Apple Blossoms

Staring out my living room window, I see a vibrant mix of magenta and green. The buds on my crab apple trees are bursting open to reveal delicate pink petals that wave and flutter gently with the breeze.  It’s a beautiful picture that dares me to believe that spring has finally sprung in Minnesota.

I love this time of year. Spring is a season that points to the promise of new life.  It reminds me that no matter how cold, dark, and bitter the winter may have been… there is warmth and new beginnings just around the corner.  Continue reading

The Daughter I Havent Met…Yet

The abdominal cramping started less than an hour into the trip home from my girl’s weekend away. I figured I was experiencing indigestion from the exceedingly rich and creamy entrée I had devoured at lunch. As we continued down the road, however, I quickly realized this was more than just a stomach ache. Sweat formed on my brow as my abdominal muscles continued to contract with increasing intensity. Then the nausea set in.

“Can you pull over?”

I stumbled out of the truck and dropped to my knees. I could feel the rough roadside gravel digging into my jeans as I hunched over and prepared to expel everything from my insides. Instead, I curled into the fetal position as another wave of pain coursed through my body. Continue reading