Why bunnies? Why eggs? Why doesn’t it look like spring? These can be tough questions to answer. This article was originally written for the Northern Sentry and I am so grateful for their partnership and support.
Tough Questions About Spring Symbolism
“Mom, why are there so many bunny things at Easter? Why do we hide eggs? What do eggs have to do with Easter anyway?”
These springtime questions seem to be an annual tradition in my household. And this year is no different. The first time the question arose, I delved into some research. Over the years, explaining the answer has become more straightforward. Sure, we could skirt the issue, or get lost in the weeds of pagan practices, fertility goddesses, and Christian symbology. But in my experience, its more effective to simplify. The answer is simple: spring and Easter point to hope and life.
Several days ago, my sons—now six and three years old—revisited the topic of rabbits, eggs, chicks, and Easter. “Think about it,” I replied. “Why do you think eggs and bunnies are symbols of Easter?”
“I don’t know,” my oldest said. “Because that stuff comes out in the spring? But isn’t it going to snow again? It doesn’t look like spring.”
“Yes, they are symbols of spring. Easter and spring are kind of knotted together. Symbols of spring often mirror those of Easter,” I explained.
Easter holds spiritual significance for my family. However, spring is a is a special time for all of us. It is a vital part of life’s rhythm, brimming with hope. Spring signals renewal and new growth, even after a season of stillness and snow. These transitional weeks are exhilarating, reassuring us that change is imminent. Spring and Easter reaffirm that warmth will return, life will regenerate, and growth persists—even when we can’t see it.
*NOTE: The answers below have been expanded from the original article.
Why are Bunnies an Easter/Spring Symbol? A Simple Answer
When explaining Easter to my children, I emphasize that all symbols of Easter and spring signify new life. “Did you know rabbits have a superpower?” I asked my boys. They laughed, and my three-year-old guessed that it was hopping. I elaborated, explaining that a bunny’s superpower is its ability to have babies. Lots and lots of babies. Rabbits remain fairly concealed throughout winter, almost forgotten. Then, spring arrives, and suddenly, bunnies abound— an abundance of life, almost as if by magic.
Spring serves as a reminder that life flourishes and multiplies after periods of scarcity.
As Christians, Jesus has told us to “Go make disciples.” I tell my kids, “When I see a bunny at Easter, I remember that Jesus wants His kingdom to expand; He wants my faith to lead to more who know Him as the Rescuer.”
Why Do We Use Eggs at Easter?
We then discussed eggs. From the outside, an egg seems mundane. It lays hidden, wears muted colors, and remains motionless. To the untrained eye, an egg appears dull and lifeless, resembling little more than a rock. However, inside, life is burgeoning, awaiting the perfect moment to emerge.
The outside of the egg can remind us of the rock rolled in front of Jesus’ tomb.
Inside the egg, a life form develops in darkness, instinctively moving towards transformation. For a chick, hatching propels them from a secure, dim world into a vivid, vibrant realm of life and possibility. Knowing that life is forming inside the egg reminds us that Jesus’ body did not stay dead, but life returned, even though we couldn’t see.
Spring reminds us that life happens even in dark, unremarkable places. It underscores that growth isn’t always flashy. Spring invites us to step into the light, embrace a colorful existence, leaving behind our empty shells.
I tell my kids, “An empty egg reminds me of Jesus’ empty tomb. The chick coming out of the egg reminds me that when Jesus rescues us, we can walk out of the darkness of sin and into new life.”
Why Do We Hide Eggs?
Why do we hide eggs? Because signs of new life and growth are worth seeking. I tell my kids that looking for eggs reminds me of Mathew 6:33, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
Why are there treats inside? Because surviving winter to welcome back spring and summer merits celebration. From a Christian perspective, this is how I explain it to my kids. “The women were surprised when they came to find an empty tomb. Easter eggs also hold surprises for us.”
But It Doesn’t Look Like Spring?
“You also said it doesn’t look like spring. You’re right,” I said. Look outside. What do you notice about the trees and grass?”
“They’re dead.”
“The leaves are gone, and the grass isn’t green. But they aren’t dead. Death is final, irreversible. Do you think our trees will have leaves next month?” They both agreed they would. Not only do leaves return, but perennials come back heartier. Bushes grow taller, and grass requires regular trimming.
Winter ushers life into a dormant state. But dormant isn’t dead.
