It’s July 7th already? So far, it feels like the summer that wasn’t. I haven’t had much to post, because, well, I’m reeling from family medical issues, the intractable nature of our country, and the recent tragedy in Texas that isn’t over yet. A friend of mine lost her battle with cancer leaving four teenagers. I feel like I’m living in a movie with a doomsday script where the writer cannot decide on which problem to focus.

In the midst of all these plot lines, I know with certainty that life is just life. We have to live it, make peace with it, and find the goodness in it. While I don’t have to remind myself to be grateful every day, I do have to remind myself that my response to difficulty is my choice.

I have so many reasons to keep going and ride this bumpy ride of life. I have my health. I have the best of friends who recently fed us for a whole month. Check-ins, calls, texts, and visits buoyed us daily. Medical recoveries are going well for all parties—even minor victories are victories!

The country feels like it is going to hell, but honestly, has anyone ever not felt that way at least once in the last 50 years? As precarious as democracy feels right now, we’re still America. I’m going to keep showing up for my neighbor in the best ways that I can and vote every chance I get.

I don’t even have words for the families in Texas. After the total annihilation of Western NC from flooding last fall, I can’t even imagine how Texas is coping with such a dramatic flood. What if that had been Quaker Lake Camp when I was 8 and my sister and I and all of our friends had been washed away? Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer, for everyone.

Hoping for some clarity in the last half of summer. Thanks for wading through the crazy with me dear readers. I’m grateful for you and happy to be on the earth with you.

Holding you in love and healing light. Love ya’ll so big,

Marla