My three-year old son Xavier squeezed my hand as we entered the Monterey Bay Aquarium in California Pointing to a life-size sculpture of a humpback whale suspended from the ceiling he said ldquo Enormous rdquo His wide-eyed joy continued as we explored each exhibit We laughed as the otters splish-splashed during feeding time We stood in silence in front of a large glass aquarium window mesmerized by the golden-brown jellyfish dancing in the electric blue water ldquo God made every creature in the ocean rdquo I said ldquo just like He made you and me rdquo Xavier whispered ldquo Wow [... more]

Sometimes living with chronic pain and fatigue leads to being isolated at home and feeling alone I rsquo ve often felt unseen by God and others During an early morning prayer-walk with my service dog I struggled with these feelings I noticed a hot air balloon in the distance The people in its basket could enjoy a bird rsquo s-eye view of our quiet neighborhood but they couldn rsquo t really see me As I continued walking past my neighbors rsquo houses I sighed How many people behind those closed doors felt unseen and insignificant As I finished my walk [... more]