My family

My mom still hangs her laundry on a clothesline to dry. My sister likes her clothes dried this way because fabric softeners make her itch. I hear towels dried this old-fashioned way are very absorbent and feel good when using. To me they feel rough, but we all have our preferences. One of my brothers was visiting this weekend, too. He bought new nylon, clothes-hanging string and rehung the clothesline. It looks nice. I think my mom will be pleased. My brother is one of the younger ones, but very close to my sister. She has entrusted him with many of the legalities regarding her life. I thanked him for being who he is and for accepting this responsibility. It is not a responsibility he wanted, but he accepted it because he loves her. Life gives us many ups and downs, I tell you...

We are home now. It feels good. And even though I am here, my thoughts are with my sister. What else can I do for her?

Also visiting them is my other brother and sister-in-law. She is truly a blessing to our family. Her profession is a nurse. Can you imagine the knowledge she shares with us regarding the care and health of my sister? She is wonderful. We love her so much.

We pull together in time of need because we are family -- from brothers to sisters to nieces and nephews and friends - we all come together. God bless us all (and I know He does).

Yellow . . .

Our daylilies are blooming - so pretty and bright. I love yellow. Yellow is my favorite color.

My sister is back in the hospital - she is very sick. We keep hoping for a miracle and at the same time, I know she is tired.

God bless her.

Life continues . . .

I often wonder what it will take to let by-gones be by-gones, past disagreements stay in the past, forgiveness to be given. What does it take? I do not like conflict - it makes me sad. I try to avoid it as much as I can, but I will stand my ground if being attacked or those I love are being seen with disrespect. There is no room for behavior such as this in our lives - we have too much to do to be hampered with unecessary claims. What to do?

Well, hmmm.... yesterday I wrote the above, today is a different day. Today is my son's Prom and we are excited. First the pictures of our youngest children (youngest in both families) in their Prom attire, pictures with their friends, then pictures by the limo. How exciting! I'm so glad he is going.

I want us to go somewhere, too, to get away for a little while, but I worry that if I'm gone something may happen to my sister and I won't be near by. She had a hard night last night and I worry. My mom says she'll call me if something happens and to enjoy our day, but it's hard to enjoy when someone you love hurts so much.

What do I do?

Slow down for a minute . . .

Wouldn't it be nice to sit under a willow tree about now? I'd like to. It's peaceful, quiet, and shady. My dad and mom had a big willow tree at our home in Idaho. It was beautiful. Before moving to California, my dad brought "cuttings" (I think that's what they were called although I may be wrong :-) from our big willow tree and gave us one. We planted it at our first little house where our children grew up. I think it is still there. I'll have to go see.

Today was a hectic day. Tomorrow may be also. So much going on. I didn't think I would be able to see my sister this weekend because our youngest is going to Prom (so excited for him), but I did get to see her today. And I'll see her tomorrow.

It's Thursday and I'm so glad.

A Little of This and a Little of That . . .

Although my sister is ill, it's interesting how hard I try to look for happy things, for me, for her, for my family. Life continues - my children still need me, my husband looks for me, and my friends -- they're wonderful. Work keeps me busy. I love my job. I love my students. They are "my kids." We just finished studying about the butterfly. This is a great topic. I thoroughly enjoy it and really throw myself into it. We have a great time with it. After a week of studying the life cycle of a butterfly, the children learn about symmetry briefly as they paint their butterflies on one side, close them and 'voila' -- symmetry and beautiful butterflies!!!
Butterflies are everywhere in my room -- over the Math wall, the windows, and walls. So colorful and pretty (happiness).

About a week ago, my husband got tickets for 'Los Lobos" concert at the California Theater. Oh my gosh! It was such a great concert. Absolutely loved it!! We had balcony seats and when everyone got up to dance a "cumbia" we were on our feet, dancing in the balcony! So much fun. I'm so glad we went. I needed to spend this time with my husband doing what we love so much, music and dancing. Thank you, Honey.

We have seen three great concerts in three years -- 'Santana' at San Diego, 'Tina Turner' at Staples, and now 'Los Lobos' at the California Theater. Happiness.

Sister

A book I've been reading asks " ...where do you spend most of your time in your mind, in your imagination: in the present, in the past, or in the future?" The character answers, "I suppose I would have to say that I spend very little time in the present. I spend a big piece in the past, but most of the rest of the time, I am trying to figure out the future." This is interesting to me because with my sister's illness, I think a lot about the past. I think I do this because she was healthy then and all was good in the world according to us. The person who asked the above question goes on to say, "Much can be remembered and learned by looking back, but only for a visit, not an extended stay." I live in the present as much as I can, I have to because this is my life now. But when I hold my sister's hand I can't help but remember when we were young and she held on to mine.


We do not know what the future holds for us, I only pray for comfort and understanding for what we must encounter tomorrow, or next week, or next month. I live day to day right now and I 'm grateful for my husband, my children, my siblings, and my friends (thank you, Maria).

The person who asked the question above is Jesus. The person who answered is a person named Mack, but it could have been me. The name of the book is "The Shack," by Wm. Paul Young.

Please keep my sister in your prayers.