always on my mind.

I often write about the times when I pause and think about my babies.

Today I am pausing and writing about a friend.

On my doorstep this morning was a package from across the country and I wondered what it was or who it was from, but when I saw that it was addressed to "Dora" I knew in a moment it was from my dear friend, Julie. A fabulous woman, wife, mom & teacher that I worked with a few years ago.

I opened the package and the first thing I saw was a card that read, "impressed, amazed, inspired" (by you)

Just the card made me pause and I could feel a lump forming in my throat.

Julie tried to have her son for a long time- over 10 years (or about that) if my memory serves me right. Julie went to countless doctors appointments and prayed countless prayers that one day she would be a mommy.

I remember wondering why- why this was so hard for her- why she and her amazing husband couldn't have the joy of seeing that positive pregnancy test-

And then I remembered that sometimes God doesn't answer your questions in your time. For while we worked together Julie got amazing news... Someone was on the way! God had answered her prayers. He had said Yes!

And now looking at her sweet Bennett, I know she knows that the best things in life are worth the struggle, worth the frustration, worth the tears and worth the wait.

You, dear friend, are an inspiration! I hope that one day Bennett will know the depths of your love. But as a mother myself, I wonder if our children will ever truly know the depths of our hearts-

And so I opened the package and pulled out an amazing black shadow-box. No doubt made by the loving hands of my creative, thoughtful and loving friend.

My two butterflies- who flew away too soon-

and four simple words-

"Always on my mind"

Thank you friend. For knowing my heart, for taking the time, for remembering my children, for making me pause.

I love you.