Sad *edited*

(*Edited to note that the family that lost their son is not Laura's and Jimmy's family. These were two separate families and events. The little boy in the picture with Laura and Jimmy is their grandson, and as far as I know he is fine.*)

This has not been a week for good news. Yesterday I learned that some friends I had met through work a few years ago were killed in a car crash. They were Navajo, and traveled around selling beautiful handmade jewelry. They were on the way home from one of the camps that I used to coordinate.

Back in the summer of 2004 when we were going through our IVF journey, Laura (the wife) had made me a fertility bracelet and had said a special prayer over it. I wore that bracelet to every single appointment we had. Then I lost it. I searched and searched for it, but never found it. At my next appointment we learned that we had lost a twin. Daddy and I are both superstitious to an extent, so of course I've always had a twinge in my heart when I think about that bracelet. Last summer when I went to camp, I met up with them again. Laura made me a new bracelet, and also made some special pieces for KK. I still can't believe they are gone. Rest in peace, Laura and Jimmy.

Ironically, I also received a letter from the Navajo family that I had hoped would become penpals with KK. The letter shared this message:

"We received your letter and thanks for writing back to us. Well, first of all we have bad news for you. Our little son Sam passed away on April 07, 2008. So we don't know where to start, our mind is not there. I know he was a beautiful kid. We lost our son. We think of him every day."

There wasn't an explanation, so I don't know what happened. They sent photos of both Sam and Layla, and it turns out Layla is nine - so the little girl in the photos wasn't their daughter - but the boy is definitely Sam. I'm not sure what to make of it all.

Finally, I wanted to share this picture of Uncle Ry and Mesa that I took as a bridal shower gift for Auntie Kar. It's one of my all-time favorite pictures. We're still thinking of you. xoxo