Dear Heart...

Mom Grace has moved into a nursing home. The home she's lived in for the past fifty years is empty and for sale. Anything that she didn't want in her new quarters was divided among her four children - and me.

There were things she wanted me to have, including a few things I had made and given to her years ago. This hand-dyed wool pillow I made for her over fifteen years ago was one of those things. I remember the time I spent stitching on it like it was yesterday. I even added our initials to each bottom corner, and I couldn't wait to surprise her with it! It sat for years on her bed at home and I know how much she liked having it.

But there are only so many personal things you can take with you into a small room that becomes your living and sleeping quarters, so choices had to be made. I understand, but I couldn't help but be a little sad.

In the boxes of things she had set aside for me were all the letters I'd ever written to her and the photo albums I mailed to her to show her what I was creating, how our grandchildren were growing and thoughts I wanted to share with her. Seeing all of these things in the box bothered me more. I know that it was out of consideration for the photos that they were returned to me, but it somehow felt like something was coming to an end. I don't think I can explain it any better than that.

There were other things, too. Items I will treasure that meant something to Mom. Things I can now treasure in our home. I know that this pillow will sit in a special place where I can see it every day, and reminisce on the nearly forty years of friendship we've shared.

I'll continue to send letters and photographs to her when we're apart. I'll spend as much time as I'm able with her when I'm in Wisconsin. It's not the end. It's just a new beginning, but I think in some ways it will be as uncomfortable and sad for me as it is for her.

Life will go on, Dear Heart. It will just be different. I love you, Mom. 

Sunday Scripture...

Our newest graduate!

"Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed."

                                                    - Proverbs 16:3

Another Celebration...

My niece, Stephanie and her son, E

Today, we'll celebrate the tenacity and commitment of my beautiful niece, Stephanie. This young, single mother of an active eleven year old will be graduating from Marian University with a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing. Magna. cum. laude!!!

While she completed her studies she continued to work a full-time job, wass den mother for her son's Boy Scout troop, and still managed to make their little house a home. On evenings when she might be able to have some time to herself (like when E. goes to spend an overnight with Grandpa), its not unusual to find her cleaning house and doing laundry. She's so dedicated to making a better life for herself and her son that she's willing to do whatever it takes.

She and I talk on the telephone frequently, usually as she's on her way from one thing to another, and I've been proud to be one of her biggest cheerleaders. I marvel at her energy, her integrity and her sense of responsibility and purpose.

I'll be right there next to her mom, dad, son and of course, Handsome as we celebrate her achievement. Never one to rest on her laurels, Steph has already set her next goal - to save her money to be able to purchase her first home for her and E, and I just know it won't be long before she realizes that goal, too!

Our family will gather together to salute her achievement and applaud the culmination of all her hard work. Today we shall make merry! Congratulations, Stephanie!