As Riley and Adam and I run beneath a sapphire sky, I keep time in blooms like lace gently swaying in trees that just weeks ago still stood beseeching, their empty limbs desperately reaching for God. And now, it’s as though creation breathes again for the first time, newborn, naked and filling with life, all […]
On a rainy morning, the drops like sheets, the thickness of clouds casting shadow over waking, Kevin and I wander from our room in search of coffee. Riley pauses at the top of the stairs to greet us, bright-voiced, sunshine breaking. “How are you feeling?” Kevin asks, but seeing her puzzled, wobbly expression, quickly amends, […]
My first thought, when Kevin casually mentioned the coming rain, the bone-cold breeze, the silent freezing night, was that the blooms would die. I peered out the back window, watching the pear tree dance, decked in blooms like a lacy bride, pure, new, completely vulnerable to the fury of unvanquished Winter. All week, I had […]
On the porch in the early morning and the light all new, I lift my hand in the air, bending my fingers into the sign for love. And Adam, looking through the window as he leaves for school, tilts his head, studying the gesture. He looks at his own hand as Kevin backs out in […]
This morning, I finally open the box. The lid slides free with a sigh, the satisfying thwump of gift opened, gift held, gift counted. Riley gave me a white hyacinth bulb for Christmas, seed of promise in a rooting vase the color of water. I hold the bulb in my palm, cupping my hand around its teardrop shape, […]
Saturday night, and the descent happens just this quickly: We sit around the table licking frosting from our fingers, when she finally lifts her cupcake in one flattened palm, admiring the shape of it from all sides. She has her own way—her own “technique,” she says—for savoring food. When it comes to cupcakes, she tastes […]
Today, Adam walks inside smelling of grass, his sharp, blue eyes fastened on me, his stride purposeful. “Hi,” I say, wondering. Is this the day for one of his (His) surprises? “Hi, Mommy,” He says, waving one hand a little. Then he bends down and kisses me. And I am blown, like the withered petals […]
“Your public speaking ability radiated your passion for Jesus. There was a true sense of comfort and peace as well as joy and truth.”
“Having Elysa speak for us has been such a blessing. She speaks with such a level and ease and comfort. It is like sitting across the kitchen table with your best girlfriend and a cup of coffee. Elysa has such an incredible passion for God’s Word and it is apparent as she speaks with great knowledge and understanding. We at Essex Village have had the pleasure of seeing God’s handiwork in Elysa throughout her life. She has allowed the Potter to mold her and make her His Workman.”
© 2024 —Elysa Henegar