hug

4 hours of shoe shopping
and nothing to show for it

frustration
resentment
disappointment

I'm numb.
She's frazzled.

support and comfort
after the drain

a hug

independence

First day of school
excitement
nervousness
confidence

create opportunities
for the girls
to practice their independence

ripe moments

push

along the beach

we pushed ourselves to go 12.5 miles today

dolphins surfing and leaping in the waves
boosted our spirits and made us oooh and ahhh

pushing to the next lifeguard tower

we did it

humuhumunukunukuapuaa

one of Pearly's favorite words

the name of this Hawaiian fish
stuck in my head

chanting it at I walk for miles

grief

is a process
avoidance makes you harden

dig out the photos
springboards
that encourage reflection
and strengthen
what's important

love grows

alignment

there's a synergy happening
in our family

communication
decisiveness
focus
effort

we made a decision
in line with our values

paddling in sync

contentment

At the beach...

watching the three of them
dive through the waves

walking along the shore
feet in the gentle waves

looking out at the horizon
free of want

I feel content