The Island Spring 2026 part 2

 After seeing our dog and feeling so full of joy in those moments we headed out for another hour drive to  special place for us all. Keep in mind we have all been up since 2:30am and we are very tired and some of us still sick. 

We went to see my husband's sister and her family who live in my old home town. When we arrived in some ways it felt so familiar and so lovely. We first started visiting them in 2020 when my seven year old was very small. Everyone has grown so much since then but we still fall into our familiar small self roles in the best of ways. The kids went outside to play and chat, then settled into board games. My sister in law made a delicious, simple vegetarian dinner for fourteen people! We ate and chatted and my daughter and I went down to the beach and to visit my grandparents memorial tree. We also went to my childhood street. I just had to. This all did our souls a world of good.

After we had visited and reluctantly left we drove for two more hours to get to where we were staying for the weekend. The place we stayed is my childhood friend's property. I met her on this island when I was about eight years old. We have remained friends since. We attended each other's weddings and between us have ten living children. The fact that she is willing to have all us over for a weekend astound me. The amount of food needed to feed us all, and the amount of energy and planning needed to put into hosting us all is not lost on me. She was also willing to welcome us not 100 percent healthy. All I can say is, may God bless her so so SO richly. Staying at her house was the catalyst to us regaining our health for the first time in three months. 

Her property is an oasis for us. I recognize the sheer amount of work it is for her family to maintain it the way that they do, and I so appreciate that. We felt such joy there, such peace, and we had so much fun. I have not seen my son running with laughter spilling from him in so long. All of our hearts were ministered to in so many ways.

My friend lives on this property with her parents as well, and I can see that even though that presents with challenges, the massive blessings that also comes with it are many. From the Daffodils planted at the base  of the trees, to the burn piles everywhere, to the casual drop ins from her mom and dad to chat about something, it just felt really beautiful. 

It felt a little daunting to leave and head back to real life. However since being back everyone has mostly maintained being healthy. That has been a blessing. We have had some big ups and downs since coming back but the trip bolstered us and gave us some core things that we needed to continue on. Thank you Katrina and Courtney and families for loving us and welcoming us. Bless you!

The Island Spring 2026 Part 1

 In the first week of April my children, husband and I went to visit the place I spent formative years. It is one of my favourite places on earth because of the memories and because of how I feel when I go there. We went to visit family friends we had not been able to visit as a family for a few years as times of changed financially. 

However, until the day we left and still while travelling some of my children were sick. While on the ferry to get there one child was refusing to eat because of pain in his throat. We had been sick for months and I just hoped that once we go there somehow we would all get better.

The morning of our trip we all squished into our seven passenger mini van. This van had five adult sized people, a car seat, and all our luggage. There were seven of us travelling, I was in the back middle seat because that was where I had to fit. We left at 3 in the morning to try to catch the first ferry. Every other time we have done this we have been successful and have just been able to go onto the ferry. We arrived at 4am for the 5am sailing. I had made plans for friends to meet us at a beach in the earlier morning and then to be in other places at different times throughout the day. As we payed for the ferry I thought I heard the gentleman say that we may not catch a ferry. until 12:45. It was 4am. Say what?????!!!!!!!! I double checked with my husband as were driving into the line up and he confirmed. My heart dropped and my breathing accelerated. It was rainy, windy, and everyone was wide awake. 

That morning was a long one. The 5am ferry came and went, the 7:45am ferry came and went, and then we heard a rumour we may make it onto the 10:15am ferry. I was holding onto hope. I had already cancelled a lot of our plans and felt pretty sick about it. We had waited six hours in a very crowded vehicle and were hanging on by small threads. When the ferry arrived the truck in front of us was allowed on (we were the second in line) and that was it. I felt like I was going to vomit. Then when the ferry was almost full they let us on along with three other cars. My relief was just huge.

We made it through the two hour ferry ride without too much drama although I heard an announcement about not running on the ferry while still in the vehicle with the sleeping baby and wondered if that was because of my crew, and yes it was!

When we drove off the ferry the weight lifted for me as it always does. I am just home. I am myself. It is a relief. We headed straight over to visit our dog who is not ours anymore. We had her for three years before our baby made it clear she would not share any sort of house with an animal that wanted so much attention. The couple that has our dog now are the sweetest humans and love her so dearly. 

Seeing her was such a blessing. She remembered us and her loving heart was beautifully expressed. Oh I just was so thankful to see her!

The Triumphs of March 2026

 Here are moments in photos from March. Every family is unique and every family has struggles. Our family has more than a few. However we also have our triumphs and they are glorious.

Happy Spring

 Happy Spring :) The weather is glorious today. I have not written for a while and that is because life was just too much and I had no writing in me.

Today however the sun is shining, Tulips are wide open to the sun, the birds are singing and flitting through the trees, all of my respective family are happy and healthy and out and about! I am home alone which has been a rare occurrence for years now. 

This winter was challenging to say the least. There were three months of multiple sicknesses that spread through the family. I was care taking and up all hours night after night. It felt like a winter that would not end.

Guess what.

It ended!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And I made it through. Not unscathed. I am exhausted and in some ways feeling the long term effects. However I am thankful and determined and very aware of the truth of the situation.

Happy to be here ~ thankful for my precious family ~ thankful that we are all together ~ thankful for each person and their beauty and their uniqueness.

May you greet each day, and whatever it brings, with strength and may you walk in victory. There is power in your thoughts, in your perspective and in your choices. May I remember that, and may you as well.

Love Tansy