Brother Gavin | Natalie Norton Photography Brother Gavin

click here to open post Apr 05, 2012 | posted in Baby Gavin, Brother Gavin, God is Good, Personal, inspiration | 13 comments

Sometimes, the missing* rolls in. Like a wet, heavy fog across the desert.

And it fills EVERY PORE OF MY BEING—every crevasse of my parched heart.

I look around. Everyone with their perfect babies, and their perfect pregnancies, and their perfect families. And my heart cries out. Tears stream down my cheeks and fall shamelessly upon my chest.

Life continues. PEOPLE continue. Continue to laugh, and smile, and love. . . and breeeeeeeeed.

I wouldn’t have it any other way. I WOULD NOT HAVE IT ANY OTHER WAY. AND—

And the line between my joy for them and my ache for me. . . is at times, imperceptible. My family is still broken. Signs of grief, pain and overwhelming devastation still float to the surface from time to time. Often, they’re overwhelming, other times, they are tender and sweet. . . either way, they keep us connected to what’s true and real about the world, connected to the things that matter most. Connceted to our God and sealed to our faith in His plan for us.

I want to heal. I want to BE healed. I want my family to heal, my children to be made whole. I desperately want these things. But healing prematurely would equate to lessons lost. And I want the lessons more than I don’t want the pain. As bitter as those words taste leaving my heart, they are true.

Because I don’t just want to live. I WANT TO LIVE!!!!!!! I want to FEEEEEEEEEEEL. I want to BE—alive in my heart, in my understanding, in my influence. I want to be alive in my integrity. I want to say—”LIFE IS GOOD, GOD IS REAL, LOVE IS ALL AROUND US,” and when I do, I want to know it. In every pore. In every breath. In all of me.

I WANT.TO.LIVE.

*Dear You, The line between missing, self pity and overwhelming fear, is often imperceptible. THAT IS OK. Please know that. Sweet you, out there missing, hurting, wishing to be anywhere but here. It’s OK. YOU are OK. I do not judge your hurt. I do not ask you to quiet your pain, or to hide (from) your self pity, or self loathing, or from your desperation (wishing that it could all be different—willing to do anything you can to make it so). “Wherever you are, be there.” This wisdom comes from a heart that knows. A heart that would never judge you. Not ever. Don’t you dare judge yourself. You wake up every morning, and you breathe in and out all day long. Don’t you see the miracle that you are? Are you so clouded and confused that you are incapable of seeing what you are doing? You are walking on water. Despite it all, you breathe in and out all day long. In and out. All day long. You are a miracle. Just as you are. Do not judge that. And know, He “will go before your face . . . on your right hand and on your left, and [His] Spirit shall be in your hearts, and [His] angels round about you, to bear you up.” There are better days ahead. There are.