Spring reminds us that dormancy is temporary. Life can rebound more vigorously, even after months of bitter cold stillness. Even though Jesus died, a new kind of life was just beginning. He had to pass through death to bring Salvation and life to all. When we trust Jesus we come into a new life; even after our life on earth ends, a new kind of life continues in Heaven.
May this Easter weekend fill you with hope, and may spring inspire positivity. May the resilience of nature instill awe at life’s capacity to rejuvenate, refresh, and flourish anew.
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Looking for the perfect way to get out of the house this Valentine’s Day? My latest resource is a free PDF guide, “15 Minot Date Ideas.” It’s an easy to read and easy to access list that will get your wheels turning when it comes to breaking out of the standard dinner-and-a-movie-rut. Even in the chilly winter weather, these date ideas promise fun, adventure, and plenty of opportunities to cozy up in our charming town.
Solving the Date Night Dilemma
I get it–coming up with good date ideas can be a challenge, especially when during winter when it can be hard to leave the house. We’ve been trying to prioritize a monthly date day/night–and I thought I’d share some our favorite dates over the last 18 months. Hopefully this will take some stress off of you so you can get straight to having fun.
The 15 Minot Date Ideas list focuses on small-businesses, local gems, cheap dates, and activities instead of eating (although there are some food options, too!) Get the PDF from the button below, or for more ideas, read this post I wrote a while back.
But wait, there’s more! In addition to the “15 Minot Date Ideas” PDF, don’t forget to check out the printable Minot Bucketlist, featuring 26 ideas for year-round fun in the Magic City. From outdoor activities and cultural events to delicious dining options and unique attractions, our bucket list has everything you need to make the most of your time in Minot. I made it with newcomers in mind, but it’s great for anyone looking for a little more intentional fun.
Join the conversation for more
Helping people settle in and enjoy their time in Minot is only a small piece of what I do. For more on Minot, join the conversation at Hey Minot. Join me on Instagram and Facebook for daily inspiration and strategies for crafting a life of calm, peace, and contentment.
I lived in the Dakotas nearly a decade before making a pan of scotcheroos for myself. Looking back, I guess I was just coasting along on the kindness of others. I’m quite spoiled by a plethora of from-around-here friends. It should also be noted that I never miss a church potluck–and there are always scotcheroos at a church potluck.
Recently, however, that changed. In a perfect storm of events, I found Rice Krispies on sale at the commissary the same week a new family moved into our church from California. I wanted to give them a real Hotdish Land welcome, so we invited them to join us for dinner and immediately put Tater Tot Hotdish and Scotcheroos on the menu.
I looked up the recipe, got out the bowls, then stood at my counter–a little apprehensive. This is a North Dakotan’s favorite dessert. This is an integral part of Hotdish culture. I’m not even from around here. Who am I to attempt such a culinary feat? What if I mess it up and the Californians are scarred against life in Minot forever?
To curb my nerves, I took to the friendly streets of Instagram. I put a quick post on my stories about my first scotcheroo attempt. Soon, notifications started pinging. There were locals spurring me on, and offering tips. Then there were transplants like myself–some wanting to know the recipe. Many simply asking, “What’s a scotcheroo?”
I guess I just thought North Dakotans were constantly identifying newcomers and saying something like, “Hi. Welcome. Here, have a scotcheroo.”
Well, the questions pouring in after posting about my baking attempt proved otherwise. So it’s time to explain. As your resident Minot guru, I’ll explain in “not-from-around-here” terms what exactly we’re talking about.
A scotcheroo is kind of like a Rice Krispy treat, but with peanut butter, and topped with chocolate. It’s also the official state dessert of North Dakota (okay, I made that part up.) But seriously, Hotdishers can’t get enough of these. Just ask a local to tell you about scotcheroos, even mention you’ve never eaten one and watch the floodgates open. It’s the perfect icebreaker.
So What Makes the Best Scotcheroo?
For very passive people, NoDaks are nothing, if not passionate about their scotcheroos.
There are strong opinions surrounding what makes the best scotcheroo. Some will tell you it’s best to make them with Special K instead of Rice Krispies. Others will tell you that doing so means you’ve made “Special K Bars,” which is a completely different dessert. One local will swear by making the whole thing in the microwave, while another insists stovetop always turns out best.
