From the mouths of babes.

Right before heading over to Will and Fran's on Saturday evening:

Isaiah: Mom, I've been thinking about what reasons God would have had to let Auntie pass away.

Me: You have?

Isaiah: Yeah. Well. . . I think I know at least one of the reasons.

Me: You do?

Isaiah: Mom? I kind of think God might have wanted our family to be closer. Ever since Auntie's funeral I feel like we are even closer to each other and good at showing our love more. Like I see my cousins more and everybody just seems like they talk more and are closer.

Me: Hmmm. Do you think that pleases God?

Isaiah: I think so, Mom. Because I know it pleases me.

Me: Me, too, son. Me, too.

***

That exchange made me think of this night and how glad I am that Deanna was here to witness it. It still amazes me that she had the foresight to snap that video of that moment between my brother and me. It's almost like she knew something or that the whole universe knew to give us that magical evening with a piece caught on film.

Fall makes me miss her. Especially fall.

***
Happy Monday. Measure your life in love, okay?

An accordion of love.

Isaiah from the back seat one day:

"You know what I was thinking, Mom? I was just thinking that most kids get to see their aunties and uncles only on holidays and on their birthdays. Or if it's like a big family thing or something. But I think I'm lucky because I got to see my Auntie every single day. Like, a lot. So I was just thinking, Mom. . . . that if I put all the times that I got to be with my Auntie. . .like mashed them all together and then stretched it all the way out. . . . like. . . . they would last all the way up until I was a man. Or maybe even longer. Does that even make sense to you, Mom? Mom? Mom?"

Yes, son. It makes beautiful, perfect and comforting sense. I love this idea and your way of looking at it. Even if the lump in my throat won't let me find the words to tell you right now.

Tomorrow would have been her 45th birthday. Keep us in your thoughts and prayers, okay? And especially Tounces and Poopdeck. Especially them.

'Preciate you. And 'preciate this little guy, too.

My sunshine boy. Auntie's, too.

Yeah.

***
Happy Saturday.


Now playing on my mental iPod. . . . as I do my best to trust the process. Now more than ever.