13 comments | add comment

Kate: Thank you for living April 5, 2012 12:23 pm
Ann Allred: (((((HUG)))))) April 5, 2012 12:35 pm
Erin Davenport: You are so courageous. Thank you for being so very open. Lots of love to you! April 5, 2012 12:36 pm
Kim Orlandini: I feel like you wrote this just for me today. How did you know? Tears. Weeping. Ugly. Tears. April 5, 2012 12:36 pm
Shefali Lindsey: Natalie, please know this...YOU. ARE. AMAZING! *hugs* April 5, 2012 1:47 pm
jaclyn: sending you peace and hugs, love and prayers. there is so much truth in your words, which is why i look forward to every time you post. i am currently reading, "one thousand gifts" by ann voskamp and she made a statement that sunk deep into my soul and brought me hope in my own painful journey. Hoping it will do the same for you: "I wonder too . . . if the rent in the canvas of our life backdrop, the losses that puncture our world, our own emptiness, might actually become places to see. To see through to God." > April 5, 2012 2:25 pm
Sidney Morgan: Natalie, i've been following you for a long time and keeping up with you through your blog. I am in love with your heart. Thank you so so so much for sharing this today. Sending you BIG hugs. April 5, 2012 5:43 pm
Talisha Reupena: I love your words and cannot fathom the pain that you go through on a daily basis. I hurt for you and others like you that have lost loved ones physically. As I sat watching General Conference, listening to President Monson speak of death and about Robert Blatchford's book, I thought of you. I thought of you as our prophet said these words, "Death is not what some people imagine. It is only like going into another room. In that room we shall find...the dear women and men and the sweet children we have loved and lost." I know that you have an understanding of the love and tender mercies the Lord has for you and everyone else. I thought of your Gavin being with your brother. I pray for comfort for you and your family. I look forward to the reunion of all of those we love so dearly and have passed through the veil. I am always touched by your words and am so grateful that you have impacted so many. I am grateful that you find strength to know God is REAL and that His plan is our key to TRUE happiness. Thank you for your loving and wonderful spirit and for sharing your heartache and pain as well as your happy and tender moments!! You are AMAZING!! April 5, 2012 6:32 pm
Amie White: Thank you for sharing your understanding and pure love. I know that it feels so good because you learned how to give it from the source. People can get to know God's heart a little better when they get a glimpse into yours. Thank you for the glimpse this morning. May this glimpse we get from one another of God's love inspire us to seek him more fully and with perfect faith in his ability to heal our broken parts. May his light shine through the cracks in our souls. Until the perfect day. Love to you Natalie. April 6, 2012 8:23 am
Shari Hanson: natalie you know i adore you and wish i could take away your pain, your ache, your emptiness... i know my words won't do that, but i hope that my prayers for you will continue to bring you peace and comfort in some small way. you truly have a gift with words...and you are using it for good. my life has been blessed by you...and I know countless others feel the same way. thank you for BREATHE and for every single other part of YOU that you've shared with me. xoxo from HB April 7, 2012 10:05 am
Jo Thomas: xxx April 8, 2012 5:03 am
Quinn: Thank you for writing, for sharing your journey. There are so many posts, like yours today that I can relate to so fully. That losing a son is so hard and bittersweet in so many ways. And the grief that continues on it necessary but oh so hard at times. There are so many days I focus on my healing and trying to heal my kids and it's so hard to watch your kids stuggle to heal and completely understand Heavenly Father's plan for all of us. Again, thanks again for writing and helping me through my journey. April 9, 2012 9:46 pm
Jamie: Thank you for these words, April 10, 2012 12:19 pm

The beat goes on.

click here to open post Feb 17, 2012 | posted in Brother Gavin, Personal | 15 comments

Here is where it all began.

You. It was you. You started everything.

And I don’t know if I should scream at you, or throw my arms around your neck and never, ever let go.

You died; I was born again.

Little by little, line upon line, and now here I am. Strong. Steady. Vulnerable. Unstable. All of it together, and much, much more.

I love you. I need you.

Stay nearby.

15 comments | add comment

crystal: I am sure he is always near you! You sure are strong. February 18, 2012 9:44 am
Rachel: I love gavin. Miss him. February 18, 2012 1:10 pm
richie: gavin is the man!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i LOVE this pic. February 18, 2012 4:39 pm
Lindsey: You write a million moving statements and phrases in your blog Natalie, but there is something about how the words come together when it's about your brother that get me every time. February 18, 2012 5:30 pm
Kerri: I've been thinking so much about my brother lately. His death a year and a half ago has rocked my world...and I'm not yet strong or steady. I'm hoping I'll find my way there, but for now I'll be vulnerable and unstable, working to a place of peace. Thanks for being so willing to share your heart. It often helps me heal. February 18, 2012 7:43 pm
Shari: don't know if you've ever noticed but my blog is called "life is short but sweet for certain" and it comes from one of my favorite songs by Dave Matthews -- i lost one of my best friends very unexpectedly when i was in high school - she was also 5 months pregnant - and so that song, that phrase, has always resonated with me. i wonder if that is partly why i feel so attracted to you - sad as it may be - because of your circumstances not only losing your brother, but your baby. life IS short, but it is TRULY sweet for certain. thank you for continuing on...for sharing your journey, good and bad...with me and the rest of the lucky world! XOXO February 21, 2012 8:55 am
sarah: Beautifully written, heartfelt. I hope you find peace. xo February 21, 2012 10:35 pm
Annie: Dear Gav, Thank you for getting this to Natty on your birthday. It's just so like you to do that: to give someone. else. a gift on YOUR birthday. (And you've figured out how to do it from the other side of the veil. Well, of course you have.) Still loving, still giving, still making me proud, my beautiful boy. I love you, Mom February 24, 2012 9:02 am
natalie: Annie, Love you, mom... February 28, 2012 6:20 pm
natalie: Shari, "short but sweet for certain." I love it! LOVE. xoxo, and I'm sincerely sorry you had to say goodbye to your friend. :( February 28, 2012 6:21 pm
natalie: Kerri, Give yourself time and space. Wherever you are, is. Yes, that's exactly what I meant to say. What is, is, and it's ok. Deep breaths. Lots of patience. All my love and compassion, N February 28, 2012 6:22 pm
natalie: Lindsey, Thank you. He has my heart. Forever. And Completely. February 28, 2012 6:22 pm
natalie: Richie, He sure loved your face right off. You were lucky to have each other. ARE lucky to have each other. February 28, 2012 6:23 pm
natalie: Rachel, So easy to love. So hard to miss. Right?! I know he thought the world of you, woman. xx, N February 28, 2012 6:23 pm
natalie: Crystal, Thank you. xoxo! February 28, 2012 6:23 pm

