Hello, Norah.

Here in Minnesota the anticipation, excitement, and joy surrounding the arrival of Spring borders on that of a prodigal son’s return. (I mean, change one letter and you get prodigal Sun, which seems just as appropriate). After months of temperatures touching -50 (or below) and snow up to our ears, seeing the first glimpses of green and feeling the warmth of nature waking up makes the whole state come alive. 

This is my favorite time of year, baby girl. Renewal and revival hang in the air, thick like morning fog over a dew-covered prairie. 

Are there seasons in Heaven, Norah? Do you get to feel the heat of summer sun on your skin or be refreshed by a deep breath of crisp fall air? Do you get to make snow angels in the winter that provide a place for the first blades of springtime grass to peek through? 

I hope you do, baby. I hope you get to experience each one in all of it’s perfected, heavenly glory. If the nature that surrounds us is merely God’s earthly creation, I can’t begin to fathom the magnificence of heaven.

I remember celebrating May Day when I was little; your grandma and I would make little baskets out of Dixie cups and fill them until they overflowed with Easter grass hiding jelly beans and chocolates. We would take all those perfectly packed baskets and walk around the neighborhood leaving our little springtime gifts as happy surprises on each front step. 

It makes me smile to think of all of the crafts and activities you and your grandma must be doing up there, each one uniquely coordinated with the time of year. (Pinterest has nothing on Mom’s seasonal crafting skills). Norah, I so look forward to the day I get to hold you in my arms again as you show me every single thing you’ve made. 

Until that beautiful day, I’ll keep an eye out for your May Day baskets, those sweet kisses sent from heaven. Those sacred moments that are without a doubt gifts from you, from Mom, from God. 

PS: April has given me a lot to talk about, baby girl, too much to share in just one post. But one thing I should mention is that after raising over $800 with our T-shirt fundraiser for Love, Norah and getting continued interest in the shirt, we’ve decided to keep the shirt available for purchase until further notice.