New school year 2017-1018

We love these days. We just started back at official lessons two weeks ago, although learning lessons are always year-round here. Everyone loves school, ready to begin a new year, see new books, do their work. What a gift laboring is; growing and learning is a part of life and I am so glad that we can do this together.

Sweet Grandpa, may you rest in peace

I am so grateful to GOd that we got to see you on earth one time before God called you to Himself. When we visited St. Louis over the summer during our 8,000-mile cross-country trip in the span of a month amonng 22 states, we were blessed to spend those moments with you. Then, Maddy, Pita, Lottie and I needed to return to Seattle to care for my Dad, and there we were when you passed. We had always planned to drive as a family to St. Louis whenever God called you home, but we were both on opposite coasts, caring for family. We love you, Grandpa. I treasure the memories we had with you over the years and hearing, "I love ya, babe." Mom was praying for you so much in her sickness, and now I pray that you and Mom and Gram are all sitting together in heaven, or praying each other forward to the Divine Face. When we came to visit you in St. Louis Pita has written a  beautiful note to you, and she said that the bottom line was that you were a wonderful Great-Grandpa. May you now rest with Our Lord in the peace of His angels and all His saints.

1 year, and no counting in eternity

Dear Mom, it is one whole year since your body departed this earth. It is all so strange this absence; we were always meant to be together, body and spirit. One day, we pray, we will be all together again, body and spirit forever. We love you, Mommy.