I'm Natalie. Welcome to my little piece of the www.
I love avocados, sometimes (read: daily) stand on my head to get my creative juices flowing, and I could listen to The Beatles sing, “I’ve Just Seen A Face” everyday, for the rest of forever.
Wondering what goes on here? Yup, so are the rest of us.
1. I am a lifestyle photographer. I have the most remarkable clients in the world, and I share their images here to inspire us all to live life with greater love, meaning and joy.
2. I am a writer. This blog is full of many of the curious thinks I have thunk.
3. I am a speaker and life/business consultant. I post upcoming speaking engagements and consulting information here as well.
4. I am most fulfilled by my work as a wife and mother to my 4 sons, one of whom now lives in Heaven. I share bits and pieces of our journey here on this blog. Including our ongoing struggle with grief, our experiences with ADHD and SPD, and our solid faith in a God much bigger than the challenges we face.
But ultimately, I hope that this blog is about something much bigger than all of that.My dream is for this blog to be a place where real life comes to be celebrated and enthusiastically embraced. Not just the pretty stuff, with tailored hems, clean lines,and the new colors for spring . . . but everything else, too. The frazzled mornings, broken hearts, crazy dreams, messy kitchens. . . even the fear, failure, hopelessness and devastation. I want this blog to be a place for every bit of what makes us all living, breathing, feeling human beings, experiencing together this remarkable thing called life.
May this be a place of passion, purpose, laughter, tears, friendship, encouragement and inspiration for us all.
Thank you for being here. Let's be friends forever!
xx,
Natalie
I am based out of Gilbert, Arizona and Oahu, Hawaii. I am available for travel worldwide. Please contact me for information at aloha@natalienortonblog.com.
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i’d love to hear from you. Contact me using the form below.
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.
stephanie:
Been thinking about you all week! LOVE YOU GUYS! January 7, 2011 1:22 pm
Jessica:
Lots and lots of hugs! January 7, 2011 1:28 pm
domenica:
sending lots and lots of love. you are amazing. your courage is inspiring. your smile is contagious. xoxo from Calgary! January 7, 2011 1:30 pm
ashley:
Because of Gavin, my husband and I made a booster a requirement if anyone wanted to see our son when he was born. I make sure to tell his story to every expectant mother so that they can remember to ask for theirs. Every single one has and then got her family taken care of as well. Thank you for sharing your story. You and your son are saving lives. God be with you always. January 7, 2011 1:32 pm
MegRuth Photography:
Thank you for sharing your heart and soul with us Natalie. January 7, 2011 1:35 pm
Teri:
I have been thinking about you and your family all day. You are all so amazing. Thank you for sharing your story. January 7, 2011 1:36 pm
shari:
perfect toes, to match the perfect perspective. i'm proud of you natalie! January 7, 2011 1:39 pm
Emily Ley:
You. are. amazing. January 7, 2011 1:42 pm
Brenda:
I am so grateful that I found you through this blog, allowing me to be touched by your incredible GOODness. January 7, 2011 2:00 pm
Melody:
"It would be a miracle to live for a century and have even a fraction of his short life’s influence for good!"
That is so true and I think about that all the time. He did not die in vain because you are truly making something wonderful come of it. We will never know how many lives he (and you) are saving but I am sure we couldn't count that high anyway. His/your influence is twofold. Not only does your faith and strength help so many and bring people closer to God but preventing just one person from getting Pertussis could potentially save so many lives!
I am so sorry for the pain I know you feel but I am so happy for the love, support and strength you are also feeling! January 7, 2011 2:04 pm
Angie:
It's true what you said. He has inspired many, you have helped others heal, and have given the world hope and faith and LOVE.
