storms and sunshine

Life is unpredictable. That's usually where the difficulty lies, in the events you didn't expect to happen.

My dad's surgery went well. Very well. Unfortunately, he has developed a somewhat unrelated infection that is keeping him in the hospital longer than planned. He is too far away to visit, and even if he weren't, his infection isn't something I need to expose myself or my family to. My mom is with him, as she should be, and we all miss them. 

Here at home, Laci started running a fever Friday afternoon. She's had some stomach issues and a persistent fever, although it was much better today and I feel like she is finally getting healthy.  Mia is healthy at the moment, though I haven't let down my guard. The house is well-stocked with towels and bowls in strategic locations, and I have plenty of Tylenol and Advil.  Just in case. And Ryan and I are tired. We haven't slept much in the past three nights. 

This hasn't been the easiest weekend, but surely not the most difficult I've ever experienced. Not even close. So, I'll continue to dig deep for patience with my children, for energy to keep up with life, and fill in the gaps with coffee. 

So, since this was a dark, stormy weekend, both literally and figuratively, I'm rewinding to a couple of weeks ago when the sun was shining and warm and we planted flowers and seeds in the yard.

Yes, it was even warm enough to play in the water.

And, at the risk of sounding entirely too poetic (sappy), don't we all grow best after a good storm?

(Sunflower sprout - photo taken yesterday)