Let’s put the politics aside. Since that first effort, I’ve made two more batches. They’ve all turned out great. Nothing to be nervous about. I even had a chance to offer one to an Estonian exchange student, who promptly asked me to write down the name of the dessert so she could make them for her family back home.
That’s the magic of bars. Am I right?
Here’s the recipe I used. It’s ridiculously easy, and simple to commit to memory. Now you, too, can make your own–and dazzle your far-away friends and family with this North Dakotan delicacy.
Make Your Own Scotcheroos in 20 Quick Minutes
You’ll need:
6 cups of rice cereal
1 cup sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
1 cup peanut butter
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup butterscotch chips
Here’s what you do:
Melt the sugar and corn syrup together. You can do this on the stovetop or in the microwave. Get it hot enough that the sugar begins to dissolve–but if you’re using a stove just be sure to take it off the heat when it looks like it’s going to boil. (If the sugar gets too hot, it’ll get too hard.)
Mix in the peanut butter.
Then gently mix the peanut butter sauce into the cereal. Once it’s evenly distributed, pour the mixture into a 9×13 pan that you’ve sprayed with cooking oil. Press it down a bit.
Now, put the chocolate and butterscotch chips into a bowl and microwave them in 30 second bursts–stirring between each one–until melted and smooth. Pour that on top of the cereal mixture and spread it out.
Next is the hardest part. Let it firm up. This has to happen at room temperature, so it’ll take 2ish hours. Putting it in the fridge can be risky, because it’ll make the caramel in the bars rock hard. The wait is excruciating.
Then you’re done!
Here’s a couple tips:
Spray your 1 cup measuring cup with cooking oil before measuring the corn syrup and peanut butter. It makes for an easier release.
Don’t pack the cereal down too firm. That makes for a hard bar.
Now you can answer the question, “What’s a scotcheroo?”
What about you? Have you had scotcheroos? Have you made them? Do you have scotcheroo secrets we need to know? Definitely let me know if you use this recipe!
Welcome to the Minot Coffee Directory! Here you’ll find all of Minot’s coffee shops and their important details in one place. Big thank you to my friends at BeLOCAL and the local Minot coffee shops for helping get this out. BeLOCAL helps you live like a local here in Minot, by filling you in on upcoming events, ideas and information–so you always know what’s going on in the community.
Below, featured Minot’s coffee shops are listed (in no particular order.) These shops partnered with me to create this directory–but in my opinion, there’s no bad coffee shop in Minot, so you should try them all.
At the bottom is a complete directory, sorted by location. For more on life in Minot, click here.
WITH ROOM COFFEE SHOP
With Room is wildly popular in town and it’s pretty clear why. The atmosphere alone is worth a visit, but the coffee, goodies, and (of course) the plants will keep you coming back. They also offer delivery! Watch their Facebook/Instagram for deals, and grab their app for quicker delivery ordering.
Address: 400 E Central Ave STE 103
Hours: M-F 6:30AM-3:30PM Sat/Sun 7AM-3:30PM
PERKY’S
Perky’s is a quick drive through coffee shop on North Hill. They offer classic coffee drinks as well as white coffee, teas, and drinks for the kids. Be sure to follow their Facebook page, where they share specials drinks and discounts (discounts are offered frequently!)
Address: 2601 N Broadway
Hours: Mon-Fri 6AM-6PM, Sat 7AM-3PM
GINNA’S
Ginna’s is the perfect place to grab a coffee while at the mall. They are located inside SCHEELS and are my go-to when I make a Target run. Ginna’s offers craft roasted coffee and baked goods–some prepared fresh in house. Insider tip: stop in during Happy Hour between 9:30-11am or 3-4pm.
Address: 2400 10th St SW
Hours: Mon-Fri 9:30AM-9PM, Sat 9AM-7PM, Sun 11AM-6PM
COFFEE BARN
Coffee Barn is a drive through coffee shop with a great south side location. They are committed to delivering very high quality coffee and a friendly experience. Service is fast and friendly, and they are clear that family-first company. Check in for specials and monthly features.
Address: 1400 31st Ave SW
Hours: Mon-Fri 7AM-3PM, Sat 9AM-3PM
MINOT’S DAILY BREAD
Minot’s Daily Bread offers a great coffee and delicious eats. Their full menu includes sandwiches, bakery items, crepes and (of course) bread. Come in and sit down to enjoy coffee and a meal, or use their drive through for a quick stop.