GO Gavin GO! January 7, 2011 2:34 pm
kari:
Been thinking about you guys all day......all week really! So many thoughts and prayers to you and your sweet family. Your family is such an inspiration! January 7, 2011 2:43 pm
April:
I have been thinking about you all week and my heart aches. I am inspired by your faith and love, thanks for sharing :) Hugs to you and your family January 7, 2011 3:02 pm
Claire:
Natalie, I cannot believe it was a year ago I was brought to your blog after I saw a fellow photographer's facebook status asking for prayers for baby Gavin. And oh how I prayed! I have kept following your journey, you are such an inspiration in so many ways, and you have helped me become a better wife, mother and friend. I think of your family lots, and wish you all the best. xoxo January 7, 2011 3:16 pm
valerie:
It is amazing the large footprints those little toes have made. He has certainly made some on my heart... Sending love your way. January 7, 2011 3:16 pm
Lara:
You, dear Natalie, help me trust God. Whatever His plan is for my life is perfect. Gavin's life was perfect. He teaches me that God's will for our lives is so much more powerful than we could dream up. Thank you for YOU. I keep imagining the hug I am going to give you in 12 days. I may never let go. I love you. January 7, 2011 3:28 pm
Amanda:
I still think of you and Baby Gavin often, even though we've never met. I share his story and tell everyone to get their pertussis booster! Praying for your family...you have been such an inspiration to me. Thanks for sharing your journey. January 7, 2011 3:36 pm
Kerri:
So much love your way. January 7, 2011 3:42 pm
diane:
Sending prayers and hugs to you and your family and baby Gavin in heaven.Thank you for sharing your story and making such a difference in peoples lives. January 7, 2011 4:08 pm
Deanna:
He was--and still is--a true missionary. :) And I'm getting my pertussis booster on Tuesday. January 7, 2011 4:24 pm
Jullee:
What a beautiful way to look at such a difficult day. Wishing you and your family the very best right now. January 7, 2011 4:25 pm
Kara:
Amazing and so true! Couldn't have been said any more eloquent! January 7, 2011 4:25 pm
Katie:
I've been praying for you all week and simply could not get you off my mind today. I don't know how you live with such grace and beauty in the midst of such heartache but I am so thankful that you share your lives with all of us. You inspire me every day! January 7, 2011 5:31 pm
Leah Davis:
Natalie....I love your joyful perspective on this hard journey you have been on. You are changing lives with your attitude and your words. I have been thinking about you all week and will be praying for your family...you are an amazingly strong woman and mother and I hope to meet you at WPPI! I have some money saved up...I am waiting to hear about your class! January 7, 2011 5:47 pm
Heather:
Just wanted you to know I've been thinking of you and kept you in my prayers today and throughout this difficult week. Hugs. January 7, 2011 6:22 pm
Heather:
Natalie, I am sure you have read or heard this before but I read it today, it is beautiful and I loved it so I wanted to share it. Besides the obvious it reminds me of you and your love for Sunday. It is from Joseph B Wirthlin in 2006
"On that Friday the Apostles were devastated. Jesus, their Savior—the man who had walked on water and raised the dead—was Himself at the mercy of wicked men. They watched helplessly as He was overcome by His enemies.
On that Friday the Savior of mankind was humiliated and bruised, abused and reviled.
It was a Friday filled with devastating, consuming sorrow that gnawed at the souls of those who loved and honored the Son of God.
I think that of all the days since the beginning of this world’s history, that Friday was the darkest.
But the doom of that day did not endure.
The despair did not linger because on Sunday, the resurrected Lord burst the bonds of death. He ascended from the grave and appeared gloriously triumphant as the Savior of all mankind.
And in an instant the eyes that had been filled with ever-flowing tears dried. The lips that had whispered prayers of distress and grief now filled the air with wondrous praise, for Jesus the Christ, the Son of the living God, stood before them as the firstfruits of the Resurrection, the proof that death is merely the beginning of a new and wondrous existence.
Each of us will have our own Fridays—those days when the universe itself seems shattered and the shards of our world lie littered about us in pieces. We all will experience those broken times when it seems we can never be put together again. We will all have our Fridays.
But I testify to you in the name of the One who conquered death—Sunday will come. In the darkness of our sorrow, Sunday will come.