This too shall pass.

click here to open post Dec 28, 2011 | posted in Baby Gavin, Brother Gavin, Personal, inspiration | 24 comments

Above: me, wrapped in my swaddling clothes…

Hello friends!

I’m sorry I’ve been MIA this week.

I’m not going to color coat my life for the blogosphere… I’m in a genuine funk. I miss my brother, I miss my son and all this missing makes me feel like I’m quietly losing my mind.

Every time I close my eyes, vivid memories, horrifying memories flood my consciousness.

Showers are the worst; I didn’t realize how much deep, closed eyed thinking went on during showers.

I’d rather stay dirty, thank you.

I knew this anniversary would be hard, I just didn’t anticipate the person it would turn me in to. I’m grouchy and melancholy, and for the first time in a long time, I actually feel sorry for myself.

Bleh. I hate this version of me.

The happy news is that I respect myself enough to let myself ride this wave. One of the greatest gifts I can give myself through grief is the opportunity to simply be where I am, without frustration, without judgment.
Because this too shall pass.

It most certainly shall…

Note: blogged from my phone. Please pardon any crazy formatting or grammatical oversights… Muah!

24 comments | add comment

Aileen Reilly: Nat, thinking of you and sending you love. 'Tis normal to wallow. Just remember when looking in, to also look up friend. Look up. A xoxo December 28, 2011 10:44 am
Ihilani: Natalie, I so admire you for your strength, for allowing yourself to whole-heartedly feel your pain and live in the moment when people would rather not face the tragedies of their lives and call avoidance and stoicism strength. You're in my prayers today. December 28, 2011 10:53 am
kaitly: ditto what Aileen said... look up :) thanks for sharing with us! December 28, 2011 11:14 am
Emilie: Hang in there Natalie! Big hugs!! December 28, 2011 11:15 am
Lindsay: Natalie, I love you. And think of you every.single.day. Love the part about respecting yourself enough to allow yourself to be where you are. To be honest, I'd be worried if you didn't feel the way you do. you handle tragedy more gracefully than anyone I've ever met. Glad you are "buddies with god" and that you have him to help you through this horrific thing we call life. I love you. I love Gavin. That little baby boy and you changed my entire perspective on life and have most certainly made me a better mother. Ps. Thought you'd be interested to know that my little boy Carter is sleeping through the night and absolutely adores his new little brother. God is mindful of each of us. This I know. December 28, 2011 11:37 am
a mermaid: I love you dearly my friend. I have been thinking about you and what it must feel like to be back in Utah at this time of year or even on the mainland for that matter, but you are facing it all with grace as you do. We all love you dearly- I am far from the only one- and we are with you. LOVE. December 28, 2011 11:47 am
kati: i think you'd be crazy if you weren't having those feelings (and obvs i don't know just how bad they can be, but showers really are the place where upsetting thoughts can run wild, i know). aileen has good advice. i'll be thinking of you and your family! xoxo December 28, 2011 1:24 pm
rachel devault: I'm glad you can allow yourself to ride this out, because it's so normal, and maybe necessary! You are so strong. So, so strong. I love you. December 28, 2011 1:42 pm
Jamie: Oh sweet Natalie, my heart just breaks for you...praying you through...it's the best I can offer. Hugs from afar... XOXOXO Jamie December 28, 2011 2:28 pm
April: i'm so sorry. it's just tough. and, i get it about the shower. that's where i often think of my little girl and don't even realize how much time has passed. hang in there :) December 28, 2011 2:59 pm
m|p: this is my first time commenting, but ive been a reader for a long time. thank you for sharing this. i am in my own funk, as well, + the last two days have been spent coccooning under my blankets, except when i left my house to spend two hours a day with friends. im honoring my grief. it seems fitting to do so as this year ends. love your words + images + movies! December 29, 2011 10:42 am
michelle: Just what is it about showers? That's the only place I can let it go.... December 29, 2011 1:02 pm
Cat: Natalie your words inspire me daily and I thank you for sharing your life with us, the good and the not so good. Hang in there and like you said this too shall pass. This is my first time commenting too, i'm from the UK and look forward to your blog. Not sure if you've heard of it, but I recommend 'one thousand gifts' by Ann Voskamp. An amazing book. Keep smiling and indeed looking up :o) December 29, 2011 1:23 pm
Ceci Holdnak: You are so very much in my thoughts and prayers... I admire your courage, strength and most of it, your love for God... May he give you peace during these hard times... Memories are priceless... and you have the right to all those feelings remembering your brother and lovely child... Peace Natalie... this too shall pass... December 30, 2011 8:27 pm
Sally: I'm so sorry for everything you have gone through. Your words always move me and make me want to be a better person. Thank you for sharing your honest emotions with the world. You are a pathway for so many to healing and hope. January 1, 2012 10:50 pm
natalie: @Sally, Thank you so much for your kind words. Sincerely. January 2, 2012 9:25 pm
natalie: @Cat This better not be the ONLY time you comment. We need to be bffs. I'm looking up that book now! January 2, 2012 9:27 pm
natalie: @m|p you better keep on commenting! It takes good friends (even if they're virtual) to navigate grief. xoxo! January 2, 2012 9:28 pm
natalie: @Aileen, This was a timely reminder. I'm pretty sure I've spent the last few weeks looking at my feet. I need to be walking around on my knees! I love you! January 2, 2012 9:29 pm
Hello, 2012. I resolve. | Natalie Norton Photography Hello, 2012. I resolve. | Blog: [...] success often does, littered amid some really overwhelming (and even devastating) transition and pain. So yes, my feelings toward 2011 (and subsequently 2012) are muddled, and rightly [...] January 3, 2012 12:05 am
Marsha B: Many hugs to you Natalie, you are in my prayers. Hoping this wave carries you to the shore gently. xx January 3, 2012 3:19 am
elizabeth: thanks for sharing. i really needed to read this today! January 3, 2012 10:49 am
natalie: Elizabeth, xoxoxoxo! Thank YOU for reading. I'll tell you what, you keep reading, I'll keep sharing. It will be a team effort. ;) Love for your New Year! January 3, 2012 4:58 pm
natalie: Marsha, I love this imagery "Hoping this wave carries you to the shore gently." So beautiful and so appreciated. xo! Natalie January 3, 2012 4:59 pm

