Love=Joy+Sorrow

Hey kiddo,

It's my birthday.

And I heard from eight of my nine kids. But I did stop by and see you...  

Daddy asked me what I wanted to do today. Alpine does a trucks and tunes gig in the park every Tuesday in the summer. We used to go to them (back before food trucks were part of it). Do you remember? Rocking out in your chair, you loved it. We didn't make it to many, but sometimes we did.

That's what I wanted. A summer evening in the park with family, music, cool grass under my feet, children laughing, good food. And so we did. 

It was beautiful. Your big kids who live in Utah County came, and your niece and nephews too. We sat under the trees; Linnaea and Elend played on the playground and Barrett and Sterling were passed around. Barrett even took a nap on the blanket. 

Joy, mingled with sadness. Gratitude for the blessing of family, and missing you at the same time. 

Do you celebrate birthdays in heaven? Were you there and I just didn't feel you? 

Or were you the reason my soul felt peace? 

Somehow time moves on...

I miss you.

Love,
Mama

"Love is the root of all joy and sorrow."

Meister Eckhart