Five-Minute Friday: After

After the body heals

and the space once filled with baby smooths.

After grief comes hard

and the nights once again give way to sleep.

After the sympathy cards taper

and the flowers wither

and the help slows

and life as we once knew it resumes.

After the winter melts

and spring slowly dawns

from the darkness.

After all of this -- I breathe.

Chest rises and falls

steadily for the first time in months

a rhythm of new normal emerging.

And the fog begins to burn off

in the steadiness of the Son.