whatever it takes.

click here to open post Jun 17, 2011 | posted in Brother Gavin, Personal | 16 comments

cell phone picture of a print I found while packing. . . circa 2004

Today.

Today I’m grateful that this anniversary feels very different than all the rest. I finally feel closer to you rather than farther away. I’m four full years closer to seeing you again. FOUR years. That’s a lot of time. That’s a lot of change. That’s a lot of learning. And that’s certainly a lot of growing. I miss you every day, but I’m over the hump. I can now see WHY this had to be. I can see what it has given all of us. . . the kinds of people it has molded us in to. . . and I’m grateful. Sad and sorry it had to be this way? Of COURSE! But deeply grateful that God knows best. Grateful that He is willing to parent me in the very best way I need, even if it will cause me tremendous heart ache and excruciating pain. . . because He sees me not for who I am today, but for who I am meant to become, and He loves me enough to do whatever it takes to get me there.

I’m so grateful he’s willing to mold me. Kicking and screaming and fighting tooth and nail, He is still willing to mold me, because He loves me perfectly. I hope to become more like Him, Gavin. I hope to have the courage to parent your nephews in that same kind of way that our loving Heavenly Father parents me, because THAT is eternal love. THAT is love that sees beyond the here and now and into forever, together. I hope that I can follow His example, and with His merciful guidance, do whatever it takes.

Even if whatever it takes moves me away from my beautiful ocean . . .and to the middle of the desert. :)

I love you, Captain.