No matter our desperation, no matter our grief, Sunday will come. In this life or the next, Sunday will come." January 7, 2011 6:47 pm
Miranda Robinson:
i am praying for you natalie. much love and many hugs to you and yours. January 7, 2011 7:26 pm
Angie Price:
You are such an inspiration to me, Natalie ... I continue to learn so much from you and your faith. So very hard to believe that i started following your blog a little over a year ago ... I am sure it is hard for you to believe that a year has passed as well. I wish you could kiss those little toes today ... but I love how you put it ... there is so much living yet to do! Sending lot of love and many hugs to you and your family ... thank you for sharing so very much with all of us. xox January 7, 2011 7:33 pm
Amanda:
That is right, ONE year closer to holding him in your arms again. So glad that's the way you have chosen to look at this experience. He was much "too pure, too lovely, to live on earth." - Joseph Smith
I pray you enough. (I'm going to email you this little story that explains what that means if you haven't heard it already.) January 7, 2011 7:56 pm
Damaris Palmer:
I've been thinking about you all day. May you continue to find peace and love and feel the savior near you always. Always! January 7, 2011 8:15 pm
Pua:
Thinking about you guys SO much today!! The date was emblazoned in my memory last year, and I can't believe how quickly the year went by. You're in my prayers, always! xoxo January 7, 2011 10:24 pm
Marsha:
Thoughts and prayers with you Natalie. Been thinking about you and your family alot this week. God is good, your faith is inspirational to me. Hugs to a very sweet , courageous and beautiful mama. xx January 8, 2011 12:04 am
Lara Cheney:
Natalie, you are awesome and amazing. I often see Richie and the boys and you out and about in Laie and just want to run over and give you guys a hug. lots of love and prayers for you today. January 8, 2011 1:28 am
Carl Reid:
I don't think I can honestly add anything more that has not already been said except to say an all to
familiar but TRUE cliche "It does get better with time"
The lost of my daughter, Jaida, has been over 4 years now and though it's still a painful event (just 2 days ago i was moved to tears studying her photo) it has inspired our family in ways that we could not have imagined before, including starting our own photography business.
If there is any advice that we can offer is that we celebrate Jaida's birthday each year with a family/friends BBQ in a park...it has done wonders in excepting and celebrating Jaida's impact in our friends and family lives.
God is good all the time.
Regards,
Carl from T.O. January 8, 2011 2:10 am
Rachel:
Nat, our prayers and hearts continue to be with you. You remind me often to live my life the best I can and love my children and enjoy each moment with them. Thank you. Our prayers are also with Ashley. Of course I don't know what she and her family are facing, but I'm sure prayers can still help. Also prayers for you guys as you look for a new assistant to fill those Amazing shoes! I can see Ashley has meant so much to you and your family and those shoes are large to fill. But you deserve the very best, just like you had in Ashley. In a way your ad is also an AMAZING honor and tribute to Ashley! I knew she said she was a amazing, but HOLY COW! you weren't KIDDING! Good luck to you and your family and good luck to Ashley and her family, may you all be SO VERY BLESSED! Your friend, Rachel January 8, 2011 7:00 am
Amanda:
Bless your heart! Mine is filled with gratitude for the amazing experience you have so willingly shared with the rest of us; I am better because of you. January 8, 2011 10:48 am
Julee:
I have not commented before now but, I wanted you to know that there is one more person that has been praying for you and your whole family throughout this last year. I pray for your hearts to feel whole again. The atonement makes that possible and there is no doubt that you are going forward with faith. January 8, 2011 12:50 pm
sarah:
natalie-i prayed so hard last year at this time, for God's grace to come upon your Gavin. You and your family are a testament to faith, hope and love. I am inspired by your perseverance and your grip on God. January 8, 2011 3:56 pm
allison p.:
Thank you for sharing your story and for being an inspiration to me. In reading this post, I feel more thankful for the gospel of Jesus Christ. Thank you. January 8, 2011 4:28 pm
Emily:
Thank you for your example. I'll do my best to follow it. January 8, 2011 8:46 pm
A Weight:
Amen, amen, & AMEN. Can't believe it's been a year already...since I started praying more, and all of that good stuff! January 10, 2011 6:31 am
crystal b:
I love your work. If I ever make it to Hawaii, I am so hunting you down! January 12, 2011 6:28 am
crystal:
i check you blog often and you are such an inspiration! wishing you continued peace :) January 23, 2011 9:26 pm
PARENTAL READING | coffee & kinfolk:
[...] this for my beau. I read most of it and loved the humorous and sincere tone of the book.) Picture Source Posted on July 20, 2013Author ll.villarreal7@gmail.comTags books, French wisdom, knowledge, [...] June 24, 2015 11:06 am
Lindsey:
Thinking of you today. January 7, 2016 7:47 am
First things first, you should know that you have VERY large shoes to fill. You also should know that I don’t know how to play small, nor do I ever care to learn, and that I’ll expect you to help me stay grounded, inspired, organized, centered, and hydrated. Yes, seriously.
