flowers, garden, inspiration, Joy, Life, nature, Photography, Photos, Writing

On Any Given Day: Corrie’s Retreat

The year, 2023, provided the most positive growth since Corrie's death because I grew in confidence after witnessing what I'd accomplished in the gardens. We went from one garden to three in 2023, along with island gardens. The result is now I have a vision for gardens everywhere on the property, and John has helped me plan them, along with officially naming the farm, "Corrie's Retreat."

Bereaved Parents, bereavement, Child loss, children, Family, garden, Grief, Joy, Life, parenthood, Photography, Photos

A Message of Thanks from Corrie’s Family

When I consider the message of Thanksgiving, a lot of words fill my mind and heart for what I wish others to know and feel.

Bereaved Parents, Child loss, Family, Joy, Life, reality

“Here Comes the Sun”

If you'd ask me to imagine life 20 years ago, the plans I'd made would fail to match real events. I would never want to picture: - losing a child, - a tornado destroying parts of our home, - a miscarriage, - or nearly losing a spouse to colon cancer. I'd never imagined those events… Continue reading “Here Comes the Sun”

Family, Joy, Life, marriage, Photos, Poetry

A Forever Kind of Love

John and our son, Hayes, during a visit to the beach. I loved him then. I love him now. I loved him when his mother died. I loved him when he became a father-leader. I loved him when his father died. I loved him when the tornado came. I loved him when COVID hit. I… Continue reading A Forever Kind of Love

Child loss, children, Family, flowers, Grief, inspiration, Joy, Photos, Writing

“Are You Looking, Mommy?”

When I see the daffodils, I spot her run behind the trees.

Advocacy, bereavement, Education, Joy, Life, Writing

LEGO: A Love Story, Part I

Throughout these two-and-half years (three years this May) after Corrie earned her wings, and during which John battled stage 3 colon cancer, we've had many stories from Corrie's garden, to Hayes' growth, in education and with us.  Another part involves LEGO.

Education, Joy, Life, Loss, Photography, Photos

To my Students: It’s Not “Goodbye,” but “See You Later”

As the end of the school year arrived, I had a lot more to say than could fit into your average social media post.

Bereaved Parents, bereavement, children, garden, Grief, Joy, Life, Loss, nature, Photography, Photos, Writing

Into this Good Earth, Part 2: Ways We Remember Corrie and Each Other

I knocked the soil loose. There is something I have to find, but I haven't located it, yet.

Bereaved Parents, Child loss, Grief, inspiration, Joy, Mental Health, Photos

Corrie’s Visit Made All Well with my Soul

... but for the first time in a long time, my daughter, Corrie, visited me in a dream. Corrie's visit settled my soul.

Child loss, Family, Joy, Life, Loss, Poetry, Writing

When We Danced in the Rain, from Corrie’s Collection

Grab your rain boots, or leave your sandals on. Let's dance in the rain before the thunder comes.