Sis

16 comments | add comment

alisa greig: just beautiful, your constant strength continues to inspire me June 17, 2011 8:31 am
Rachel Boatright DeVault: What a beautiful tribute. June 17, 2011 10:39 am
Heather: Could this be any more beautiful? You speak right to my heart with this. I have 2 beautiful little boys and we just lost our little girl halfway through my pregnancy. I so love the knowledge and comfort that the Gospel brings. Even when we are kicking and screaming. I found myself saying "yes!", "yes!" while reading. How comforting it is to see His guiding hand it all of it. And to know that He listens, and sends us comfort to help us through. Incredible. I can't wait for my reunion with my daughter. June 17, 2011 10:44 am
rachel nilsson: I love this natalie, and I love gavin. June 17, 2011 11:20 am
dawn beirnes: this made me smile....I lost my brother in a car accident 23 years ago. My oldest son is named after him also. I miss him everyday. I can tell by this photo that you two had one heck of a special brother/sister relationship! June 17, 2011 12:14 pm
TP: I have a near-identical picture. I could have written this, but it too made me smile. I lost one of my brothers and best friends 5 years ago. But every day is one day closer to receiving one of his signature hugs and remembering his loving, patient example helps me be a better person everyday. Beautiful tribute ~ thank you for sharing!! June 18, 2011 9:32 am
Rach: I love that picture of you guys. Sorry I cancelled that song. I felt soo bad. He would have loved karaoke. Love you tons. June 18, 2011 10:45 pm
Bridget: Thank you Natalie. I have a feeling I've got a few more kicks and screams to go before I'm molded quite the right way. Much love and hugs, Bridget June 19, 2011 12:06 am
Jean Huang Photography: Natalie, what a beautiful post! And such a positive energy that's conveyed through it. Thank you for sharing and I will follow to your post from 2 years ago. June 22, 2011 7:58 am
Drey: Dear Natalie. I am thankful for this blog that I can see you and see you well. Maybe you have heard it countless of times but you are an inspiration. Thanks for your strength. You truly light, out of every blogger out there. I pray for your strength and comfort. Regards, Drey June 23, 2011 3:43 am
Vandi: Natalie, I can't tell you how honored I felt to get the opportunity to meet you. It honestly was a tender mercy for me. Oh, If I could tell you the story. It'd be a long one. But I needed to meet you. I needed to know someone could go through something so painfully difficult and continue living and breathing, and not only survive, but live deeply and meaningfully. I needed to meet you and I know Heavenly Father knew I needed to meet you, and I'm in awe with His love for me. You're example of rock solid faith has reached me to the core. You are one who knows. And I felt that just being near you. I can't thank you enough for taking the molding. You are changing lives. You told Gavin you hoped to become more like Him. I know you are. I can see the light of Christ in you. It's beaming. June 23, 2011 7:35 pm
Diane Jones: beautiful! June 24, 2011 4:17 am
Cindy Smith Walczuk: Thank you for this post! I have read it several times over the past couple weeks. Four years ago, I too lost my brother. This particular day of the year is really tough, but today I did so much better.... I am a better person, the time and knowledge has molded me into a better person and I am comforted with the fact that God does know what he is doing...I am faithful and humbled by that! Thank you for being so insightful, pure and wise with your words... very comforting and I look forward to the things you say! I just read a book, quick comforting read: Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo. I recommend it! Thanks again! June 29, 2011 3:49 pm
Lillian Mariner: Natalie! I saw you in a video today on youtube. You and your boys. You probably know your in it, but i just thought it was so cool. If you go to youtube and type in (Kualoa Adventure - Oahu Hawaii) it is the third one down. Have a great day! July 12, 2011 4:25 am
Marsha B: You are such an inspiration. Hugs and Prayers for you. xx July 15, 2011 1:43 am
Julie: I found your site by chance (well never by chance always by God) and read this post. Thank you for your honest emotions. May God bless you. My mom passed away unexpectedly 3 months ago and sometimes it feels like it never really happened. I hope one day I can feel as strong as you do. July 21, 2011 12:06 pm

A hui ho.

click here to open post Jun 16, 2011 | posted in Baby Gavin, Brother Gavin, Personal | 18 comments

Finishing up the packing and about to head out. . .

As of yesterday morning, a new family owns our little white house on Wahinepe’e St.

My heart is heavy and light, all at the same time. I am profoundly happy for the family who bought it, they are remarkable, and so very, very deserving. It’s also a very meloncholy (or should I say melon choly) feeling to say goodbye to a home that has cradled us as we’ve weathered so.many.storms. I remember my brother‘s room (before he moved out and set up camp on the beach… like a bona fide hobo). I remember where I was sitting (4 years ago tomorrow) when my Dad told me that had died. I remember where the baby‘s crib had been, and how joyous I felt as I assembled it. I remember how sorrowful I was as I broke it down and placed a dresser in it’s place… so I wouldn’t have to wake up every morning and stare at it sitting there, empty. I remember hours on end of laughter, plenty of yelling and madness, and so much friendship and love that I could burst at the seams just thinking about it.

