respite

Chandler, Carson, Baden, Kate and I rolled into our driveway at about 11 last night. It took awhile for the boys to settle in after we unpacked the car. They had to check everything out. Carson's banana pepper plant died, there was a big hole to hold our trampoline (our planned summer project done thanks to the service of many), the house was a sweltering 86 degrees and there were 15 messages waiting on the answering machine. It was nice to be home. But, we all felt a little empty that Brian and Clara were still in Spokane in the hospital. I now know how Brian felt when Clara and I were away. Baden said it best the first few minutes after we got home last night, "I wish Clara's cancer would go away so we could have a normal life again." 

On the go.
I love this normal picture from a year ago.
I can't wait to take before church pictures in front of the red door again. 

Isn’t that what we all desire: to be the heroes and heroines of our own stories; to triumph over adversity; to experience life in all its beauty; and, in the end, to live happily ever after? DIETER F. UCHTDORF

post edit: I started this post this morning. This has been an emotionally draining day and I am ready to put it to bed! Because of the drama in Spokane we are heading back to Clara and Brian sooner than expected so I can be there when she wakes up from the anesthesia in the morning. Based on the past 2 trips I've made home in the last 9 weeks I am beginning to wonder if they are worth it.