Seasons Collide

This summer seems to be flying by.  This week we went to the pool, loved that it wasn't crowded, the boys played well together.  Then later that night, Jake went to his "fitting" for his football equipment.  He is playing tackle football for the first time this Fall.  I also have Registration for the Downtown School on Monday.  Then we leave for vacation and a wedding on Wednesday next week.  It is hard to believe we are ready to have school start, again.  We are leaving for a late vacation this year because of our nephew, Drew's wedding.  I hope we have not tried to include too many activities this year.  Last year was so relaxing.  I am not sure we will be relaxed after this trip.  


I am feeling sad this week as I think of friends grieving the loss of a mother/grandmother/wife.  I remember losing that same person in my life nearly 10 years ago.  It truly was a time that my life seemed to significantly change.  My father-in-law was truly broken, my husband was compelled to be his support and I had a 2 month old baby who would never know his grandmother, a 20 month old who would never remember how much he adored that same grandmother and a 4 year old who would remember that grandmother staying to enjoy a cup of hot cocoa with him, even though the weather was getting snowier and she really needed to start driving home.  December 21, 2000 was the last day we spent with Grandma Ellen.  She and Grandpa Bob brought Scott home from the ER after he was rear-ended.  He called his parents to bring him home so I would not have to load the boys into the van on such an icy day.  Had Scott not been in that car accident, we wouldn't have had that afternoon with her.  God called her to Heaven very suddenly December 23, 2000 while she was wrapping Christmas presents and preparing for a Beattie Family Christmas.  Over the past 10 years the pain has become easier.  Grandpa Bob has a wonderful relationship with Marilyn and we have welcomed her into our lives as a surrogate grandma.  She loves my boys and I appreciate how she cares for Bob.  We will always miss Grandma El, but knowing she is made perfect makes it easier.  I still wish Jake had known her and that Nick remembered more, but I am thankful that she was able to meet each of my boys and love them so completely.  


I pray for peace and strength this week for my dear friends the Mars Family.  It is in many ways harder to see a grandma/mom slip away slowly, but I am jealous of the time they had to say good-by, too.  Jackie was so very loved.  July will forever be changed for them, as December has been for us.