Now here’s the whole list. The Minot Coffee Directory has nearly all your coffee options in one place. For ease, this list omits restaurants that offer coffee–unless coffee is one of their specialties. As the weather gets colder this is a perfect time to visit all the shops on this list! Download a PDF here or scroll down to check it out here.
DOWNLOADTHE COFFEE DIRECTORY
sign up and download a PDF version of the coffee directory for easy reference.
All set!
I NEED YOUR HELP | BEFORE YOU GO…
I’m writing a book about my experience with mental health crisis as a Christian and military spouse. YOUR help will get the book published. The easiest way is click “FOLLOW” on Instagram or sign up for my monthly newsletter via email (below). Your support demonstrates interest in this story and these words of hope.
Happy Minot Monday! I’m thrilled to be working in partnership with BeLocal Minot to help you live like a local and thrive in our town. Today I’m sharing insider tips on where to get mulch in Minot.
Don’t be fooled by the unseasonably warm weather. Cool temps are coming. Cold temps too. If you’re like me, I’ll be able to find you prepping your yard and exterior for winter. For me that usually means adding a bit of mulch to flower beds and around baby perennials to protect them from winter’s bite.
Here’s where my tip comes in. Let’s talk about where to get mulch in Minot. Did you know you can get FREE mulch here in town? Yep. Free. As much as you want. You actually have two options:
Mulch Mountain | The Forestry Department
Recently I talked with a crew from the Minot Forestry Department. They explained the city turns trees the Forestry Dept cuts down into wood chips/mulch. All these wood chips are piled up into what I’ve deemed, “Mulch Mountain.” Anyone can come by and pick up as much as they want (depending on supply.) You just need to provide a way to transport it–I shoveled some into a large landscape bag in the back of my SUV.
To access Mulch Mountain, go south on 14th St SE (drive past the Forestry Office/parking lot). Then turn east on Central Ave E. You’ll see a lot with a pile for your taking! See a map here.
City Landfill
If you’ve been raking leaves, you’ve probably taken a few bags full to yard-waste collection sites. What you might not know is all the debris from our yards gets turned into mulch at the landfill. Minot residents can go to the landfill and pick up as much as they like. While the pile at the Forestry Dept is mostly wood, this mulch may include lots of leaves as well–making it a good choice for bedding down for winter.
Same rules apply as from the Forestry Dept: bring your own supplies and haul your own. (For more on our landfill and what they offer, see this Minot Monday post.)
One More Thing
Many of you know I’ve started work on a book detailing my experience as a military spouse seeking help for mental health crisis. To support this work, normalize the conversation around mental health in the military and Church–or just more about life in Minot, join me on Instagram (just click follow below.) I’d also love to connect with you through my monthly letter, full of good words and useful bits–see more here.
Minot Monday is made possible through a partnership with BeLOCAL Minot. Today I’m sharing reliable ways to embrace life in Minot. These are the things that took me from newcomer to, “Minot is my town.” For more tips, lists and information on living like a local be sure to follow BeLOCAL.
For me, the hardest part of the military lifestyle has been moving. The seemingly endless uprooting and starting over. That’s part of the reason we requested to come back to Minot. Yes, we love it here–but starting over from the ground up is exhausting. Any military family can attest.
So, if you’re here for the first time, welcome. I’m glad you’re in Minot. I know what it’s like to be new in town. In lots of towns. Of all the places we’ve explored, Minot is close to the top of the list of places we most enjoy living. However, it wasn’t easy finding our place in town when we first arrived in the summer of 2012.
Through luck, a few good acquaintances and my tenacity to figure out how to live like a local, we eventually found our way. The truth is, there’s a difference between living in and deciding to embrace life in Minot. Only you can choose which you’ll pursue. Here are my best tips for settling in and beginning to embrace life in Minot.
Find a Church
Settling in and investing in a church home truly gave us a place in town. We made friends, became invested and contributed our skills to a cause we are passionate about: The Kingdom of Christ. If you are a church-goer, muster the tenacity to keep “church-shopping” until you find a good fit.
If you aren’t a church-goer, that’s okay too. Churches are great places for investing in the community or just forming relationships. Most Minot churches I’m familiar with would welcome a newcomer to town with open arms–whether your beliefs fully align or not. Join a small group, volunteer, play sports. Church is a great first contact for feeling at home.
