Yesterday, I shared about Bekah’s passing. Aaron’s grandmother also passed away this week. And, we found a very large, discouraging obstacle between us and a hope our family has.

With the windows down, I went 60mph out to a bright spot. A literal bright spot. A sunflower field. It had been on my “to-visit” list for awhile, but I knew that I needed it that day.

Yellow is my favorite color.

I find it hard to feel hopelessness when I’m observing God’s creation in the big and small.

I stayed there for almost 2 hours. 2 hours in a dirty, bug-filled field. Just me, my camera, oh and all of the other people who had come to check it out.

Actually, not true, a wonderful friend joined me for a short while, just knowing what a rough week I was having and meeting me right where I was at. Literally. Love her.

I stayed there until the stars came out. I needed to see these two beautiful things together.

I went home and the circumstances that had weighed me down had not changed. But, my perspective had, just a little.

“I believe in a blessing I don’t understand
I’ve seen rain fall on wicked and the just
Rain is no measure of his faithfulness
He withholds no good thing from us”
-Sara Groves

Instead of blogging tonight, I’d like to ask my readers over to head over to my friend Erin’s blog to read about her precious daughter Bekah. She left her earthly body today and I’d like to help her story reach as many as possible. You can read Erin’s post here.

The Friday before Big L left, we hung out with my friend Danae and her family for the last time with Big L there. I’m so blessed to have Danae as my friend. She’s the best kind of cheerleader and gift giver and listener and advice giver and I could go on and on. But, I’m sorry, she’s mine and I won’t share her. Just kidding, maybe if you’re nice.

Danae pressed a box into my hand. “This is for you and [Big L]. To give to her at the airport.”

And I opened the lid to find two necklaces. A heart and a circle with a heart cut out.

Flashback to a few days prior, another friend and I had been discussing gifts for Big L after she returned. My friend suggested necklaces like this and sent me a few links, but they were all either too expensive or not something I’d be able to get in the time we had. Danae had no clue I had been looking at these necklaces and I think she must have ordered it long before.

Big L loved this little gift, which I waited to give to her until just shortly before the goodbye.

They fit perfectly together.

And, it’s fitting with how I’m feeling. I handed over a big chunk of my heart to that kid.