity to converse as I did with Randy in his final weeks, and even fewer have letters that come afterward to offer comfort and encouragement. So, it was with humble gratitude that I unfolded those two pages today.
As I read, so many of the things that I have been thinking these past weeks flooded my mind. Randy joyfully recounted not only the blessedness of our friendship but also a few specific conversations that have been lingering in my head. These fresh words from Randy brought joy and tears, but mostly they brought more healing. I will always treasure these pages.
Thank you, Randy!

Bruce the Shark

Conditions were perfect for snow sculpting this weekend! So, we drove past a house that had a 6' Nemo in the front yard... and the only real answer to that is a 6' Bruce the Shark!

The Cat That Was Not

Long story short... The people that had the cat brought it over this afternoon. Andi (our 2 year old cat) freaked. Twice Andi tried to attack the poor little kitten. All of us present felt the best solution was to look for an laternate refuge for the kitten. So, we have one cat still... and frankly, I'm relieved.

Logan's 1st Stitches

Well, it was bound to happen sooner or later. Just two nights ago Laura commented that Logan would be our first one with a broken bone. She said this shortly after he did a swan dive from his toybox onto his bed. (Yes, he did stick the landing.) This afternoon he fell down while playing in the house and finally hit "just right". Laura took him to the kid med-center where he bravely recieved three stitches in his forehead above his left eye. He's going to be ok. I think he gets it from me. I was a bit "knievel-ish" during my growing up years, and can remember four trips to the ER for accident related stitches. I hope he never tries my classic "attempting to fly off the top of the slide while wearing a red towl safety-pinned around my neck" stunt.

Cat Names???

Ok everyone (whoever you are). We are getting a new kitten tomorrow and I need names. I don't have any pictures yet, but here's what I know... He's a grey tiger with a really loud prrrrr and tons of energy. Please comment with your best name ideas.

Seven Years Ago...

Seven years ago yesterday... I got married and was on my way to Tulum, Mexico. . It's crazy to think about how different life is now - seven years and three kids later. The time has really gone fast and it's been a lot of fun. I was in the kitchen last night and stood there thinking about how seven years is a lot longer than many couples make it these days, but for us, there is no end in sight. I am blessed to have my wife with me. She keeps me on track in so many different ways. We have a great relationship, and I'm anticipating that it will only continue to get even better in the many years to come.