After the storm, the air was cool and cleanFallen limbs cluttered the streets and yardsBut the thick dust of summer had been washed awayLeaving shiny surfaces and opportunities for new beginnings After the storm, you and I walked outsideBreathed the fresh new airMarveled at the different shades of green all around usRan our fingers on…

Today, while visiting Grandma and Grandpa, Ethan stood on his burn-damaged feet for the first time since the accident and then took two steps forward. That doesn’t sound like much, but the fact that he pulled himself into the standing position and actually stepped down twice was monumental. Even better, he didn’t require pain medication…

Ethan seemed so happy to be back home today. He played outside much of the day and went on at least two walks with Grandma and a third with Grandma and Mama. (Walks being defined as riding in his dragon car while being pulled or being carried.) According to Liz, he didn’t need as much…

The two photos below pretty much say it all regarding Grandma and Grandpa’s reaction to Ethan returning to the orange grove. Hallelujah is the only word that comes to mind. Ethan will return for outpatient treatment on Monday. He will also have bandages and thick socks on his feet for several months as his second…

This past week, our granddaughter Luna graduated from Monterrey Hills Elementary School, where she has been involved in the Spanish-English Immersion program since kindergarten. Luna is now fluent in Spanish, and she and her dual immersion classmates will get college credit in middle school when they delve into Spanish literature. Go, Luna! Also, our younger…

Today, we visited Ethan at the hospital. He’d already had his dressings changed and had managed to sit on a little toy car with wheels and push himself down the hall with his feet. This was the first time he had actually put any pressure on the very raw, skinless soles of his feet. The…

According to Ethan’s dad, Ethan was “exponentially better” today. His appetite and energy were up, and he put a little weight on his feet. However, Liz said the doctor told her that Ethan could remain in the hospital for another week or two due to the need for intensive wound care and physical therapy. The…

We visited Ethan and his parents at USC Hospital today. Ethan was in the playroom for part of the time we saw them, and then we headed back to their room in the burn unit. Ethan had been given some heavy drugs to help get through the “deep cleaning” they did on his feet, and…

Last Sunday, our daughter Liz, her husband Ron, and 17 1/2 month Ethan were at a small beach below Monterrey. There were many other kids there since there was a playground right on the beach, and many other parents. Ethan was toddling along, exploring with Liz a few steps behind when she heard him cry…

June is a new monthOne where I can slow down, breathe, and noticeUndulating thoughts that have been swirling in my mindRecognize what they are and contemplate what they meanNow and forever in my lifeAllowing me the space to see what most matters to meLeaving my mind open to form new interpretationsImagining the life I truly…