Most of our lives we sling words around without understanding their power. Words like: joy-pain, courage-accept, beauty-sacrifice, celebrate-honor. At my son’s side this past summer, I have lived out the definitions of these words. I appreciate how difficult it is to produce a smile while maintaining a household, process the daily routine after a life changing loss, commit to the role of day tripper knowing it will take days to recover. These things happened to our benefit.

From our side, imagine a new happiness that lacks most of your loved ones to high five. Imagine what it takes to shrug off fear when there are no arms to keep you propped up. Imagine endless possibility on your terms.

My niece reminded me of how small three months is when stacked against a lifetime. Countless days she forced me to recenter and remain grounded. She never asked for that role and now we both know each other differently. All of my daughters reminded me of how people that have never met Will continue to ask of his well being. That’s a proud moment knowing how highly they regard a brother. Those are examples of humanity can be.

This summer allowed me to live out the phrases we create. My advice to those in queue, build from “All You Need Is Love.”