I’m not looking for just anyone.
I’m looking for YOU.
(You don’t live in Hawaii? That’s OK. I’m open to the possibility of hiring an applicant from any region.)
You’re smart.
You’re eloquent.
You’re organized.
You have an eye for good color and great design.
You’re confident in Photoshop, InDesign and Illustrator.
You know how to prep images for proofing and/or you’re a fast and willing learner.
You recognize quality when you see it and are totally committed to always producing quality work.
You know how to focus and see a job through to completion.
You’re a fast and confident worker.
You are honest, compassionate and principle centered. A straight talker and a straight shooter.
You’re capable of moving along with me as we take my business to the next level.
You get me.
You’re happy to do odds and ends jobs when I need you to.
You’re healthy, mind and spirit.
You’re confident. You’re not afraid to respectfully challenge, question and contribute without being asked.
You’re thoughtful.
You’re available mentally and emotionally to get in here and make meaningful change.
You’re keyed in to inspiration and possibility.
You’re positive.
You’re faithful.
You love to brainstorm and come up with synergistic third alternatives.
You’re proactive.
You uplift.
You have good energy.
You love my children.
You’re creative. You’re passionate about making the ordinary extraordinary! You see the beauty in everything.
You are trustworthy.
You are 100% competent.
You can respond appropriately to situations without guidance from me when necessary.
You keep me focused, inspired and energized.
You allow me to step completely away so that I can be the type of wife and mother that I want to be, and you respect me for it.
You’re articulate.
You have integrity.
You make things happen.
You are goal oriented.
You are customer oriented. My clients ADORE you.
You’re respectful. You respect me, my work, my business.
You can write and speak in grammatically accurate English. (←For instance, is this sentence grammatically correct? And should I put the closing punctuation inside or outside of this parenthesis?)
You are excited to develop a firm handle on the systems and procedures of my business.
You’re ready and willing to work WITH me, not for me.
You are better than me in every way I need you to be.
Oh, and one more thing, “you must be kind, you must be witty, very sweet and fairly pretty.”
Some tasks include:
Responding to email
Graphic design
Styling
Scanning/Filing
Book keeping
All around slack-picking-uping
Part time | Hourly wage | Start ASAP
Application Information:
Send resumes to aloha{at}natalienortonblog{dot}com, subject line: Personal Assistant Application/(your name).
Please understand that I may not respond to every applicant.
Celia:
Oh my gosh... I wish I could. I'm a stay at home mother and would love to do something like this from home. The only thing I lack is the graphic design stuff. As far as organization... people have told me I should open my own business organizing private businesses, etc. Hope you find that perfect person for you and your business!! Good luck! Love your blog and photos!! January 6, 2011 11:02 am
Alicia@CharityWedding:
This is by far the most incredible want ad I have ever seen! I hope you find someone amazing! Sending good vibes your way! January 6, 2011 11:03 am
Tracey:
That is the best ad ...ever.
