Summer Endings

As I reflect the happenings of the past two weeks, I am acutely aware of the workings of the Spirit within Earl and myself. Three years ago, Earl volunteered to help with the Grief Camp for Kids, and last year talked me into helping, too. This is a one day "camp" for 1st to 6th grade children who have experienced a loss of a loved one-mother, father, grandma, sibling, friend, etc... It is a way for them to express their grief, and help them understand, and deal with the grief they experience. I was reluctant to go last year, not sure what I could do to help, and what it involved. I came away from that day with much joy, and understanding of how important it is to have something like this for children. I saw how it changed their grief from complete sadness, to ways of expressing that sadness, and honoring the memory of their loved one. I was assigned two little boys who had lost their baby brother, who was a stillborn. Through stories, a movie, workbook, and memory box, they were able to express their sorrow and loss, along with all the other children. So this year, I willingly volunteered to help again.
When the two little boys came back again this year, they ran over to me and greeted me with smiles. Unfortunately, I assigned another child, so I directed them to their new volunteer. This time, I had a 6 yr. old girl, who had lost her grandmother to cancer @ a young age of 48. She started the day very quiet and shy, but by the end, she blossomed with talk about her grandma, and how much she loved her. I feel this is such a special program, and so happy to be a part of it. At the end of the day, we release balloons in the air with the person's name attached that they want to remember. It is a wonderful feeling of release.


Then, last friday, Dad finished his last day at the coffee shop. He was really bummed out about it, as he really enjoyed seeing the people @ the hospital, both workers, and visitors. But the bottom line was profits, and the hospital had to cut programs and things that were not keeping the hospital in the black. But as he prepared for his last day, he opened the readings for day from the scriptures, and guess what they were:
Ecclesiastes 3:1-11 There is an appointed time for everything,
and a time for every thing under the heavens....
A time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance....
A time to seek, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to cast away.
As these verses point out so eloquently, life is full of ups and downs. We all go through times when we feel like we're on top of the world, but we also face times of challenge and tragedy. How do we cope with the death of a loved one, or the loss of a job?
Ironically, the key to weathering the storms of life is often found within, and our connection to God can grow stronger, and deepen our faith. But if you are still searching, it can be a doorway that opens our hearts to His mercy and grace. But I think that the most important reason why tragedies can be blessings, is that we can encourage others facing difficulties with the same strength we have received from God.
I am so proud to be Earl's wife, and so glad he is in mine. I have seen the changes he has gone through, and though he doesn't realize the impact he had made on others in his work, I have listened to the expressions from many who came in contact with him.
He was bombarded with gifts, and cards, tears, hugs, photos, and sayings. What a wonderful accolade for his three years there, let alone getting "Employee of the Year" last year. He will be missed by many, and what more can anyone ask for, for a job well done.
But life goes on, and he will start anew with Caribou Coffee in a couple of weeks as a shift
supervisor, getting the hours he wanted, and weekends off.

Weekend of Camping

It's been a very busy summer for us. I can't say we haven't done a lot of traveling, for sure. But, still, we longed to go camping at least once this summer. The camper had been sitting in the driveway all through the warm weather. So, the first weekend in September, we packed it up, and took flight to our campground in Spirit Lake, Ia. The dogs were excited, too, to be going with us, instead of being left behind. The weather was cool, even misty @ intervals, but we didn't care. We took plenty of walks, in the campground, and surrounding areas. It was perfect for relaxing, and enjoying each other.










We all need weekends like this now and then.

The State Fair, 2008

Earl and I got tickets thru the hospital, discounted and included a bus to the State Fair. We had gone last year, and decided that it was the only way to go there. We also asked Alaina and Jonnie to go with us. So Friday after I worked my 12 hr shift, I asked Lorrie to bring them to the hospital, and I brought them home to spend the night, so we could an early start. The bus left @ 7 am., and the children got to sit in the front seat, which was good for Alaina, who gets car sick easy.
It was a beautiful sunny day, in the mid 80's by afternoon, tho a little cool in the morning, so the kids borrowed our jackets to wrap up in on the way to the cities. Of course, the first thing Jonnie wanted to do was get on a ride. But he patiently waited til we checked out a few things, and sampled some food. Throughout the day, of course, there was more sampling...snowballs, ice cream sundaes, cheese curds, cherry pepsi, wine ice cream(adults only), cheeseburgers, fries, corn dogs, bubblegum swirl cones, water, water, water, Sweet martha's choc. chip cookies.








Finally, we went to the Midway to check out the rides. Jonnie jumped on the first one he saw.

As he swirled around and flew in the air, Alaina and I watched him close his eyes, and bend his head down. I think he was a little scared, but when he came off, he was so excited and said it was really fun. Next he went on the tilt a whirl. Couldn't get Alaina to go with him. Then he went on the bumper cars.

Grandpa and him also went on the river raft ride. Again, I asked Alaina to join them. No way! So her and I watched them get wet, along with all the others on the rafts.

We visited the Miracle of Birth barn, a pioneer scene, a Sham Wow demonstration, the butter sculptors of the Dairy Princesses, watched a parade, seen the train display in the Ag Building, bought Grandpa a hat, watched a dog obedience show, and finally, after walking and walking, we took the Sky Glider back to our starting point to catch the bus home.
Our self portrait on the Glider. Alaina loved the ride in the sky!

The Wedding

It was a beautiful celebration of Adam and Maja's love and commitment to a life together, and a fusion of two families who love them both. It was personally an emotional experience for Earl and myself, seeing our only son, and last one getting married. During the tears, and lumps in our throats, I saw Jonnie nudge Aidan, and heard him say, "Look at Grandpa, he's crying!"
With temps @ 107 degrees, yes, it was hot, but it didn't seem to matter during the Mass, and exchanging of vows, and rings, and pledges of love. Even little Luci was an angel, and I was very proud of my son. He won't have an easy road to travel for awhile, going to college, working full time, and moving in with the In-laws, and caring for his family, but pursuing his dreams will help him get through in all. I love Maja, and am so happy to have her part of this crazy female-dominate group.
And then the fun began @ the reception. Our crazy dance loving family dominated the floor most of the night. We can't help it, we all just love to dance, and enjoy the music. Maja's brother, Peter, did a great job, playing his guitar, and singing for the wedding couple's first dance. I loved the song I danced with Adam, Josh Groban's "You raised Me Up". And Jonnie's slow dance with his Grandma was so special. It was over too soon.
The next day, we had to pack up and leave early to head back home.