Summer Break is Here

 It’s been a while since my last entry, and so much has happened that I hardly know where to begin. I also wonder what’s the point of keeping a blog since there’s far too much to read online for anyone to dare to try to keep up with it all. I guess for me it partly has to do with what Flannery O’Connor said. 

“I write to discover what I know.”

Life has been coming at me fast for several months, and I’ve had little time to reflect. But one thing has become clear— Joy and Sorrow are close partners in this life

I just finished up another school year (my 10th), at the start of which we learned of Dad’s underlying health issues. We thought he was within weeks or months of the finish line. I am grateful to say that he is holding steady 8 months later. But it has not been an easy 8 months. It is hard on both my parents, this new chapter of  life that is now theirs. Old age is inevitable, but we are never ready for all the changes it brings. 

At my age, along with the sorrow and concerns of aging parents comes the joy of new life. Our first grandchild was born in December, 5 weeks early. Madelyn Rose spent the early days of her life in the NICU. We all shared the hesitant joys and lingering worries of the early weeks and months of her life. During what felt like a very fragile time, I am so grateful for my daily prayer routine (thanks to Pastor Brian Zahnd—look him up and read his books) for the online prayer school I attended about a year ago. Prayer truly has gotten me through some tense moments this year and given me peace and rest of heart and mind.

Back to Madelyn, she is now 6 months and thriving. She is the sunshine for every cloudy day. With Bill’s help, I will be caring for her 3 days a week during the summer. Yesterday was our first day with her and it was such a treat! Three things that I am most looking forward to contributing to her upbringing (besides lots of love and snuggles) are the supreme joy that can be found in music, nature, and books. We cleared off a few bookshelves and brought up some favorites from the basement stash from our kids’ younger years. We’ve also added several new ones to the mix. We got a swing off Etsy that she will have to grow into, but maybe a pillow will allow her to enjoy some swing time this summer and fall. Spotify has many nursery song playlists that are so fun. There will be cooking/baking when she’s older and hiking no doubt! It was a bit cloudy and damp yesterday so our walk through the yard was short. Yet we did take the opportunity to check out the rose and lavender scents in the garden. 

Finally, a great joy on the horizon is Luke and Mary’s wedding. These two are truly another match made in heaven, and I can’t wait to celebrate with them surrounded by family, friends, and the stunning beauty of Colorado. Hard to believe Michaela and Austin’s beautiful wedding was already two years ago!

This awesome bird book has buttons to press to hear bird songs/sounds.

We had a couple weeks of beautiful roses before the rain came and melted them. 

I always look forward to the Oriental Poppies blooming.

The Bigleaf Lupine in our native garden came up strong this year for a lovely first time bloom.