Loss and life in Spring.

I can't honor April 2013 without honoring my cousin, James. My precious, beautiful cousin, the sweetest most gentle soul there ever was, lost his life the last week of March. We received the news while we were in Mexico, and it changed everything. He would have turned 30 last month.

Here is my last text exchange with him, less than a month before he was gone. I miss him beyond words.

Days after that forever heartbreak, we celebrated sweet Henry's fifth birthday (more amazing cake thanks to my mother-in-law). My boy is five (now almost six). I love him so darn much.

Children are such a beautiful reminder of life's many joys. Even though April left us heavy hearted, there is always hope. And joy.