I wrote it all out...

... the pages are kind of steep

but I needed for you to see

that ledge you are skimming is a lonely one

and you don't know how far down it can reach.

 the rain is coming

I promise it's there

to wash you clean or lay you flat.

Walk the ledge with me, my love

and I'll never let a drop hit your back.

There is time

plenty

but it all seems to be moving so fast.

tight-rope walk time with me baby

and we'll fight the hour glass.

Seconds old when I met you

and already fighting to break out.

There's a beast in the cycle

and I know its purpose

...

to make every little boy a

man.

 -Elena McCoy (original poetry)

We celebrated the 4th like most of you... with great friends, lots of food, home-made water slides

and, of course, fireworks. I watched my kids run around, meet new friends... and stretch their independence... like new-found wings. I was struck by how remarkable that is.... watching them become little people...not babies, not infants... in a way, grown... or growing. That blessed my heart to see them do so well... to smile and know that they are ok...that I must not have messed up too badly... that they are exceptional. 

I haven't had the most words lately... you've noticed I'm sure. I feel like this place in my life is in transition and with it my words, my heart, my desires. I've realized my lack of gratitude ... my thankful spirit... to God... to well, almost everything, and I have been purposefully trying to reawaken that thankfulness...because what on earth cannot I find to not be grateful for? So many daily blessings.

Loss has probably been the greatest culprit... The loss of family, loved ones...trying to find a grateful heart when things seem so unkind, so painful. But I find light at the end of this tunnel. Yesterday, I was grateful

to see my children in a matured light... taking off my baby goggles for a moment... surrounded by people who opened their arms to us unconditionally...friendship.

What perfect timing right... a blessed correlation.

As it were, celebrating the independence of our country... there is so so much to be grateful for.