My Mom

Well, today I lost my Mom and more than anything, I am grateful to know I will see her again one day. I don't know how non-believers do it. I am sad, but mostly for my Dad who lost his best friend of almost 57 years. Since they dated for 5 years before that it's actually 62 years. He must feel like he lost his right side. My Mom lost her Mother when she was only 3 so I can't help but think of the two of them, together at last. And her Dad too, but mostly her Mom.

The other day when I posted that we were leaving for Florida, we never actually left due to some .... complications. We are still in Lilburn and will be leaving for Florida on Saturday for the Tuesday funeral. Kevin and I went to Mass this morning and prayed mostly for my Dad. Kevin reminded me of some of the crazy and funny things my Mom used to say like "OAFRAH Whinfrey" instead of Oprah and ROCK-CHESTER NY and it got me smiling -- she was so Ethel Mertz, it's not even funny. My Mom taught me endurance when your marriage is not fun, she gave me a love for special needs people, a great love of food (ha ha!!!!), strong-willed opinions (if they don't like it, TOUGH CRAP!!!), shared ditzy moments, loyalty and too many other memories and characteristics to mention. I have no regrets when it comes to my Mom, we said and did all we needed to say and do for each other and the last words we said to each other is I LOVE YOU and we meant it, which is the best I can ask for. Say Hi to Jesus for me.

We are going to Florida today

My Mom is still in hospice, alive, but apparently, not for long. I got a call from my sister yesterday that my Mom is not only hanging on, but she is probably aware of those around her. I have to go down so we are packing up now. Luckily we have my dear cousin who is going to put us up at her house for the week and my dear friend Laura who is willing to help in whatever way we need for childcare, rides, whatever. Thanks be to God. Today marks the 25th anniversary of my grandmother's death (my Father's Mom who died on the morning of my high school graduation). Not sure I want her to pass today -- my poor Dad would have lost the 2 most important women in his life on the same day. Egad. I'll post later.

Ecclesiastes

“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted” (Ecclesiastes 3:1,2).

My cousin Judy was pregnant with Meghan when my Grandmother died. She wanted so much for our Gramma to meet her daughter, but it never happened. At the time I could not help but think that the cycle of life is just like that -- one dies and one is born. Ours is not to reason why....

Now we sit here waiting for Gracie and my Mom is literally on her deathbed in hospice. Gracie will also wear the baptismal gown that Frannie wore which was lovingly made from my Mom's wedding gown. A basic buddist tenant states that once we accept the suffering in life, we can find peace. God's will is not just good, it is PERFECT.

"Even when in our time we may not understand how a particular event can be purposeful or beautiful, we can have faith that if it occurs in God’s time for it, it is.....For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor present things, nor future things, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8)

End of School, Selling the House and Waiting, Waiting WAITING for LOA

We have had the Tucker house for 8 years (it was my house when I met Kevin) and have been renting it out, but we are finally ready to sell the thing and make a few pennies. Our friends have been living in the house and helping us tremendously with the fix-ups. Johan is a jack of all trades and his work is impeccable.

I have one more "school day" until the kids are finished and 3 more work days until I can officially say I'm off for the summer. I am going to be praying hard for all of my students during the summer. God bless Lisa and Brett.

LOA, LOA, LOA. Who out there can make up a blues song about waiting for an LOA. If anyone has any ideas, let me know and I will see if we can compose something funny to help ease our wait.

Hi

I like this picture (it's old) because it looks like Frannie is saying "Oooooh" and Jacob is saying "Aaahhhhh." Funny. That little Jacob cracks me up.







We are now at 65 days being logged in. Where are those LOAs? Are they actually holding up LOAs because of the swine flu too? I will post the updated pictures of Gracie's room this weekend - paint on the wall, check, crib, check, dresser, check. I'm making a bright mermaid theme. I found some towels I like with little "Olive" mermaids on them which is my favorite so I'm making Gracie a mermaid doll which hopefully won't freak her out (like the alligator freaked out Frannie in the orphanage).