dripping with passion

last thursday, my grandma ruthie passed away. the last time i saw her, she told me about 20 times that she wanted to die – because she really couldn’t remember that she’d already told me that 19 times, and because she was so tired, and because she missed her late husband, and because she had absolutely no fear of death and no doubt that not only a reunion with grandpa dean but many other glories awaited her. we knew she was close to leaving this earth for quite a while. in her last months, her sweet face wore an expression that looked as if she was pleading to go. it has been 53 years since she’s been with her beloved husband. she felt her mortality was finished and she was ready to move on. we all knew that when she did, it would be a blessing, an alleviation, an exaltation. and so, when i got the news last week, the depth of the instantaneous grief i felt quite surprised me. i sat at my desk at work and just cried and cried. i felt red-hot longing for my grandmother, for her satin...

my parents and i watched the sunday sessions of general conference from their house in park city. it was the most gloriously beautiful mountain autumn day. in between sessions my dad and i went for a stroll up toll canyon. the trail is just steps away from the front door.       my sister saren and her family came to park city in the middle of the afternoon session. after listening to the apostles and prophets all together, saren and i took a walk around the neighborhood and found the most perfect golden autumn tree. we were so taken by its beauty against the azure sky that we went back to the house to get our phones so we could take a picture.   saren and jared and the kids took me to the airport and i headed back to the bay. caring and amazingly wonderful parents + mountain air + blushing, ruddy, flaxen foliage + uplifting messages from a loving god + hugs from nephews and a niece + a sister talk = a solaced, serene heart.

on sunday morning, i experienced a little slice of heaven. i got to meet this perfect baby boy (<—) just hours after his birth. cuddling him up in the soft morning light in a hospital room with my dearest of dear friends was truly celestial. i had been so excited to meet baby v #2, and when he went a week past his due date without making an appearance, i was so worried we’d miss each other in utah! a little pitocin got him here in time for me to welcome him to this crazy beautiful world. abby and i brought catherine and bert breakfast just like we did when baby v #1 was born , and just like catherine and i did when abby’s baby girl was born . this has got to be my favourite tradition ever. that hour in that hospital room felt so special and sacred – it was a quiet celebration of the magnificent miracles of birth and of sweet human connections – friendships that are sown so deep.