One day at a time

A tragedy. A pain inflicted upon a best friend, and a family, that is unfathomable. The loss of Gaylon Paulson brought me back to Iowa sooner than expected. I was in Dallas ready to head out to Costa Rica but after the news from Anna on Friday night the trip was easily delayed and I've been in Iowa since.

A week with the Paulson's could be the best thing anyone could ever ask for. Under the circumstances it was very tough at times, but this family is incredible in so many ways.


(Left to Right: Sarah, Katie, Susan, Kristin, Anna, and Janet with Ivan standing)

Let me give you a taste of what it was like.
--Endless food that needed to be tasted, Katie's will power was tested every night. (mine too, I ate everything. Ladies of Ottumwa, you CAN bake!)
--Playing tennis with Anna, she can make you dance or dive, whichever works for you to get OUT OF THE WAY fastest!
--Golfing with the twins, Kristin and Sarah, collegiate golfers whose drives humble most men.
--Cleaning, love y'all but you have SO much stuff. Haha!
--Punctuality, or the lack thereof. This family is notoriously late, Gaylon was a very patient man. Six women in a house, take a minute to appreciate that one!
--Susan's and Shama's sprinter van filled with crystals, peacock feathers, organic fruit and water from Mt. Shasta.
--Janet's strength - you are an amazing woman! Thanks for all of the life lessons.

Take into consideration that this is just a slim description of the week. Through all the grief, they were able to come together to continue on. The Paulson's are strong. Gaylon has to be proud to know that he has so many amazing women continuing to carry on his legacy.

Photo's from a few priceless moments captured at: http://picasaweb.google.com/hailee.rustad/ThePaulsonS?authkey=Gv1sRgCPG0nKCqpM-bAw#

Still trying to find more words........