Greetings from Montana

I'm writing this while disconnected from the modern world. We are on vacation, in a remote cabin in the beautiful mountains of Montana. Of course my perspective may change by the time I have the opportunity to post this, but here's where my thoughts are at the moment.

When you're in the weeds, like I feel I have been for a really long time, it's hard to see. It's hard to see what?  Anything, I think.  It's been especially hard for me to see progress. I tell myself frequently that Isaac, Eli, and Alex are making tremendous progress, because I know logically that they are, but it's been hard to *feel* it. Probably because in order for wounds to heal properly, they first must be exposed. Wounds hurt when they are exposed, and they can be ugly.  As we spend more time together as a family, we all feel these wounds along with the boys. It hurts. So, progress?  Technically yes, but these steps forward are often painful, for all of us.

Then there are days like today, with my five kids joyfully playing card games together for hours, that help me feel the progress.  And the progress is real. Not honeymoon-period, trying-hard-to-please type of superficial progress, but hard-fought, hard-earned, after some old bandages have been ripped off, peace.  Not that we've reached a finish line by any stretch, but today sure feels good.