I think living in England on a different time frame may well put me out of the running. Someone will be very lucky to be inspired by you everyday as much as they will be able to inspire you. xx January 6, 2011 11:33 am
natalie:
@Alicia and @Tracey, THANKS!!! It was SO fun and EXCITING to write! I just wanted to lay it all out there. It's what I want. It's what I deserve. The end. January 6, 2011 11:38 am
Lisa:
I would love to partner with you and share that person too, haha! Seriously though, my dream is to find an awesome partner and work as part of a team. I love being able to bounce things off people & be inspired & energized. Wishing you the best- I know you'll find the perfect person! January 6, 2011 11:50 am
Angela:
Oh...my dream job. Such a shame I live in New Zealand I would have applied in a heart beat! Good luck finding that special person. January 6, 2011 12:07 pm
Teri:
Natalie, I am intrigued....but I have a few questions. Can I send you a message on facebook? January 6, 2011 1:11 pm
Katrina Reinert:
I wish I wish I wish that I could pack up and head out to Hawaii and take this job. Your work is amazing! You are amazing! And I wish that I could drop everything I head out to you. You have my dream job and that's how I found your blog. I hope I grow up to be just like you. Good luck finding your assistant! January 6, 2011 1:25 pm
natalie:
Teri, Sure thing. January 6, 2011 2:19 pm
monique:
Wow -- wish a was a person who fit that discription =) Good luck! January 6, 2011 3:09 pm
Carrie Dallhoff:
Just sent you the one and only application you'll need to read :) Keep an eye out! Look forward to working with you! January 6, 2011 4:18 pm
Elena:
Whoever you hire as your assistant...I will envy! This is a dream job for me. As a fairly new photographer, who has only been on my own for over a year, I could learn so much from this opportunity...I could learn so much from you! But it would be no fun for me to work for you as I sit here on the east coast and you in Hawii. Good Luck with your search. I hope you find someone to fill the VERY large shoes soon. January 6, 2011 6:45 pm
Caroline:
You are amazing! THIS would be a amazing. January 7, 2011 12:02 pm
allison p.:
I want to BE this person! January 8, 2011 4:30 pm
Jodie:
I would LOVE this job!!!!!! But.... I'm in Australia...bugger! Good luck in finding someone :) January 8, 2011 9:41 pm
Angie Gallagher:
Natalie--I'd love to help out until you can find someone local. I could always use a little more Natalie in my life. ;^) xox January 10, 2011 9:24 am
Natalie Norton Photography | Blog:
[...] you post something like my ad, it feels a little reminiscent of throwing a big party high school; you can’t help but be [...] January 12, 2011 1:33 pm
Erin Jane + What do YOU want out of life?! | Natalie Norton Photography Erin Jane + What do YOU want out of life?! | Blog:
[...] I had laid it all out there. . . defined exactly what “just right for me” looked like, felt like, smelled like for crying out loud! And I found her. Erin Jane is just right. For me. For my family. For my business . . . And the beauty of it (which I also specifically laid out in my ad) is that I am just right for her. For her dreams, her ambitions, her remarkable potential! I’m beyond excited to see what we can make happen together, and I’m doubly excited to introduce her to you, now! [...] January 13, 2011 11:44 pm
You were literally dropped into the front seat of my car, by a loving Heavenly Father, as an answer to the deepest prayer of my heart. You stepped in, rolled up your sleeves, and revolutionized my business, my household, my family and my life.
This post is fitting for this week, because all week long, as I’ve been neck deep in grief over the baby, I feel like I’ve simultaneously been neck deep in grief over you.
When I got the news, obviously my first thoughts and feelings were complete and total sorrow for Alden, for you, for everything surrounding what you’re up against. I was soul sick. So sorry. So so so sorry. Desiring simply to take it all away. I love you both and hate to see you hurt.
Then you left me in awe. Absolutely blew me away. I am completely inspired by the two of you. Your willingness to step up and do and be everything you need to for your family. . .You felt the fear and leaped anyway. Completely inspirational. Richie and I have so much respect for the two of you.
I feel so blessed to have you both in my life. You make me want to be better.
So here we stand. At a crossroads. Each of us headed off to wonderful places. Though thorny roads may lie ahead. . . Oh the places we’ll go! ;)
I’m so very sorry to see you go, but I am so happy to watch you fly!!
