“Fatima” is a movie about hope. In the face of desolation, doubt, and death, there is always hope. Hope in a better humanity. Hope in our children. Hope in our Church. Hope through prayer. Watching that message unfold for the three children of Fatima is a beautiful reminder of where our own faith should rest.

What do you really know at 16? We met at a youth camp twenty years ago just before my 16th birthday. He was the tall quiet guy from out of town. I was the bubbly bouncy person in charge of icebreakers and games and ensuring everyone participated – even the lone ranger from the far…

When we went for our routine 20 week ultrasound for Marcus Antonio, we stayed for much longer than necessary and didn’t even get a little print out of our little boy’s ultrasound. Instead I get an urgent phone call the next day asking me to come in right away. At the meeting I was told…

…she treasured all these things and pondered them in her heart. (Luke 2:19) This blog has taken a backseat these past few months because I started journalling again. I found five blank notebooks that Stephen had put aside for all his notes. He used to carry around a black notebook with him for work; once…

Dear Stephen, Twenty years ago, I wrote you letters. Funny thing about long distance relationships is that you really learn to bear all things and hope all things. Nothing much has changed in the last 20 years has it? It’s your birthday today. On your 30th birthday, Lena, Marcus and I whisked you off to…

July 30th, 2000. The day Stephen asked me this life altering question. It was a decision made in my youth that changed the trajectory of my life completely. July 30th, 2019. My parents took me and the kids to the hot springs for a much needed break for a few days. The day started with…

Stephen wasn’t a patient man. Once he knew what he wanted, he went for it. I guess when he glimpsed Heaven, I should have known it wouldn’t be long before he would choose the road less traveled. He was however, always considerate of others. He spoke to me about all of his clients, parents, siblings,…

You will always remember the lasts. His last reminder to the kids: “You can do these things yourself. Can you please listen to Mama?” His last comment about my cooking: “It’s good, but I’m feeling nauseous.” His last comment about the yard work: “We need to water that tree.” Our last conversation: “What shoes are…

He never really cried much. Stephen was loud. You could hear him the moment you entered a room; his laughter and his voice were distinct. I’m certain my children’s lack of vocal modulation is entirely genetic. But he rarely cried. Back in 2017 he let me listen to “Seven years” by Lukas Graham. He had…

Last year on Divine Mercy Sunday, I was at my breaking point spiritually. When your husband has leukemia, life is at a standstill. Literally everything is put on hold because his health could fluctuate at any given moment; just because he was fine when he woke up did not guarantee he had the same energy…

Last year, Holy Week took on a whole new meaning for me as I frantically searched for a spot for Stephen in any clinic in Mexico. On Palm Sunday, I asked him what he wanted to do; and he said, “I’m going to fight.” On Holy Thursday, we hit rock bottom as I heard the…