Some highlights this winter: date night with neighbors, Marcus went to Let's Hopscotch with some friends, an amazing Evergreen women's retreat, some more fantastic letterboards, NEW DIABETES TECHNOLOGY (WOO HOOOOOO! Goodbye terrible rash Max has suffered with for three years! Praise the Lord for scientists who tenaciously search for answers/cures/solutions!), some baby snuggles (why is holding a warm baby just the thing we need sometimes?). Also, Winnie the Wonderdog enjoyed the snow, investigating a suspicious yard sign, stealing my shoes and living upside down.
And, the most bittersweet experience - the memorial of our dear friend Steve. I've never been to a memorial of someone so universally beloved, whose impact on lives is so consistent. I suppose when you consider your "job" of Hub, Dad, Father-in-Law, Pops, Brother, Uncle, Therapist, Friend so seriously, the impact is just breathtaking. And, above all those human relationships, Steve loved God. With his mind, his heart, his humor, his honesty, his curiosity, his patience, his warmth. With all of himself, Steve loved Jesus. I read somewhere that integrity is defined by all the areas of your life lining up. You are integrated in your head, heart and actions. With Kyle on my left, and my bestie Sommer on my right, in aisles next to old friends who share memories together of church life with Steve and Sandie - and we cried buckets of tears for someone we loved. Thank you, God, for the gift of Steve.
