Rain Can't Dampen Our Day

My heart woke up this morning longing for and missing Josiah. Yes, we miss him every single day.  However, the emotions are more intense on some days than others. Ironically, I can trace this to several things about to happen, or having just happened, which I know Josiah would have LOVED to be a part of...in other words joy led to this morning's melancholy.  Once again, I'm learning to allow joy/grief...joy/sorrow to exist in the same space. It is sacred. God is good and God meets me so intimately in the place of honesty. 

Yesterday, many of us walked in the Bear Paw Parade on behalf of Jared's campaign for Alaska State Senate. Josiah was such a rock, one of those always cheering in the balcony of our lives, regardless of what we were attempting. He would love to be a part of Jared's race. He would have been in the midst of the parade with his big laugh, and quick comments. As I walked yesterday, I teared up a few times... and realized it wasn't a bad reaction to the rain...I was taking immense joy in the family all together supporting Jared, and yet I missed sharing the day with Josiah.  Yeah - dip netting plans are switching into high gear and that is another space Josiah filled with such joy. Much to feel and think through...

The day began EARLY. Michael left the house at 0700 to meet the guys in Eagle River. I got GG up and ready early. We had thought he would enjoy the parade, but it was raining, HEAVY, and it seemed best to have him stay home.  No one wants to be sick this close to fish camp. Arielle, Ellie and Charles arrived around 0845 to stay with GG.  One of my fun memories of the day is Charles bursting into the kitchen exuberantly declaring, "Grandma, I'm baaaack!" 

Nolan showed up around 0900. We grabbed rain ponchos, candy and the girls, Nolan and I headed to meet up with everyone else at the staging area for the parade. Our gps' were "somewhat helpful" in finding the staging area.  We eventually found everyone.  Larissa and Noah got back to town Friday night, and it was great to see them! 

Carrie ended up with the day off and she, Liv and Ellie (her niece) and Josi joined the parade. 

Carrie and Josi 📷by Carrie

This was Josi's first Bear Paw Parade - and her second parade to "walk" in in her short life. LOL 

Allie and Nolan were all able to join us for this parade. The rain ended up just not making much of an impact. LOL 

Nolan, Stacia and Allie form the umbrella brigade

Some of my gals!

Due to Krista's job she isn't allowed to walk in partisan parades. She DID meet us, stay on the sidelines, take some photos and enjoy lunch with us. She was back up if any of the kids got tired of the parade. 

Parade route 📷by Krista

📷by Krista

Such a great campaigner!

Jared's Bear Paw Team - 📷by Larissa

Mike - our fearless driver. 📷by Larissa

📷by Larissa

Nolan, Jamin, Stacia, Allie 📷by Larissa

📷by Larissa

We headed over to the after party at ACF. There were food trucks, a live band and fun. We arrived early and grabbed some chimis and pizza. Michael left with Jared to set up the parade sign in a gentleman's yard - along the busy route.  The girls and Nolan headed back to the valley. I went with Krista to the base. Jenni met up with me and we went and retrieved her car. I drove Joelle's fancy van back to her house. Jenni drove me back home and we visited a bit. 

I looked out the window and noted Danny with a wagon in the garden. LOL Cory was extending the height of my trellis as the peas are going crazy. The beans - not so much. I can't seem to figure out the secret of beans. They aren't doing well in the beds OR in the greenhouse.  Benny and Danny were excited to show me peas and zucchini. I knew both those were there but then they led the way to the greenhouse. I knew a bell pepper was growing but lo and behold. WHERE did our first sweet pepper come from. I had to send both home with Benny. He was so excited. Danny took home a loaf of sourdough. 

It was a great day and I know today will be too. It will be another day of learning how to authentically accept all life is just now...the joy filled and the grief laden.  

I saw a line of this song posted online...and the rest of the lyrics are instantly with me...Yes, I will make room for what Jesus is doing - when it's joyful, when its sorrowful, and when it's unexpected. 

Make Room 

Here is where I lay it down

Every burden every crown 

This is my surrender

Here is where I lay it down

Every lie and every doubt

This is my surrender

And I will make room for you 

to do whatever you want to

Shake up the ground of all my tradition

Break down the wall of all my religion

Your way is better

Grace Notes: 

• Fun in the rain at the parade. 
• Moments of time snatched from a busy weekend to be with Krista, Jenni and Joelle. 
• Arielle, Cory and family helping out on the home front in so many ways. 
• No need to water the garden.