Remember?

I talk to my Dad on the phone every morning at 7:30; actually, it's more than that- we FaceTime every morning! We upgraded our communication style when COVID began, not knowing then how long it would be before in-person visits resumed; we've been "seeing" each other daily since then. He was telling me the other day how he can't seem to remember things anymore, things that used to be so familiar to him: restaurant names, places, things like that; it discouraged him. I had just cleaned out that closet (former post) to make way for Christmas decorations and found a boxful of old photographs with people in them that I wasn't sure I could identify. Thinking that this might be the perfect memory-jogger for him, as well as a great way for me to get information for labeling these photos, I showed this one to him today. All that I knew was that I'm the baby being held in this picture and that this was taken at my grandparents' home. Dad is a wealth of knowledge; as soon as he saw this scene he told me that this was my great aunt, my grandmother's sister. From there he regaled me with tales about the car in the background (I learned it was a 1947 Ford that belonged to my grandfather) where it was purchased and how many miles it had on it at the time, what options it had, and how he had "borrowed" it to take my mother on a date because he liked it so much better than his own car at the time. He even recalled what, and when, my grandfather traded it in for years later. It was the best "visit", we both enjoyed it; me in the listening and he in the happy remembering and retelling, he was really excited about that.  I'm going to pull out a few more to look at this week, it's a great way to start the day!

Life is Good!

Saying Good-bye

Saying good-bye is never easy. On Sunday we did a final cleaning of my in-law's home. The closing was earlier today, it now belongs to a new, young family. It's not hard to clean out an empty house; unencumbered by furnishings it's easy to make those final passes with the vacuum cleaner and dust cloths; that's the easy part, the head part-- but, when it's the home your children grew up in, celebrating family milestones and holidays, it is almost unbearable for the heart to let it go and walk out the door for the last time. I couldn't help but stand still for awhile and recall how many years the Christmas tree had held center stage in that very bow window and how many countless family celebrations had been observed, once upon a time, around the dining room table that stood beneath that chandelier. I am grateful, though, filled with humble gratitude that this home served its purpose for over four decades. Designed by my father-in-law in 1976, it was home-base for my husband's family for all of these many years. Thanks be to God, it remained the home of my precious mother-in law for as long as humanly possible, her final wish.  I rejoice today to think of a new family, one with young children, embracing this home as their own; filling the cavernous rooms once again with joyful voices and happy laughter. I wish them every blessing that this home has been bestowed upon us: happy homecoming!

Life is Good!

In The Nick of Time

I know, I know, it's been awhile since I have posted. There's been a lot going on here the last few weeks. My parents have been here visiting, we had a great time; they returned safely home to New Hampshire over the weekend. During their stay my dear MIL took a turn for the worse and has been hospitalized since October 16. The goal is for her to be discharged tomorrow to a skilled care facility for rehabilitation. We're keeping our fingers crossed and praying. Please join me in prayer on her behalf; God knows her needs, her name is Miriam.

Now-- onto today's post. Yesterday morning our son called early: "how close are you to having Gregory's tooth fairy pillow done?" he asked. Not very! I had all the components. Months ago I had asked my daughter-in-law for a pair of blue jeans that Gregory had outgrown. I had seen an idea on Pinterest for one using a back pocket to create a toothfairy pillow. I didn't see ay rush, however. His teeth were still tight and secure the last I knew. "Gregory has a loose tooth this morning" my son continued. "Okay", I assured him, "I'll get right on it". I cut and embroidered, I bordered the center with leftover Riley Blake fabric from the quilt on his bed and made a denim pillow back and piping for the edge. I wasn't overly concerned about getting it to him right away-- loose teeth took days, sometimes weeks, with our two children and he only discovered it to be loose yesterday morning. I received a phone call a little after three o'clock yesterday afternoon. "Is my pillow ready?" asked the sweet little voice on the other end of the line. "Almost" I responded, "when do you need it ?" "Now" was Gregory's reply, "my tooth fell out on the playground at school today!"  That was fast!

His Mom texted this photo. 

The pillow was delivered... just in the nick of time!

Life is Good!