Ashley:
Natalie, you have such a way with words. This difficult time in our lives has opened my eyes to what you have gone through and helped me understand you just a little bit more. Your pain, your grief, your faith, your strength to go on. I'm more in awe of you than ever now.... and I've ALWAYS been amazed at what you can do. Landing in your car that day was truly a witness to both you and I that God answers prayers and guides our lives in such an individual and specific way. You and Ritchie are great examples to us and we will always love you. And your boys of course! I'm excited for the future because you have helped me grow.... and I can fly higher because of you. Love always, ash. January 6, 2011 9:10 am
I’m hiring. | Natalie Norton Photography I’m hiring. | Blog:
[...] things first, you should know that you have VERY large shoes to fill. You also should know that I don’t know how to play small, nor do I ever care to learn, and [...] January 6, 2011 9:18 am
ajja:
no doubt you will find someone with very large feet to fill those shoes and even larger heart. mine unfortunately are only size 8. January 7, 2011 2:50 pm
Kim Shaum:
Natalie-first off thank you so much for taking my daughter in and showing her your side of life. You have helped her grow and I think has also helped you too-symbiotic relationship=I love those kinds. Ashley you are my darling angel and I love who you are and especially who you are becoming. Every new turn in your life just helps make you the that beautiful daughter of God. Thank you for being an amazing person and moving forward even if the drop below can't be seen. . . I love you- 143! January 10, 2011 11:25 am
Sometimes, when you’re “knee deep in the thick of life,” as I like to say, it’s so easy to get focused on your feet. To feel the weight of the world as it threatens to CRUSH your very soul. We’ve all been there. Don’t you dare dream, for even an instant, that I think grief and pain are exclusive to me or my individual set of circumstances. We’ve all got our “stuff,” and as a runner, I’ll tell you what, it only takes a very small pebble to bring you to your knees.
Life gets heavy . . . and oftentimes so.
Even the small stuff can feel completely and totally insurmountable.
Sometimes it’s not fair. Sometimes we feel all alone. Sometimes we can’t see any way up and out. Sometimes we literally feel like we’re being SUFFOCATED.
I’ll tell you this: “Look up!” Get your eyes off your feet and up to the Heavens, because there’s ALWAYS something to be grateful for.
Alisa Greig:
thank you nat. so true. discovering how to be grateful in all things--we are blessed :) January 5, 2011 10:24 pm
Sarah:
Thanks Nat. I am really struggling with my own stuff at the moment and this is exactly what I needed to hear. xx January 5, 2011 10:26 pm
aileen:
indeed. i make sure i'm smiling when i run. if i'm grimacing, i make myself run farther and smile more. :) oh, and look up, yes. it's amazing how far you get when you look ahead and you're not focused every.little.step. on where you've been. xoxo A January 5, 2011 10:27 pm
Ashley Daniell:
What a beautiful post Natalie! Thank you for reaching out to the world to share your faith. Your words help and encourage me! And you have a GORGEOUS family! :-) January 5, 2011 10:33 pm
Sarah:
I hadn't checked out your site in a while (things have been a little nuts around these parts) but as my baby girl's birthday approaches, I am thinking of you.
Wasn't it yesterday that I sat here staring in shock at this very same screen? I was holding my tiny new girl and feeling BEYOND sorry for myself that after three long months of complete bedrest (while my 6,5 and 4 year old looked on...) I had given birth to a child that was so uncomfortable that all she could do was scream. Loudly. Every single second of every sing hour of everysingle day.
And then I read your news. I sat in this chair, holding my screaming baby and cried. For a really, really, really long time. I have never been more grateful for the sounds of colic in all of my 28 years.
And tonight I was reading and as I read this quote, I thought of you. And I said a prayer (or 100).
I know that Heavenly Father is beyond grateful for your strength and ability and willingness to share your story and testimony at the same time, with the outlook that you have. May He continue to bless you and yours with comfort.
""Imagine yourself as a living house. God comes in to rebuild that house. At first, perhaps, you can understand what He is doing. He is getting the drains right and stopping the leaks in the roof and so on; you knew that those jobs needed doing and so you are not surprised. But presently He starts knocking the house about in a way that hurts abominably and does not seem to make any sense. What on earth is He up to? The explanation is that He is building quite a different house from the one you thought of - throwing out a new wing here, putting on an extra floor there, running up towers, making courtyards. You thought you were being made into a decent little cottage: but He is building a palace. He intends to come and live in it Himself."
