The longest walk home that any parent will ever take is the one after their child has "run" ahead of them

The Willow Tree I was recently contacted about planting a tree for CJ at Hillcrest Elementary School. I was again extremely touched by what this community continues to do for us. Again I have no words. So I asked my family what trees they thought might be appropriate. I thought of many trees. Maybe a traditional Wyoming pine, as they engage all the senses. Maybe an apple tree. I did suggest a crabapple tree for their beauty. I do not eat crabapples, but I do love their blossoms in the Spring. Ike, right away, suggested a redwood tree, big and strong. He felt we needed something unique to Wyoming. You really don't see redwoods here in Wyoming! Zoey wanted, of course, a lemon tree. Also unique choice. It was a wonderful conversation that took place with happy thoughts. My husband suggested the weeping willow. I am not a great person with symbolism. I often miss it. But this is why I feel it may be an appropriate choice~~ not just because it is weeping with us. Jesus clung to the branches of a willow tree to rise up as he carried his cross to Golgotha. This has associated it with pain and tears. But from the willow also comes asprin for its fever reducing qualities. It is associated with water. So was CJ. Well he preferred milk, but you get the point. It is a very powerful symbol of survival because it has the ability to survive in even the most challenging of situations. The willow tree has great adapability to any situation. Other trees cannot endure the pressures that a willow can, they break and snap. The willow tree does not easily break. In the event that it does, the branches grow back again giving the tree a crooked and scarred look which actually contributes to its overall magnificent. CJ had so many scars and yet was beautiful. CJ was always adapable. He may have preferred things is way, but he was great with change (usually less anxious than I was). He loved the wind blowing across his face and would put his hand up in the air to feel it with a giant smile on his face. The willow might be weeping. I might be weeping. But CJ is strong, adaptable, beautiful and teaching me how to regrow after the storm. It sucks. Its painful, but if a willow can do it and he can do it, so can I.

...as healing as a mommy kiss... ~Terri Guillemets

UFFDA! I am looking at this blog (as I really have not in quite some time) and I am looking at the title Soost Family Adventures. I wonder, have we actually been on any adventures lately? Why, yes we have!! We seem to be traveling often these days. Right after Christmas Zoey played hockey in Denver with Team Wyoming. She played great, but the overall score unfortunately, did not reflect that. We were able to travel to Denver as a whole family, which was great. As a Christmas treat we were able to take Ike and Zoey to their first NHL game, the Avalanch VS Wild. The Wild won of course! I was surprised to see the large amount of Minnesota fans there and they brought their Minnesota nice with them. They would come up to us as though they new us and start striking up random conversation. It was great! Next up on our list of travels was Mankato MN. My youngest brother got married and is expanding his family. It was a quick trip. We did not have much time we could take off from work, but we wanted to be there to celebrate with them both. The winter wedding was gorgeous. I got to spend some much needed time with my brothers, their significant others and Chris & Zoey even got to sneak in a basketball game coached by my sister in law and two of our nieces played. Then back on the road we went. Ike did not make the trip to MN this time. He found himself a job, flipping burgers at McDonald's. So proud of that kid, even if he purposely does not do things "My Way". More adventures await as we have more traveling for hockey, church, snowboarding and whatnot.

Your wings were ready, but my heart was not.

I don’t post on here as much as I should anymore. However, I noticed that the last post was from last spring after we went to a couple of funerals. This year has experienced much heartache and loss. It’s strange, I knew this year was going to bring about a LOT of change. I just didn’t didn’t realize the entire scope of it. My job was at a turning point. I didn’t know which way it would go as I had several options I wanted to pursue. We were working at a much quicker pace on the house. We still had a few setbacks, but we got new windows installed, added a small wall, taped, textured, painted the entire basement and got new carpet. Both boys got new beds. Positive change was being made. I took a job as head athletic trainer for Campbell County High School, which I felt was a great fit for me and I was (and am still) super excited about! CJ came to work with me on several occasions, just as Ike and Zoey did when they were younger. It made CJ feel big and added some excitement to the day to hang out with the high school kids. As the year comes to a close and I reflect on the year, the changes made were not the ones I anticipated. They were not happy or positive changes. I now have too much time on my hands with out any direction. When most children leave the nest it is an expected one, that can come with planning and expectations. I didn’t get that. So now my house is much cleaner, I can make hair appointments, get manicures and I have way too much time to think about “What now?”.