We had a not so typical Labor Day weekend. Of course nothing about our life these days is very typical. Ken has been dealing with the effects of Liver Cancer and has seen his energy decreasing during the last few weeks. We are thankful for some iron infusions that we are hoping will restore some pep to his steps. In the mean time, Ken is mostly just moving slowly from the bed, to the couch to the patio to the front porch, using a cane to help keep him steady. The kids have been wonderful, stopping in to bring us some needed company and we love those hugs.
On Saturday we got to watch Grace for a couple of hours. It was really fun to see how much she has grown up during the Covid mess. I loved just talking with her and hearing all about her school and her friends. Three is such a fun age! I also managed to get the following picture...
Grace age 3, 2020
This is special to me for so many reasons. This little chair she is sitting in was mine! It is 62 years old and has sure seen better days. But it is so fun to see this chair, through the years and all of the precious little ones who got to use it!
Yes, that is me, age 4, in the chair when it was brand new - Christmas of 1958!
Then it was 1982
Gwen was around 3 years old in this picture.
Then Doug, around 3, got to use the chair in 1985
First of the grandkids to use the chair was Lia (age 18 months) in 2007
followed by Ellie age 4, in 2013
Zeke, age 2 in 2013
And then Anna, age 3 in 2017.
It is interesting how your perspective changes when illness enters your house. This silly little kids chair is not really even an "heirloom" in the typical definition. It wasn't an expensive chair when it was new. But suddenly it seems priceless to me. The memories that these pictures show, are worth more than any amount of money. I am so thankful for these snapshots of rocking around the years. I am also thankful that I have those recently digitized movies since I saw myself, rocking in that chair on that Christmas in 1959. Technology is wonderful.
In addition to sitting in this chair when Grace visited, she did a lot of cutting! She found a pair of kid scissors in the toy box and I gave her a magazine to cut up. She spent almost an hour making lots of tiny pieces of paper.
When Ken got up, Grace wanted to sit at the table and eat with him She had already had breakfast, but she had a snack of applesauce while Grandpa ate his breakfast.
It was so good to have time to just play with her. I miss my time watching her each week. She was sad when mommy and daddy came to get her. I am sure we will have time for more fun soon.
On Labor Day, Gwen, Tim and the kids came for a visit. As a special treat they brought Chandler. Ken loves that doggie so much. At one point he called him Sheba (our dog when Gwen was little). But Chandler didn't mind much. Ellie insisted on bringing her violin so that Ken and I could hear her first song. Considering that she has only had the instrument for a couple weeks and only had a few lessons, it was great! She seems to be a natural at this.
Chandler was apparently part of the performance. I didn't notice him when I took the picture, but he was watching us watch Ellie play!
I am so thankful for the time that Gwen and Tim and Doug and Susie, as well as the grandkids spend with us. I know that Ken's time is most likely short and it is a blessing for the kids to make memories with him. We are all taking one day at a time and trying to not look to far into the future. For now that is enough. The summer has been so dry, we have gone weeks and weeks with no rain. I really don't remember another summer this dry. But as we have entered September, we have had several days of much needed rain. One night last week, I was awakened by loud claps of thunder and pounding rain. This morning I woke up to rain on the window. Yes, a transition is happening all around me. The weather is changing from the heat and dry of summer to the damp and cool of autumn. This year has been a time all its own that we will not forget. The year 2020 will live on in memory of COVID, quarantine, fear and anxiety and loneliness as we "sheltered in place" away from all those we love so much. Now our family is drawing together and coming closer as we care more about being together than fear of COVID. We are holding and hugging each other as we stand together as Ken's cancer progresses. We are doing our best to remember this...
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:34
I am so thankful for all of you, reading this blog. Our family needs your prayers during this transition. We so appreciate the love and concern of our friends and extended family. Most of all we are thankful for the knowledge that Jesus has brought everyone that believes in Him, eternal life. It is the faith and hope of Jesus that sustains us and brings us peace when nothing around us is very calm or peaceful.
For some reason, the gentle rain today has been so soothing. I made beef stew in the crock pot and some drop biscuits to go with it. The oven helped heat up the cool house and the smell of the stew filled the house with a lovely aroma. So calming and comforting. Yes, today has been a good day and I will celebrate every good day.
Jesus, thank you for rain that soaks into the thirsty ground. Thank you for the assurance of your saving grace. Help us all to stay mindful of the joys in each day, even as so much around us is uncertain and shaking. Thank you for the hugs and love of family and friends. Remind us all to reach out and touch our loved ones and our neighbors. Thank you for memories, for finds from the past and for hope to look into the future. Amen