— C.S. Lewis (Mere Christianity) January 5, 2011 10:59 pm
natalie:
OH MY GOSH SARAH. That quote is POWERFUL. I love it so much. I want to print it and hang it in my office. Thank you so much for sharing that with me. I am honored and humbled that something so very beautiful reminded you of me. . . January 6, 2011 12:12 am
Brenda:
You inspire me to love more, give more, every single day :) January 6, 2011 12:28 am
Marsha:
What a beautiful post Natalie. There truly is always something to be grateful for. I need to remind myself of this at times. xx January 6, 2011 12:45 am
shari:
you lied. i still cried! but it's not your fault that i'm a bawl baby...happy or sad, tears always seem to flow easily from my eyes!
you did give me lots of warm fuzzies though.
thank you. :) January 6, 2011 3:56 am
wendy:
Very very powerful post today Natalie. Thinking of you alot these last few days. You are such an inspiration. xoxo wendy January 6, 2011 5:56 am
Kim:
You are one hot mama. Tsssssst. Thanks for always being so amazing. January 6, 2011 6:11 am
Briony:
thank you for always being so transparent and for always encouraging and challenging. you are a bright light in a world full of gray. January 6, 2011 7:54 am
heidi:
You are a stellar daughter of God. The way you write is so real and brings so much emotion to all who read. You are giving us all more faith and hope in our loving Heavenly Father and the sacrifice of his son & our brother Jesus Christ. For that I thank you from the bottom of my heart. You are in my thoughts and prayers. January 6, 2011 10:03 am
Karen Stott:
Just wanted to say thanks for that. You are right. I need to look heavenward way more than I do. January 6, 2011 11:22 am
natalie:
Truly inspiring! I love the way you write... January 6, 2011 7:09 pm
Aroha:
At the risk of sounding like a psycho stalker, which I swear I am not, I think I have a total girl crush on you! haha. I think you are truly the epitome of the saying "beautiful inside and out". That pic in the middle, you are stunning. But from reading your blog for 18 months now, I know your outer beauty is nothing compared to your inner beauty. January 6, 2011 8:35 pm
Tara:
Thank you so much for your words. They have truly touched a my soul. Thank you for your faith, and your example. thank you. January 6, 2011 9:20 pm
Corinne:
You are so strong. You inspire me to be a better mother and to cherish each moment with my children. My prayers are with you. January 6, 2011 10:02 pm
Lisa Tilley-Newman:
Natalie, you perfectly let yourself feel... That's what makes you so beautful. It takes a strong person to feel grief and joy at the same time. You are my definition of strength. I am praying for you, baby Gavin, and your entire family today and always. (p.s. I love LOVE those photos). Love, Lisa January 7, 2011 6:30 pm
Angie Price:
you are beautiful - both inside and out! xo January 7, 2011 8:00 pm
sarah:
Wow, you are amazing. So inspirational. Thank you for sharing your story. You inspire me. God Bless. January 22, 2011 8:11 pm
One of the hardest things about this year has been not having you here to walk me through it.
So many times I have needed you. So many times, I have ached to have you here by my side, with your perfect compassion, your perfect empathy, your perfect understanding. . .your wisdom.
You are so wise.
There have been times when I’ve felt like I was falling. Falling into a chasm of eternal depth and indescribable confusion, and it was your memory that brought me through. Specifically, it was the strength I gained from having had to say goodbye to you.
You in so many ways saved me.
Losing you, saved me.
It prepared me for what would have otherwise been absolutelyinsurmountable. I am so amazed by God, so grateful for the gift of our goodbye. . . but how can I say that I’m grateful you went first, when in the self same breath I would give ANYTHING to have you back?
If only for a moment.
To see your smile. Touch your rough hands. Laugh at your perfect comedic timing and stand amazed at the perfection of your wit.
You were perfect for me and I was perfect for you. We were so blessed to have had each other. So.Very.Blessed.
Just the two of us.
But, His knowledge is perfect, isn’t it!? He leaves me in awe, for I never could have survived had it not been for what came first. Had it not been for YOU.
In losing you, I learned the way of grief. Learned that the horror would pass. Learned that I was never alone. Learned to know Him not only as my Savior, but as my friend. My perfect friend.
I learned to take each day, each moment as it came, to ride the wave of grief. To simply allow it to wash over me. I learned to have faith that it would pass and that I would be whole again. I learned not to be afraid. . . I learned to FIGHT. I learned to fight for clarity, to fight, rather than to sink into circumstance. Not to be consumed by grief, but to OWN it. To feel it. To let it fuel my faith and infuse my courage.
And realizing that fight that lies deep within me has been one of the most significant blessings of my life.
YOU continue to be, one of the most significant blessings of my life.