But. . . I keep reminding myself, home is where we are, together. WE are what makes a house a home. Not friendly neighborhood kids in and out of the house all.day.long, not belly laughs, or tickle fests, not dance parties or trampoline wars, not more joyous memories than I can count… it’s us, and we’re sticking together.

Aloha ‘oe beautiful Laie. A hui ho!

I heart the Instagram app. Find me! Username: natalienorton

18 comments | add comment

Sheila Beal: Oh Natalie...I can relate. I couldn't even go to the closing meeting when we sold our last house. I pre-signed the documents and then sat in the car crying while Andy went in to the meeting. Best of luck to you and the fam for you move to the mainland! June 16, 2011 8:50 am
Rachel Boatright DeVault: This makes me feel stronger about our own upcoming move. THANK YOU. June 16, 2011 8:55 am
stephanie joy: This makes me sad. I am so very happy for you guys though and for the next chapter in your lives! What new adventures await? So exciting! Thanks for being YOU. I have learned a lot from you. Love you. June 16, 2011 10:05 am
Lizzie: I cry saying goodbye to rentals!! Can't imagine a houseful of memories. Safe travels and smooth adjustments in your AZ adventure! June 16, 2011 12:29 pm
alisa greig: wow, such memories. i can't even relate or imagine. God's continued rich blessings over you and your beautiful family--gonna miss you!!! June 16, 2011 2:47 pm
echo: you have some great adventures ahead of you guys. you know you are making the right decision but it still sometimes hurts a little. thanks for being awesome. thanks for the fun girls night. thanks for helping me get through the miscarriage. thank you, thank you. love you. June 16, 2011 2:52 pm
tumi: Best of luck on your future adventures!! It is a bitter sweet moment but enjoy each minute of it. Love you June 16, 2011 4:42 pm
Kent West: You guys are rad, so so rad. All the best! June 16, 2011 5:03 pm
Rebekah @ It Only Gets Better: Your post immediately made me think of a song on Animoto's video making site called "Always Home" by Sound of Harris (singer/songwriter section). I am sure you will all make this transition beautifully! June 16, 2011 5:33 pm
Rebekah @ It Only Gets Better: Sorry! I meant to post a link to the video I made with that song so that you could hear it. http://sixgreggs.blogspot.com/2010/12/last-post-of-2010.html June 16, 2011 5:38 pm
Myrna M: Natalie, you are the epitome of strength. I wish I had your way with words.. Your emotion and your passion and your faith move people beyond description. Best of faith to the Norton family.. Because wishing you luck wouldn't be appropriate for such an awesome family. :) June 16, 2011 5:43 pm
Malia: Natalie, You and your family are so Beautiful! Inside and out! I'm so excited for your new adventure! I know Stuart said we were bummed but I know that only the BEST is in store for you! And you'll definitely be back (just like we will)! I'm glad I was able to see you even just to say Hi! before you left. Thank You for your inspiration! Take care and I'll see you in Internetland for the next 2 years! June 16, 2011 8:47 pm
Larry: This reminds me of our move from Hawaii 4 years ago. I'm grateful that your move will bring you closer to where we are and we're excited to be able to see you guys. ;-) June 17, 2011 12:12 pm
amanda whitford: Thanks Natalie. We appreciate what you'be done for Joe's parents and our tiny family. We'll take good care of the house. June 18, 2011 8:49 am
Rach the great: I am all tears right now. You have an amazing and wonderful and Fabulous family. I am so grateful to have had you here. I miss you already. I love you soo much. June 18, 2011 10:44 pm
Jennifer Foulger: Oh sweet sis! I carry your home in my heart! I know you will return there someday as you have so many close friends and Hawaii has always been where you belong. As excited as I am to have you so close to me, (and trust me, you will get sick of me very fast!) I know where your heart is, and it is in Hawaii - close to our brother and close to your son. I love you, love you, love you! xoxo June 19, 2011 2:02 pm
marie rose: Good Luck on your new adventure. You do not cease to be amaze me. Through all these trials in your life you have been nothing but positive and strong. I hope that I can tackle the challenges before me with as much grace and faith as you! You are a rock star! June 19, 2011 5:52 pm
Sabrina (Chicago): We just moved too, bittersweet. Very bittersweet, I gave birth to 3 children while we lived there, 1 in my bedroom. It has been hard, but, things change and better opportunities for your family (and mine) abound. Many thoughts and prayers as you travel this new road. June 23, 2011 4:54 am