"Empty Nest" Summer

Although we didn't know it, the course of our summer began last semester. Our youngest, Jacob, applied to a research fellowship. We never imagined he would get in because there are so many qualified applicants. His professors' recommendations were so glowing and persuasive that he was one of 10 chosen for the S.U.R.F. research program at Loma Linda University! I must admit, we were all stunned, and my first feeling was a sinking heart that we wouldn't be spending the summer together. My husband felt the same--astounded, elated and loss, as our summer plans, time with our little buddy went down the drain. Of course we kept these parent-feelings to ourselves and supported and cheered our child on. He had a bit of time at home after his semester in Tennessee ended, and his oldest brothers were so wonderful about spending as much as possible with him. Jacob and I played some trumpet/piano music at our two local churches before he left. He flew to California and I am impressed with how comfortable he has become with airports, checking luggage, TSA, changing planes, getting an Uber or Lyft...all those grown up things. He's 20 but I'm still getting used to him being a grown up. It's taking me awhile to adjust. What a full summer! I still teach piano, although I only have a few summer students, so am not very busy. We are still active with our church. Hubby and I go to the gym together 3 times a week. We are continuing to help my parents in any way we can since they don't drive. It's mainly my husband who takes care of them. I am so thankful for him! He's taken their pool care seriously and has brought it from a green frothing cesspool to glimmering, sparkling clear blue through lots of consistent hard work. Our summer has been blessed with nonstop company. God's care and timing just amaze me! We unexpectedly hosted the sweetest French girl for a few days, and I'm so thankful that we got to know her! My sister and her husband and daughter stayed with us, and we just love hanging out with them, laughing, shopping, cooking and planning special meals at our parents together. We had a wonderful Mother's Day and Father's Day with family. We celebrated Josh's 34th birthday! My son, Brandon, who lives in Tennessee, and his fiancee came down for about a week. They did some wedding planning and celebrated his grandma's birthday and 4th of July with us, which was so much fun! I've been aching to see him, so his timing couldn't have been better. I desperately needed some Brandon time! Brent came over from Tampa for 4th of July and got to spend some time with his brother. My husband's brother and his wife, their son and energetic and adorable 5-year-old grandson visited from Atlanta for a few days. Usually it's us staying with them, at least 2 or 3 times a year, so this was such a special change and long overdue! It was so familiar and fun hanging around our little nephew! I'm grateful we got to know him better. He loved the beach and dinosaur store, making forts, our schnauzer (he has one at home) and the bin of dinosaurs that I saved. We only have one shower because we still can't find a plumber around here to install our tub, but it worked out fine except when a snake tried to take a shower with my brother-in-law! We haven't seen the snake since. We planned a very special 22nd anniversary away. We decided to take a trip instead of giving gifts. We did something completely new for us. Our criteria was someplace cooler, a big city so we could find lots to do by walking or using public transportation. My husband checked out New York and Iceland, old stomping grounds for him, but Chicago was cheaper, so that's where we went. My uncle and aunt lived near Chicago for at least 30 years, and my mom graduated from nearby Hinsdale nursing school and took us for visits when we were young. I had such good memories of Chicago restaurants and museums. Our hotel was downtown near Lake Michigan, and we walked everywhere, took Lyft, took the train and the bus. Weather cooled off while we were there and it couldn't have been more perfect. Restaurants were expensive but delicious. The museums were phenomenal! I couldn't get enough of them. We walked our feet off every day. So much to do but only so much time and energy. One day we hung out at Navy Pier, eating, shopping, and of course Conrad wanted to take a sail on the Tall Ship Windy, which was an evening sail onto Lake Michigan where we took in the fireworks, and Chicago lit up the night. We also took an architectural boat tour on the Chicago River, which I highly recommend. Chicago was an amazing experience!

February 2018...the month of LOVE

My world changed dramatically in August 2016 when my youngest child went away to college. I became a mom when I was 20, and raising my little boys was busy and fulfilling. Now that they're adults, they are my best friends, and as each one moved out, there was a hole in my life. I miss our deep conversations and cooking together. They don't need me anymore and I am trying to figure out my purpose. But life has a way of filling in those empty spaces, and I am busy with my parents and my uncle (grocery shopping, doctors appointments), my piano students and my church. I am grateful my husband is retired, that my step-sons live nearby, my sister moved closer, and we have treasured time with my parents. It is surprising that as my parents get older, I feel as protective of them as I do my children. Life is such an interesting journey, always changing. Our country seems so angry, and everyone I know is angry about something (politics, insurance, religion--name a topic and things get heated). There is little national focus on kindness and caring, hope or inspiration, even though it is evident all around me, we mostly hear about awful or cringeworthy things. God knows what we need: Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.