Memories in the Mist- A Blog by Brynn

Memories in the Mist

“When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure.”

It’s been a year since I had taken my kids to the Tumwater Falls Park. I used to go quite often to take the kids on a walk around the falls and pack a picnic lunch. I have not gone in so long because I always fear doing those “firsts” without Rowyn. Today was my first day off in over a week and I have another long week ahead of me. I decided I was making this day all about spending quality time with my son. I got up before he did and got my cleaning done and spent some time writing but once he was awake it was his time. He helped me with breakfast and then making sandwiches for our picnic. On our way to the park I turned the music down and said a prayer out loud. I asked the lord for strength, to watch over us, and to please let sissy join us. As I pulled into the park I immediately noticed that a mother and her children were wearing Raise for Rowyn shirts. They were sitting at a park bench having a picnic as well. This was so comforting to me. I know that God or Rowyn put this family here at the same time as us. I excitedly told Wyatt “buddy there is a family here wearing sissy shirts!” He seemed just as excited as me. We got out of the car and walked over towards them. The mother of the children was looking at me like she knew who I was. I smiled at her and we started chatting away like old time friends. She shared with me that she followed our blogs and always kept up with what our charity was doing. Her son was 4 years old, the same as Wyatt and they hit it off right away as well. They ran off playing pretend pirate ship together. I talked to her for nearly an hour about motherhood, both of our struggles, and a lot about Raise for Rowyn. It was such a great feeling to connect with a total stranger; all along her not knowing that I needed to hear that reassurance. I knew we were meant to cross paths today. After chatting with her and eating our picnic Wyatt and I went for a walk around the falls. Many times I pictured Rowyn running ahead of us along the trail. Her curly blonde curls bouncing and her giggling. It was like she was with us so prominently that I could sense it. “Wyatt do you remember coming here with sissy?” I asked him. “Ya I do!” he replied. We talked about her frequently during our walk. I think Wyatt could feel her with us as well. We walked down the stairway to see the biggest waterfall at the park. A year ago I was there with the kids and took a picture together in that exact spot. I took Wyatt’s picture while he leaned on the fence looking out at the waterfall. The mist was surrounding us. It felt so peaceful just us down there with the noises of the water crashing. We headed back up to the trail to finish our walk. All along the way I could remember exact spots we would stop with Rowyn for pictures or for her to smell a flower. It was a “first” that I realized was so wonderful to experience. I loved reliving those moments that I forgot about with Rowyn and feeling her presence. I know now in the future I will no longer dread going back to that park. I actually look forward to going back again to hopefully relive another memory that maybe I have forgotten. God is good.