spring

This past week was Iris' half birthday, that coveted afternoon where she gets Mama all to herself, for a walk, some ice cream a trip to the thrift store.  This girl, whose intense sensitivity has both served her well and haunted her beyond words this last year.  This girl, whose innate calling to nurture is something to behold.  I marvel at it and the love it brings others and I also can't help but yearn for her to turn it inward as well.  Complicated and intense, astute and tender, she is a perfect mix of those who love her most.  And she is incredibly her own.  9 and 1/2, the definition of change, of growth, of moving out into the world.  We hold her, with arms just a little looser, and watch her go.

And then came Easter.  Memories of last year crowded our minds.  The Easter eve trip to the emergency room which started the tailspin of treatment that has been the last year.

But then to wake to this holiday with good health, with good news still so fresh, with hope and renewal singing as loudly as the spring peepers. The blessings do not go unnoticed.  Not even for an hour.

After a meal with friends and family and the annual egg hunt we headed to the Kickapoo Reserve in search of the Whooping Crane that Andy had been lucky enough to see (if full view) the day before. We did find it, stalking in the weeds at the far edge of the pond.  It was little more than a long white neck in the binoculars, but still there it was.

Against all odds, the rare and perfect symbol of tenacity, or hope or just plain awe.