Mourn Your Loss
If you are moving to Minot from a place you loved, it’s okay to be sad. Take time to mourn your loss. Being uprooted is painful, especially if you didn’t have a choice in when or where you needed to move next. Be sad, but don’t wallow in misery. Allow that wound to heal and intentionally seek ways to begin enjoying your life here.
Be Openminded
I say this all the time: Minot is unlike anywhere else you’ve lived. It’s my golden rule. Don’t expect Minot to be Dallas, Pensacola, Washington DC, Omaha, Shreveport, Salt Lake City, or anywhere else. It’s just Minot. Embrace it for the quirky, sitcom-vibing place it is. Stay openminded about the life you can build here.
Invest in the Community
Find something you love or hate about town and invest there. As a community, Minot is incredibly receptive to new ideas. Hop on board with something you love and are passionate about. Or, pinpoint something you passionately dislike and work to change it.
If you have an idea and plan, chances are others will rally around you. Minot is one of the few places I’ve lived where an individual can have a significant impact, even if they only live in town for a few years.
Be Social
Minot is a social town. Events happen all the time, and the folks who go to one event usually go to others. Start attending and you’ll start running into familiar faces. Keep up with the BeLocal Instagram feed and the Visit Minot calendar to see what’s happening. Be intentional about getting out year round and you’ll start to appreciate what Minot has to offer.
From a mental health standpoint, socializing will offer healing and isolation will only fester your wounds and allow lies and dissatisfaction to breed. I know it can be scary, but truly be intentional about getting out when things are going on.
Introduce Yourself
Making new friends is hard. I get it, but you can do it. Here are ten places I’ve made friends in Minot:
Kids activities (Fun Zone, Story Times, Library Activities)
Group Fitness Classes
Church
Serving on a nonprofit board
Reaching out to people with like interests on Instagram
Taking a class
Volunteering
Military spouse groups/events
Work
Being a regular at a cafe/restaurant/shop
You Can Do This
The season of change is a difficult one. But trust me when I say, Minot is glad to have you. Give it time, give it a chance. Minot might not be a dream home for everyone, but I believe anyone can enjoy their time here.
One More Thing…I Need a Favor
Recently, I started penning sample chapters for a memoir detailing my experience with mental health crisis as a Christian and military spouse. YOUR help will get the book published. The easiest way is click “FOLLOW” on Instagram or sign up for my monthly newsletter via email (below). Your support demonstrates interest in this story and these words of hope.
Above all, thank you for being here and for your support. It’s an honor to share my testimony with you and I’m excited to see the great things God does through your journey.
Minot Monday is made possible through a partnership with BeLOCAL Minot. Today I’m sharing the five Minot basics for newcomers I share with all the newbies I meet. For more tips, lists and information on living like a local be sure to follow BeLOCAL.
Five Minot Basics I Tell Everyone
Happy Minot Monday, everyone! I’ve had this conversation loads of times. Over coffee, cookies, or a walk in the park, I talk to someone new in town. In my best effort to help them settle in (without overwhelming them with my love of Minot) I rattle off these five basics. These are the five starting points I give everyone who asks me how to start settling in to life in Minot.
Get a Library Card
The Minot Public Library is a gem. It’s not just about borrowing books, it’s about community. Sure, go borrow books—but also take part in book clubs, children’s story time, and board game get togethers. Borrow tools if you’re new and need to work on your house. Borrow games and play them with your neighbors. Use the giant printer to create art for your walls.
I’ve met friends in town simply through attending library programs. I cannot say enough good things. If you’re new in town—get a library card.
Eat at Elevation
There are lots of great places to eat in Minot. However, I always tell new-in-towners to eat at Elevation. It’s just far enough out of town to feel away, just fancy enough to feel special and the scenery is pretty enough to take your mind off being in Minot. (Because, sometimes you need to feel like you are someplace besides a small town in northern North Dakota.)
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Utilize the Parks Department
I always tell newcomers to go outside when they can. There will be chunks of time in the year that being outside is not safe. Our parks department works so hard and comes up with great ideas year round.
In cool weather, watch for events like the pumpkin walk, movies at Maysa Arena or use the Fun Zone (which is a complete jewel and free!) Follow the Parks Dept for updates and fun ideas.
