I am a Sweetheart to One and a Mommy to Four Loveable Babes, one of which is smiling down on us from Heaven. I am learning to dance in the rain. Come with me on my journey as I make the most out of Life's mud puddles.

Put on your rain boots. Great adventure lies ahead.

Thursday, October 27, 2011

The Flower Bush



































So, our extended weekend away was really quite wonderful. Just what the doctor ordered.

Here's a summary of our favorite things:
  • The girls pampered ourselves with an afternoon of mani/pedis.
  • We laughed as we splashed and played at the Aquatic Center.
  • We cuddled up on a FABULOUSLY comfy sectional for family naps everyday.
  • We thoroughly enjoyed Tuacahn's production of "Little Mermaid" (seriously love it).
  • We made many memories at Snow Canyon hiking and playing trucks in the "big dirts" (aka Sand Dunes).
  • And we savored creamy frozen frozen custard at one of our favorite shops. Delish.
All in all, the rest, relaxation, and recreation refueled and refreshed our souls. It. Was. Divine.

While playing in the "dirts" Saturday afternoon, I was taught a lesson by The Great Teacher. As I watched my children play in the sand with their adoring Daddy, my heart ached. I just. felt. empty. We weren't complete! Someone was missing! Ashton wasn't supposed to be playing cars by himself. Granted David and I were by his side but - let's face it - a parent is just NOT a brother. Period.

Anyhoo, as my kids were building sandcastles and I circled around snapping pictures, I literally stumbled upon this Flower Bush. Small, tender and budding yellow, it was quite the surprise juxaposed against the red desert sand. Where did it come from? How did it get there? How did it sustain life? It was quite the mystery.

And yet there it was, standing tall, acting as reminder of Life amid the toughest conditions. As beautiful as the red rocky landscape was, the contrast of the yellow made it all the more breathtaking.

Curious.

I thought about our Sunshine Boy. I remembered all the bright, sweet, joyful times that we shared. I remembered all the laughs, giggles, snuggles and songs.

And then I thought about the last 9 months. The Desert of our lives.

We have been nourished by the rain. We have learned to build sandcastles in the most arid conditions. And - through it all - our Little Flower Bush has stood by, looking all the more beautiful against the harshness of the conditions. How grateful we are for his immortality.

And so I will remember. I will rememeber all the "fun things" but - above all - I will remember the dramatic beauty of the desert. I will remember playing in the sand. And I will remember the sweet, unexpected Flower Bush that brought so much meaning on a tender afternoon.

Tender Mercies. Tender mercies.

5 comments:

  1. What a beautiful metaphor! I think part of your success in dealing with tragedy is your constant gratitude and your awareness of the signs of God's love for you...So many are missing that! What a great example--thanks as always!! Glad you enjoyed your weekend!
    Much Love,
    Jenny B.

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  2. Glad you could find comfort and mercy in the desert....my backyard. I have had many a-ha moments in Dixie.

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  3. Mandy those photos are awesome!! You captured some sweet moments indeed :) Glad you guys had such a wonderful time, you deserved every second! Can't wait to talk to you and the kids more about it on Saturday at the fam's halloween bash :)

    And that connection you made with the beautiful, yellow desert flower...so touching and so true. You guys are going through a rough time that I can't comprehend...but I know God is giving you sweet moments to treasure, and I love seeing that you recognize them. And I think that even though you didn't see him (breaks my heart to think about), your sweet Bennett boy was somehow playing in that sand with the kids and daddy Dave :)

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  4. I had three friends that spent Saturday at the wonderful sand dunes and up Snow canyon. I didn't even know this pace existed but it's on my must see list next time we go. My kiddos would have gone crazy over this!

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  5. love the pics and love that you had a sweet sunshine moment.

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Thank you for being a part of my journey. I appreciate your supportive and healing comments. Here's to a Promise of Sunshine!