'If you must look back,do so forgivingly.
If you must look forward,
do so prayerfully.
However, the wisest thing you can do
is be present in the present...
gratefully.'
-Maya Angelou
Remember that year you become thoroughly obsessed with legos, Ry; it was the year you were six...& we found them everywhere, under our feet, on the table, in the windowsills...
Remember that day in November, you wanted to ski so bad, Covey. You put the skis on & walked all around the yard with them, but it was days before our first snow. You really didn't care. 
Remember that day we hosted a baby shower, Ella. We had just finished cleaning up, when you slid that red chair over to climb on the white chairs, & within seconds the popcorn bowl was spilled out everywhere. 
Remember that day I was making dinner, & thought it was awfully quiet...& then I found the stack of crackers & opened tub of strawberry cream cheese on my bed. 
Remember when we moved a desk into your room; you boys were so excited about it. So excited, you decided to cut up your Waldo book & make a collage. I loved your creativity, but was admittedly sad about the state of the book. Perhaps you were inspired by my encouragement of cutting up magazines. 
Remember that year you were a vampire for Halloween, Ry; & then we found teeth around the yard & the house for weeks after.
Remember all that artwork you all three love to do- the ninjas, the self-portraits, the turkeys, the camera, the walls....
Remember that cactus kit Papa brought you back from Arizona- you boys were so excited to set it up & you did, all by yourselves. 
Remember stepping up to the height wall, Ella, always eager to be measured like your brothers; & wow, have you grown since the last time we measured you (it may have been a few too many months since the last time). 
Remember those smiley faces you liked to draw, Ry, the ones that ended up on one of our pillows. 
& all over the back of your bedroom door.
