Letters to Norah // 30

Hello, Norah.

Nights are getting longer now, the hours of daylight shrinking with each trip around the clock. Acorns rattle off the tin roof of your daddy’s shop with some sounding more like gunshots in the stillness of these woods. The evenings now beg windows to open, to let the crisp air fill the house and breathe life into these walls. 

This is the end of summer, and here in Minnesota the whole state comes alive for this one last hurrah. People buzz about, excitedly attempting to squeeze out every last ounce of the season before sweaters replace swimsuits and Target is filled with Halloween decor.

Your daddy and I can count the number of races left in the season on one hand and we’re already making plans for Thanksgiving (we’re hosting your grandma’s side this year - so fun!  Tell her  that some heavenly hosting guidance would be much appreciated. This was her forte!)

These seasonal transitions are tough, babe. We move from summer to fall once more, but you’re still gone. The undeniable passage of time is a halting reminder of the permanence of death. 

But hand in hand with grief, the changing seasons are also a reminder of life and the simple fact that we’re still here living it. 

And what a beautiful privilege that is. 

We kicked off August by participating in our third Ronald McDonald House Family Walk as Team Norah. A HUGE thank you to every single person who supported us this year! Team Norah raised over $3,000 and we won the best dressed team award!

Making our way along the 3 mile route while pushing Lora in the stroller that was purchased for you was a heartbreakingly beautiful picture of the duality of life after loss; heavy grief and deep joy walking hand in hand. 

After the walk we all headed to Cosetta’s for a celebratory birthday lunch. (And to cool off a bit!) Gathering to honor you and support this organization is honestly the best gift a girl could ask for. 

Your uncle Luke and auntie Kayla got married! And you were a flower girl alongside your sister (She carried Foxy down the aisle). Sweetheart, you’ve always had a special connection with your uncle Luke, and your presence at their wedding was undeniable. You even showed up in your daddy’s best man speech. 

Everyone enjoyed having a chance to see Lora and we even snagged a shot of her with all of your living grandparents. (Note that amazing tutu fluff, the fact that your sister is sleeping in this photo, and your daddy’s loosened tie - it was at the end of a fun few days hun, we were tired and ready to relax)

August was a whirlwind, sweetheart.

But I have a feeling September will be just as fun.

Love you past the moon, into heaven, and back again.