Cemeteries

I have a thing with cemeteries.   They are peaceful. 

Today we went to the cemetery.   We can never find my sister in laws grave. 

But my mom gave us directions- very specific directions- and we found it. It's been 28 years, and I can still see my brother and his  brother in law,  sitting next to these graves, weeping.  Some deaths are harder than others.

I am always surprised how many graves hold a veteran.  So many have and do serve.

Then we found my father in laws headstone. As we look for it - and I we always have to look-

we find names of people we have known.  There are so many good memories at a cemetery.   

I'm grateful that I know that this is not the end.  That we can be together again. That the Savior can help us as we go through the grief of losing our loved ones.  

It's all gonna work out.

Last week of school

This is us at 100 days of school. As we enter the last week of school I can't help but think what a strange year it was.  The first half I was  sick.  After phnomia,  I picked up all  their germs.  To end the year, we all stayed home so we wouldn't pick up each others germs.  They have worked hard. I love that their parents have tried to keep them on track.  As I call them weekly, they always ask how I am doing.  Such sweet bonds have been formed as a result of Covid 19.  

I went for a walk yesterday and found these on a tree.  I have come to see this beautiful world as a tender mercy. 

When I do my neck exercises I look at this wall. The picture is my family, together,  in North Carolina.  So grateful for their effort to be  there last year. It is a memory I think about often. Love them.

Richard and Ashley came up this weekend.  We had Ashelys graduation celebration. On.v e of many events we have had to postpone. 

I  guess my point is, that life is different,  but I see God in this. I have become patient,  grateful, and dependent on my family and friends for support.   

Uggg

Our friend, Jeff Willis, passed away this week.  It broke my heart. Liz is a dear friend to me. She is doing really well right now. I know that it broke her heart as well. 

A couple of years ago we went to visit them in California.  They were going to take us to lunch, but on the way, we stopped by Wes's school to visit the secretary. 

We watched him go in and could see her jump up and give him a hug.  Jeff said, 'Oh,oh, she's coming.'  We watched as Patty came running out to the truck. I was desperately trying to figure out how to get out of the truck. Jeff was right there. He had my door opened and helped me slide right out into the biggest hug I have ever had.  I remember crying during that hug, and hoping no one had noticed,  but Jeff had.  He noticed everything.  It was what made him a great story teller. 

Jeff was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer 4 weeks ago.   I admire the peace he had with this life and the next, that helped him pass away without the fight.  It is an ugly fight, and he lived the last 4 weeks in peace and with the love of his family near him.

This tree is finished, but I wanted to post one more picture.   Love this color.

It was quite a surprise to have Callie come by today.  So happy to see her. I hate that this quarantine keeps families apart. 

So basically,  I  had a few tears this week...again.  I do okay. I work, which by the way, I  talked to a few of the littles on the phone.❤💙💚💛🧡💜, I sew, I  garden, I check on some little ladies,  but sometimes I have a good cry.  

Inhale 

Exhale 

Another week of Stay at Home'

Another week of this crazy life. It was a hard week for some of my family.  Mental illness is hard to work with, but harder still during this time.  

I feel lucky that I am able to work. I get to go to the school occasionally and am grateful for some time out of the house.  I also had an appointment to give blood this week.  It was nice to get out.

I spend some time each day outside.  I have said many times how we are blessed to have this quarantine during such a beautiful season. 

Wish you could hear the bees in this tree.

I have found myself cooking more often. Oddly enough I keep trying new things.  I did French Bread this week.

And a new chocolate chip cookie recipe.   They were good. Scott says they have too many nuts.

I also send cards and letters to my friends, family and grands. They sometimes contain gift cards or masks.  These are things I just don't have time to do when I am at work 10 hours a day.

At the end of the day, I am a believer.  I believe that staying home protects me and others from the virus and after my battle with pneumonia a few months ago, I want to be protected. I believe that Gods hand is in our lives and that He will protect us as we follow Him and His Son. 

Better days lie ahead of us.