Sweet Sleepover

Last Friday we took advantage of the teachers' Pro D day for a sleepover.

Teddy, Evy and Jade came over on Thursday, dragging pillows,

favorite blankets and stuffies along with them.

We pulled mattresses together to make up a king size bed in front of the TV,

made a large bowl of popcorn and the girls quickly decided what movie to watch.

Finally I got to find out what the minion craze has been about!

The  movie began with describing Despicable Me (Gru) as a man who delights in wickedness.

So far, not so good. 

With his army of yellow minions and weapons, 

Gru set up a plan to steal the moon, not allowing anything or anyone to get in his way.

But a surprise came along in a package of three orphans who changed his life.

It was one of those "Awe" endings that make for a sweet movie. 

And talk about sweetness, there was not a question in any of their minds

as to what they wanted for breakfast. 

Jade kept saying, "This is my favorite breakfast ever!" 

After breakfast they continued with their dress up games,

and invited Papa and me to their restaurant. 

I was seated and served in short order,

but Papa was given a hard time and ended up having to get vaccinated 

right then and there at the till. 

 

Childhood is such a wonderful time!

And the impact they can have on you -

well, the movie says it all! 

From Another Shore

 

This past week week we've taken time to rest. My H did the best thing by taking me away to a distant shore with blue skies, sunshine and no commitments.

We've stayed at a quaint B&B just a block away from the main street, in the old fishing village of Lahaina; delicious breakfasts served on the front porch and our room around the back, a few steps from the pool.

The main street is lined with tiny shops on one side and numerous restaurants ocean side, where we have taken in the most amazing meals and sunsets.

To get to the beach we walked past the old banyan tree that takes up a city block in size.

You can see the original trunk and how it shoots out forming new trunks, so that by now it looks like a forest, with all trees connecting to the center. 

Going the other direction we got into some local neighborhoods as we walked the beach to the north.

We walked for miles

wading into the salty water where I let my tears flow.

We got lost in books and dozed off on lanais.

The thought that the end of a season has come upon us hit me when Monika and I stopped off at the care home last week. Our arms laden with roses, cards and chocolates, we stood at the door to say thank you. Together we had settled mom in in January 2018 and together we rang the doorbell for the last time now - not able to go inside anymore. 

January has never been my favorite month and this year it added a whole new element to cold winter days as we sat with mom during her final week, buried ourselves in plans for, what she would be able to call "a good funeral" and then the final clean up. 

 I was more overwhelmed with tiredness than grief

and, in a strange way, happy that it was this specific month that remained true to its melancholy self so as not to waste another.

I grieve not that my mom has left, but I do grieve the lost years she had to endure. 

Years that made no sense, other than how they have affected me and taught me a lot about her as well as myself. I learned that what she stored up in her heart was what took her through those lost years.

And because I'm a Christian, I also believe that when she saw Jesus, all of her loss was forgotten.

Life is a precious gift, and eternal life is more. 

I wish to thank all of you for sharing in this time with me, 

for your expressions of love, sympathy and prayers.

Your visits and words have been a comfort during this time.

♡♡♡

Tessa Lynn (Teddy) is Ten!

 Dear Teddy, 

You were one of our baby grands that was whisked away to another province,

soon after you were born. 

And how we cherished every photo of you growing cuter by the day.

Home was where Mom and Dad and Lacey were.

We enjoyed quick flights to cuddle, read stories,

experience  prairie winters and watching you learn to skate.

We were also so happy that you made your way back quite often.

The first time for Papa's 60th Birthday. 

And ever since, there was something special between the two of you.

In Spring we met at the pool in California

and in summer we had time for sleep overs, back yard swings,

cousin tea parties, trips to the zoo and to the lake. 

There came the happy day when you all moved back.

You started pre-school and how I loved it when I got to pick you up!

Some of the happiest smiles I've seen were when

you could stir and taste something in the kitchen ...

our butter loving girl.

There could never be enough sugar cookies to roll out,

chocolate cupcakes to decorate, peppernuts to cut 

or pancakes to mix. 

And how can I forget to mention the stuffies I'd find in the laundry chute -

a sneaky reminder that you'd been over. 

Teddy, you amaze us with your gift to follow instructions

crafting quietly, whether with cousins or alone.

You express your joy for music on the piano

and your love for the outdoors wherever you are.

You are kind, gentle, creative, smart and just enough of a tease 

that shows you know how to have fun.

What a precious gift you are!

May God bless you and keep you

and make His face to shine on you. 

Keep that beautiful smile!

Love you always,

Papa and Mimi

❤❤❤

When all is Said and Done

I woke up at night and suddenly the word came to me

as to how I feel, it is that I suddenly feel old.

Maybe because as long as I had my mom,

I felt young.

Maybe because I have first hand seen the

impact that she has had

on many who have expressed it now.

It is a sobering thing to wash her last loads of laundry,

bright tops I can still see her in,

 only in my memory, with no lasting charm.

But, the things others have said to me,

the impact she had, 

imprints of how she loved,

cared for, prayed for, welcomed and accepted them -

those are the thoughts filling my mind,

and not just my mind,

but my very being feeling cloaked

with a mantle I've never worn.

So teach me to number my days, Lord. 

Let me remember what will truly matter

when all is said and done.