Thriving and Growing (GoFundMe Update5)

Twenty-four days ago we launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover the medical costs from Abigail's birth and my postpartum healthcare. You all responded so generously, and we are now $779 away from our goal! THANK YOU!

I am still experiencing troubling symptoms, but it isn't all the time and I have hope of finding answers. This coming month will be one of testing and trying different things to see what helps with my full recovery. In the meantime, there is family and there is joy.

Sam, the day after returning from Simulations Week

Corbin, Ben, Daniel, and Layne enjoying each other

The little boys all started copying Layne and following him around the house. While other times this might have annoyed him, Layne chose to laugh at it and take advantage, making his brothers put on a show. "La, la, la, la, la--hey!"

Sam recently returned from a leadership camp put on by Ensign Peak Academy. He shared some of the fun experiences he had. As part of the architect guild he designed and built two buildings for the new city, a theatre and a dance studio. The first two days they designed them using Minecraft and then they built them from foam, hot glue, and other materials. Unfortunately, he forgot to take pictures of anything except for some silly door signs! He had a roommate who kept calling him Wesley because he "looks like a Wesley." The entire group of attendees sang a song about a beautiful city, which was the theme of the conference. They recorded it on video so I'll see if I can find and share that when it gets posted. Sam really liked the song. By the time we arrived home, he was too wired to want to sleep so we had to send him to bed. So much excitement for four days in a row!

Burst of Joy rose

Every rose that blooms in our gardens reminds me of Abigail. This one's name is Burst of Joy. Because Abigail means "Joy of the Father," this rose especially reminded me of her. Every new bloom in Abigail's garden brings me so much joy. I believe they bring her joy, too.

Father's Day at Abigail's gravesite

Abigail's new flower arrangement

For some reason, it makes me indefinably happy to put new fabric flowers in Abigail's memorial vase. This time I chose a few of my childhood favorites: hibiscus like we grew in Arizona when I was a young girl, and Gerbera daisies, which were my favorite in college.

Abigail's new baby tree - a honey locust

The tree by Abigail's grave died during the winter, along with a few other young trees in the cemetery, and we were joyful to see them all replaced when we visited Abigail's grave for Father's Day. The new tree by Abigail's grave is a baby honey locust tree. Its little green leaves are so abundant and cheerful. I can't help but imagine how happy she is to see things growing around her.

Abigail's family is thriving. We miss her every day. Every day. That will never change. But she is not totally gone. She is here with us and we are reminded of her gentle influence in so many ways, from day to day.

Here's your Dumbledore quote for the day:
“The ones who love us never really leave us, you can always find them in here.”