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In 2010, our perfect *”Baby Gavin” returned to Heaven after losing a courageous battle with **Pertussis (whooping cough). We are eternally and profoundly grateful to the thousands upon thousands (upon thousands) of friends and strangers from all over the world, of all faiths and creeds, who united with our family in prayer during Baby Gavin’s horrific illness and who grieved with us and continued to petition God in our behalf during the dark days following his tragic death. You may read Gavin’s story as it unfolded by visiting my old blog here. I am committed to sharing my ongoing struggles with grief and our journey toward joy here on the new blog. I am always humbled and amazed by the continued outpouring of love and support. Thank you for sharing in our journey and inspiring us with your unceasing love! God is good!
*My brother Gavin passed away unexpectedly in 2007. With all these Angel Gavins, it can get a little confusing at times, so just know that when I refer to “Gavin” I’m referring to my wonderful brother. When I refer to “Baby Gavin,” it is in reference to my perfect son, both of whom I cannot wait to see in Heaven!
**You will periodically see me blog about The Sounds of Pertussis campaign. I am an unpaid spokesperson and am only compensated travel expenses where applicable for my involvement with this important cause. Join our fight against this deadly communicable disease at www.soundsofpertussis.com or like us on facebook at www.facebook.com/soundsofpertussis.
Tonight.
Tonight, I was falling asleep to the sound of rain, until I was awakened by the sound of a crying bed wetter. Then I listened to the sound of the shower while super dad changed the sheets. After that, I listened to the sound of tucking-in and so much love I could taste it, and I suddenly felt complete and so very blessed to be a part of my glorious family.
Now, I’m back to listening to the rain and drifting off to deep and beautiful sleep.
Sweetest dreams.
N
The other day wasn’t my favorite. No description necessary. It just wasn’t my favorite day. Period. Everything felt hard. Everything felt impossible. Everything felt heavy. Everything felt insurmountable.
I went for a run, and I talked to God. I asked why suddenly everything felt so “off.” I asked why things that only days before had felt organized and under control now felt impossible. My capacity to maintain momentum and lasting change felt impossible. My ability to appropriately navigate grief and pain felt impossible. Life itself, felt impossible. As I was having these thoughts, I methodically rounded a corner and headed up a hill. I’d run this hill a million and one times; it’s a standard part of my regular course. On this particular day, as I rounded that corner, I didn’t break stride as I leaned into the incline. If anything, my pace increased.
And I heard a voice, from deep within my heart, as loud as thunder: “But you’re good at impossible. Look, you’re doing the impossible right this very instant.” And it was true. In that very instant, I was accomplishing the absolute impossible. Only months before, I could hardly walk this very stretch, yet here I was, sprinting effortlessly to the top.
I felt a lump of deep and abiding love and gratitude well up in my throat.
“That which you persist in doing becomes easy . . . not that the nature of the thing has changed, but your power and ability to do has increased.” H.J. Grant
Every day since, when I approach that hill, I open throttle. It’s my reminder that I am capable of anything and that “each day comes to me with both hands full of possibilities” (Helen Keller). I simply have to reach out and take them.
Natalie Norton
The response to The Breathe Intensive has been out of this world! I’m so excited, amazed really, by the way everything is coming together, from the wonderful women who will be attending, to the beautiful venue, to the exciting sponsors who have come on board to support us! I’m so full of gratitude and excitement that I feel like my heart is going to explode.
I’m so excited to welcome:
Adorama, The Vintage Pearl, Fotofafa, Mike Colón Photographer
Thank you all! I’m completely honored to have you on board.
Now, I know you’re all dying to hear the recipient of The Breathe Scholarship. I literally spent hour upon hour (upon hour) reading (and re reading) nearly 200 entries. Many of you moved me to tears, and I want you to know how touched I was by you genuinely sharing your hearts with me. This decision was a heavy one to carry; I took the process very seriously. Each.and.every.one.of.you is SO DESERVING. In the end I had to “simply” rely on my gut.
Crystalyn Nilson & Lindsay Ross
Contact me at aloha{at}natalienortonblog{dot}com and we’ll complete your registration process ASAP! I can’t wait to meet you both!
I saw this at Energy Kitchen (um, AMAZING) in NYC, and I’m in love with it. (The restaurant and just about every image they had adorning their walls.)
I know, you’re all chomping at the bit to find out who won The Breathe Scholarship. . . but here’s the thing, I’m really in love with this guy.
Instax image credit: Raleigh. Road trip. Summer 2010. Somewhere in Idaho?
Like I was saying, I’m really in love with that guy. He’s one of my “first things.” In fact, he’s one of my very, very, very first things. (Sometimes, I’m afraid I might not make him feel that way, but he is.) The bottom line is, he’s neck deep in the most Earth rattling, amazing, wonderful, impressive, powerful andonandonandonandon project you could ever hope to imagine, and he needs my full focus to help move it toward completion.
So there you have it. Today, I’m off focusing on my first things.
Cross my heart and hope to die that tomorrow I’ll be back with the big announcement!
I love you.
N