In the stillness after the loud din of celebration, I pause for a moment. The house is growing quiet, the day waning away. I breathe in, and exhale slowly. It’s easy to get lost in the expectation, the business of preparations; so easy to miss the point.

So here it is, the point: our rainbow is turning ONE. The child we so wished for, hoped for, longed for… we’ve had our living, breathing son for a full year. How can this be? Our darling little baby, the tiny infant we brought home so cautiously and fearfully… he’s grown into his own small little person. A little person who delights, enjoys, laughs… he’s got focus, determination, a sense of humor, a way of healing hearts. This little boy, he’s ONE!

One year ago right now, we were scared. So afraid that the little son we’d watched tentatively on the ultrasound screens, the kicker in my belly who always reassured me, we were so afraid we’d never bring him home like we never got to bring Lucy home……… but here he is, turning one. What a whirlwind it’s been!

In the stillness, like this, I remember what it’s all about. Life is unpredictable, full of twists and turns…. and pain, sometimes lots of pain. But, there’s beauty. Beauty and love. And love always prevails. Our Everett is love. He is the essence, innocence, and beauty in my life… in the stillness, I remember what it’s all about.