You live on in each of my boys. I see you in them every single day, and I tell them so. You are very much alive in my heart and in this family. You have to know that.
The two of us. . . oh for that day when we will be together again.
I love you. SO MUCH. Every breath and more.
May my life shine as yours did. That would be the greatest accomplishment to which I could ever aspire.
Val Lusvardi:
Ryan 19 year old sister died tragically a year and a half ago. A day after her passing the whole family drove to Rexburg to retrieve her belongings. On our way up my father-in-law received a call from Elder Holland. He said many wonderful things to the family but I remember he said of course we will miss Kristan. There will always be a place in our hearts that is just for her-and it will never be filled with anything else but memories and love for Kristan. That is ok and good because she influenced and loved us and that's why she does have that space in our hearts that is hers and hers only. I think of her often and miss her, but words cannot express how grateful I am for the knowledge of the plan of salvation. I will see my sweet sister-in-law again! Thank you for sharing yourself. January 5, 2011 4:13 pm
Kerri:
I've thought about you and Gavin so many many times, and even more since the loss of my brother in June. I've thought about how he must be with you almost daily, holding you up through this battle. Death may be the hardest teacher there is, but the lessons learned can't be learned any other way. January 5, 2011 4:14 pm
sonya:
gods timing is always right! whether i fight it or not! beautiful tribute to your brother! January 5, 2011 4:32 pm
Margie:
Thank you for sharing Baby Gavin's story with all of us and your thoughts!. You are an inspiration every day to me - always inspiring me to do better! Yes our heavenly father loves us and can see the whole picture, and as you remind us, we just have to "keep the faith"! You and your family are in my prayers, Much love to you and your family January 5, 2011 7:06 pm
Taylor:
Thinking of you tonight dear sister. Thank you for sharing your brother with us and with my own little J T. Gav. We are honored.
WE are honored. January 5, 2011 7:25 pm
Bitsy:
Gavin was amazing. We're thinking about you guys this week. Love you! January 5, 2011 8:24 pm
Anna:
Sending you a big bear hug. xoxo January 5, 2011 9:45 pm
Erin Jane:
I miss him. I miss him so much. After moving back to Hawaii I realized that I saw him everywhere here. Like I really think I see him. But it is always someone else- tall, with blonde hair, and that walk... And my heart skips a beat and then I remember. I have been thinking about you this week. My dear friend Gavin is taking care of baby Gavin. January 5, 2011 9:53 pm
natalie:
Erin Jane, I totally understand what you are saying. The other day I was jogging out by Sunset Beach and I stopped dead in my tracks and flipped around to stare at some poor unsuspecting guy. The thought really passed through my head, "oh my gosh! He wouldn't have done that to us would he?!" Like I was thinking he somehow tricked us into thinking he died. . . oy. What our wishing does to us. Would that we could combine all our wishing together to bring him back somehow. . . Love you girl. January 5, 2011 10:09 pm
Shelly:
I miss him so much. I've been thinking about him a LOT lately. Love. Love. Love. That's all I can say - for you, for Richie, for the boys, for your mom and dad, for both Gavins. Love. January 6, 2011 5:33 am
AJ:
You really are such a gifted and beautiful writer. I've been following your story for a while now and haven't commented, but I just wanted you to know how much you've touched me. Your writing, your photography, your attitude, your faith, and your beautiful life...all so inspiring. And although the storm I am facing right now is not seemingly comparable to the ones you've faced, these words were exactly what I needed to hear today. They're truly the answer I needed in facing today. And tomorrow.
"I learned to take each day, each moment as it came, to ride the wave of grief. To simply allow it to wash over me. I learned to have faith that it would pass and that I would be whole again. I learned not to be afraid. . . I learned to FIGHT. I learned to fight for clarity, to fight, rather than to sink into circumstance. Not to be consumed by grief, but to OWN it. To feel it. To let it fuel my faith and infuse my courage."
Thank you! January 7, 2011 12:07 pm
The Breathe Intensive by Natalie Norton | Emily Ley:
[...] my eyes welled up with tears. I’d been following Natalie’s blog since just before her sweet, sweet baby Gavin left us for heaven after being diagnosed with [...] January 24, 2012 6:46 am