I cannot stress this enough: Minot has a lot going on. Like, way more than most other places we’ve called home. Also, activities are inexpensive, when compared to bigger cities or other places we’ve lived. I recommend scanning the Minot events calendar once a week to keep a pulse on what’s coming up. Also follow BeLocal and Visit Minot for announcements. This will help you dive into fun downtown and around town.
Find a Cause
Minot is a unique place where you have the capacity to do a lot of good. If you see something that can be improved, the community is very receptive to new ideas for making this a more enjoyable place to live. Find a cause to get behind. Once you are invested, you’ll start to really feel ownership—like this is your town…which, of course, it is.
One More Thing…I Need a Favor
Recently, I started penning sample chapters for a memoir detailing my experience with mental health crisis as a Christian and military spouse. YOUR help will get the book published. The easiest way is click “FOLLOW” on Instagram or sign up for my monthly newsletter via email (below). Your support demonstrates interest in this story and these words of hope.
Above all, thank you for being here and for your support. It’s an honor to share my testimony with you and I’m excited to see the great things God does through your journey.
In January, Derek came home with the unexpected news that he’d been assigned to an upcoming deployment. For me, momentum had been building steadily with my writing goals and I’d finally said, “Yes,” to God’s prompting to start penning a long-form memoir about my experience with mental health crisis. In that moment in the kitchen, after the boys were in bed and my hand was on the blender, preparing to mix my nightly protein shake, everything came to a halt.
Now instead of feeling creative and ready to move forward toward the things I believed God had clearly set in front of me—I was frozen. As if I was unknowingly playing freeze tag, this moment was my tag, causing me to stop midstride.
Have you ever had a moment like that?
My entire focus shifted. We planned for months apart. Seven, to be exact. Uneasiness and uncertainty welled up inside every time I thought about doing life without my husband for “most of a year.”
Writing is always a welcome outlet for me, but when military assignments, especially deployments, are in the picture, the best policy is silence. Unable to fully disclose was what happening in our home and in my heart, I wrote vaguely about anxiety and emotions. The headspace once open for writing, book proposals, and dreaming up creative endeavors was crowded out with dreaming up reasonable consequences for a defiant three year old and ways to convince an infant to sleep all night.
Hemmed in by daily responsibility, fatigue and operational security measures, I felt claustrophobic. Stuck. Lodged between the need for silence and the desire to share my heart transparently.
Finding Freedom Within Hard Circumstances
I had an image of a dog pulling on a taut tether in my mind. I was frustrated to be restrained in my pursuits. However, as in all difficult seasons, growth happened and peace grew once I stopped straining against the circumstances. Like the frustrated dog, when I stopped snapping my jaws at things beyond my leash, my throat relaxed and I could breathe again.
I wasn’t off the tether, I wasn’t unstuck—but I was able to thrive in the space I was given at the time. I was able to see the unique beauty and opportunity within these circumstances. God is a kind, responsiblemaster. The tether He gives us is always long enough for the space we’re in at the time.
I loosened my grip on the things I thought I’d accomplish in these months and allowed myself to be happy amid the daily grind of wiping faces and preparing PB&Js. It wasn’t a perfect practice. Many days I was overwhelmed and cranky because I remembered that I was stuck in some respects. But mostly, we were okay.
Moving Forward Again
Now, I’m coming down from a season of heightened awareness. The kind that comes from being vigilant for two. My mind is shaking loose. I’m becoming unstuck, dislodged. As a person recently stuck, here’s my advice:
Circumstances can leave you stuck, really stuck, but circumstances are faithful to change and you’ll move forward again. When you are stuck in one way, growth will be forced in another way. Find a way to weather the circumstances you’re in, even enjoy them. Eventually, the growth that stalled will move forward again.
Why the Deployment Ended Early and Why I Would Have Been Okay, Even if it Didn’t.
PS—for anyone wondering how seven months apart turned into four, it went something like this. Shortly after Derek left, President Biden announced all troops would be out of Afghanistan by September 11. That would reduce our time apart to six months.
One day in early June Derek mentioned the possibility of an even earlier return. Then, in late June, just days before I would travel to Indiana with the boys he told me his homecoming was imminent. We’d be back together after only four months apart. I was surprised that I wasn’t overwhelmed with giddy relief. Instead, I felt excitement, but also a deep confidence that we’d be okay if he really didn’t return for a few more months. This was puzzling at first, but ultimately a sign of growth, hard fought, well earned.
More Positivity and Encouragment
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