Paradoxical Realities of a Military Mom

Stop and Listen!  After facing possible redeployment overseas, this time to Afghanistan, my friend Lt. Col. Vicki Hudson wrote on her Facebook status:

“Instead of Afghanistan, wrapped up in a blanket with the sick toddler, cuddle & tv.”

The polar opposites in this statement gripped me, challenging me to wrap my mind around both realities at once. What a dramatic reflection of the state of our world!

As Vicki later said, “Maybe more of the latter would result in less of the former?”

YES!

Spring is early this year in Northern California

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Blossoms are hard to ignore ~ "STOP AND LOOK AT US" they sing out.   Contagious delight!     Why is this annual happening always a surprise? One day the branches are bare, the next day blossoms appear, on the third day the whole tree is glorious, as though risen from the dead! Muchas Gracias!  

Soul Sentinal. Lee Vining, CA, USA

Stop with me to share this timeless moment. All is still - no wind - and it's very, very cold. 

The blanket of snow lays a quiet hush over the gravestones behind us.  Thick fog hides Mono Lake and the Sierra mountains before us.  Our tree stands as a lone sentient guard for the spirits resting here.  In peace.