Dear Children, It was love of reading week. No homework Woohoo! Dear Ma Pa + Sis, I am so glad you came to see me, even if I was useless. AGAIN. You did my laundry and cleaned my yard, fixed the hammock swing and gave my kids a much needed reminder to help and obey. At the same time convincing me to let them play in the water in the ditch. Everyone took a nap on the couch and Papa was bored for awhile. I teased that we can't all have the energy of a 69 year old. Me and Pa had matching hand wounds, me from carpal tunnel surgery and him from the removal of skin cancer. His incision was bigger than mine. And then Pa goes and gets his heart shocked back into rhythm. I knew you were going to do it, but I think you should have told me what day before you did it not right after! At your age you should be required to check in and report! But I am very happy you are taking good care of yourself. Dear Kade, you walked in soaking wet and said "...I slipped and fell in the water..." Laughing, Papa says " but you took off your socks and shoes first? Did you really think we would fall for that?" you said "uh no not really". Stinker. Dear S, I feel sad every time I look out the kitchen window into your backyard knowing that you have passed on. Knowing that C is missing you. You both have been so kind to me and my kids and they loved you both instantly because you talked and played a game with them. It was just a few months ago when we were singing at your door. My kids are sad you are gone. I am sad you are gone. I know you are just right there waiting for C. And I know you will be together again. That knowledge and the peace it brings is priceless. I am sad for my Mama, who has lost too many good friends lately. Your funeral was beautiful. The little Bryce girls played the most beautiful violin piece to Be Still My Soul, one of my absolute favorites. I cried a bit. And when your brother sang I Know My Savior Lives I was overwhelmed with the comfort of my Savior. I thought after those moments and beautiful words how can anyone not know He is there. He Lives. Dear Break, this is the beginning of our spring break. Can we handle it?...Can I handle it? We shall see. Dear Dr. Appointments, Will and I drove the 3 hours to see two Dr.s. I wanted to hear all good now move on with your life. But that's not what I heard. Still struggling, still healing. I'm not fond of complications like this. Although, it really was so nice to get to spend the entire day with Will. We ran some errands and ate lunch and I even talked him into trying out a pedicure. Ha! He wasn't nearly as fond of it as I was. But I loved the whole day. Dear Kasi, you have no idea how much I worry about my kids. And how hard it is for me to leave them because I don't ever feel like they will really be cared for and taken care of. You handled all 7 of them so I could see the Dr., and with some of them being stinkers, like a pro. You have no idea how much I appreciate you. You are strict, but they love you so much. The perfect blend. You make me laugh too which is a big bonus. And you tell anyone how messy my house is, well you better not! I am glad we are friends. Thank You! Dear Packing, you completely wiped me out. It took me forever and we had to turn around because I had forgotten my tennis shoes. We are going to have a great spring break... If I could just get some sleep. Dear Will, I have loved spending time with you and I am so happy you get the week off, even if there will be a bunch of crazy kids around the whole time. I love you so so much. When we were sitting at the funeral I was thinking, I could never leave this life if I didn't know I could have you in the next life. So I think I will stick around just for awhile. Dear Self, it's been a week I'll tell ya. I go from discouraged to hopeful and back again. But never forget how blessed I am. I know that the Lord is trying to help me grow. Because I need to.
