Happy Birthday, Isaiah. I hope that this year will be full of everything you hope for. You have made brave decisions to venture into new spaces. I am so proud of you. Remember, on the very good days and the difficult days, God and your family deeply love you. We will be cheering you on. I found a few quotes that made me think of you and put a few pictures with them. You have many more chapters to live out of your life. Live them well, with a grateful heart, and be kind and generous with yourself and others! Travel every chance you get. Thank you for the joy and delight you bring to my world. I love you and believe in you! ❤️aunt trish
\
“Every puppy should
have a boy.”
—Erma Bombeck
“A boy’s best friend is his mother.”—Joseph Stefano
“Small boys become big men through the influence of big men who care about small boys.”—Unknown
“Sometimes being a brother is even better than being a superhero.”
—Marc Brown
“Sisters and brothers just happen — we don’t get to choose them, but they become one of our most cherished relationships.” –Wes Adamson
I used to think this was more of a struggle for females, but I don’t believe that as much anymore. Being at home in our skin is a struggle of this world, not of a specific gender. I am keenly aware of how easy it is to be ambivalent about embracing our bodies and recognizing the relationship as a friendship. But when we are intentional and aware of being at peace with our bodies, a new journey will unfold!
Somehow, in our culture, we do not focus on the strength of those who have fallen. We call the strong and fit the winners, the people who never fall, or at least don’t make their falls known.
I loved having young nieces and nephews. Those years were full of adventure; when we gathered, all had fun (regular mediation occurred as well, but we did our best to do that by learning to respect one another.) There was complete joy from ring pops, cheese balls and late night capture the flag. This group of cousins through the years has always had each others backs. They show up for each other in times of deep sorrow and celebrate each other in times of exuberant joy!
And then they all seemed to be getting older, all at once. 😉 They were growing in every way; growing taller, smarter, more socially skilled, becoming more mature in how they engage each other and their world. They began to show preferences about who they spent their time with. 
So, as they grow and change and find their way, some go to college, and some don’t. Some find clarity for their future, while others find their future with a little less clarity. Some own a home, others pay rent, some find love, while others are still looking. Some have children, some have full time work…some have children and work, they are all so uniquely and wonderfully themselves!
Today, I went to my first workout with my trainer. It was magical. I didn’t do anything extraordinary, but it was more about how it felt. I was not sure how my body would move or how my knees would hold up, and I wondered if I could do anything with my last Achilles surgery only being six weeks out. But you know what? I could do planks, lunges, and squats. I rode a bike for 10 minutes, and it was all amazing. I felt my breath, and I felt such deep gratitude.