9 months and 14 days ago I sat on this dock and watched Deacon open his 7 year old birthday presents. 14 days later he was gone.

This morning, I watched my girls giggle and chase bubbles in the spot he’d exclaimed over his new skateboard. It feels like yesterday. It feels like 100 years ago.

Oh Deacon. I can still hear you in this place. Your laughter bounces off the dock rails. Both an invitation and a balm. Its not the same here.

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Matthew 11:28-30 from The Message