Dear Jonathan

Since you've been gone,

I have tried my best to distract myself with fun people and good things.

First, I relayed the Utah Valley Half Marathon with cute face Bethany.

 I ran FASTER and HARDER than I anticipated. 

I decided I earned myself a new pair of running shorts, since I've been so tough with you leaving and all.

Every night, I've slept with the cuddly bear you gave me before you left. Yes, he still smells like your cologne.

And every night, I still had your eyes to look into before I fell asleep. Compliments to my favorite picture of you, maximized as my desktop background. :-) 

I had a blast on my cousin's date weekend. Of course we went to the new Tiffany's at City Creek, to bring back the memories of our trip to NYC together.

I still like my ring better. :-)

I went to my parents' Spanish branch for Mother's Day with these lovely ladies. 

I saw my favorite flower made with sidewalk chalk.

And I cherished a weekend with that family of yours...

...which I am so grateful to be a part of!

I waited to see this movie with you.

(Can you believe this is SIDEWALK CHALK?)

And I supported your lovely sister at her Senior Voice Recital last Monday.

She'll most likely be famous some day.

PS I made that scarf. A sweet lady in your ward taught us!

All of these have proven to be helpful distractions.

But my heart has ached for you every day we've been apart.

How on earth do military wives do it? Bless them. I think I'd just switch from being angry to sad all the time.

Only one more night apart, and then I'll be near you again.

Time seemed to pass slower than it did when I was an anxious child waiting for Christmas. 

See you soon, in Auckland New Zealand. 

I will cross an ocean for you. 

Standstill of May

Each week you come, kind sir. And wheel across my desk in your chair. You never forget to tell me Hello, and to ask if my husband told me today that I'm beautiful.

Two years have gone by now
Since the accident that resulted in your

paralysis.

And today, you opened up to me
and touched my heart.

You say it's the best thing that ever happened to you.

It's been traumatic, devastating, and heart-wrenching without a doubt
But you also say what you have learned from this journey is worth every moment of pain.

You are closer to your wife and children than you have ever been before.
You know and value what matters most in life.
Your eyes have been opened.
And you would rather help others than remain bitter, closed off, isolated.

Your example to me today was a standstill moment.
Your body may be broken, but your spirit is rejuvenated and vibrant with life.

I thank you for your words and your teaching moments.
Life is about blossoming where you are planted.

Ode to ________ .