We are wonderfully alive!

I almost didn’t post, as it seemed too soon following our son Ben’s recent illness.

Yet I realize that if I don’t write about it, I will have missed out on recounting a large block of joy. The next big thing will occur, and the moment will have passed.

Last Friday night, we were in the hospital, terrified at what was happening to our 17 year old son. (Most people here will have already read about that, so I won’t post it here at this time.) We had no idea what was going to happen with him. 

One Friday night later, we were in Louisville fulfilling a wish made months ago by our son Gabriel. We were in awe to be there - a mere week after going through a life crisis. The weather was so beautiful, we kept looking at each other as if to say, “Can you believe this?  Here we are!” 

We felt joyfully and wonderfully alive!

We were able to see Adam Young in concert! We’ve never been to a real concert together before. It was amazing!  I’ve been hearing Owl City songs for over ten years, but had never seen Adam perform. I didn’t understand that he was the one who played all of the instruments (except for cello and an extra set of drums). His energy level is insane!  What a talented musician.

The best part for me was seeing the sticker on his keyboard: “Jesus Christ is Lord.”

Augustana opened for Owl City. I couldn’t help but love Dan Layus too. I find that I love for my kids to see people who love what they do, to hear and experience their talent and watch their faces light up from the joy of their OWN music.  Real talent, not manufactured, and honed by hard work and experience. Dan performed with piano only. It was beautifully connective and emotive.  I wish everyone I love could have been there! 

We were extra careful for Ben’s health, checking his status and comfort as we went along, making sure we always had easy access to an exit if necessary. He did really well, gratefully so. We just needed to be extra careful and a little less high energy than usual. 

We are the type of family who generally heads to the hills for a hike, or out into nature. This year, circumstances have led us into cities. It’s been different, but I’m glad we’ve been able to have all of those experiences! My heart is full, from the depths to the heights. I love spending time with my kids. 

God has been so, so good to us.

We walked the Big Four Bridge at 11:30 p.m. They play classical music via speakers, and the city is beautiful by night. It was lighted in blue and state flags were at half mast, in honor of a WW2  vet who was MIA until his remains were located in 2022. The kids and I talked about what an honor that is for his family, and how that must feel.

What amazing day! I’m so thankful we took the extra effort to make it happen! My only regret is that we didn’t commission the street artist to do portrait sketches for the individual kids. He was dressed as a Londoner in a long-tailed woolen coat. Sketches were only $10. We shoulda done it. 💙