Something magical happened, and it clicked quite recently. I began feeling proud of those things that once caused me so much shame. I realized deep down with all of my heart that I’m a good person, that I love who I am.

I built this. We built this. Each project now represents a moment in our lives. It’s our outdoor living room, but it’s also a gallery of our family projects. The blowing wind and falling leaves are filled with memories.

I can still see (and feel) Eric’s smile so clearly. It was gigantic, almost cartoonish, his lips and cheeks filling to the brim with delight, straining to contain his immense energy, on the verge of exploding with joy.