You’re all SO kind.

Hello everyone. First I want to say a heartfelt thank you to all of you who sent cards and messages of condolence with the passing of mom. Our lives have truly been changed forever. Dennis and I are still a bit discombobulated. We wake up in the mornings, beginning to plan our days with visits to Mom and various things that need to be done for her, and then we realize that that’s all over. Every time I think of Mother’s Day tomorrow, I have a catch in my heart. She was the last of our parents and it seems that something has irrevocably shifted. I know that we’ll get used to this new normal, but it will probably take a while. We received a very nice email from the director of nursing at the assisted living this week. She told us that we were their favorite family, always easy to talk to and completely involved in their loved ones care. I thought that was very, very nice of her. I do plan to go back there and visit some of the residents who have no family to visit with them. There are more than you would think and it has always saddened me.

Mom passed two weeks ago this past Thursday. Dennis and I spent Friday at the cemetery and then at her apartment beginning to pack up things. On Saturday we went back with his brother and finished with the apartment. We needed to have everything out by the end of the month. Of course, most things were brought back here to our condo where we spent last week sifting through photos and memories. We sold her bedroom furniture on Facebook marketplace and distributed other things amongst the grandchildren. Of course, all of the paperwork remains to be done as we have not yet received death certificates. It’s a whole process isn’t it? So much to be done when a life ends. Meanwhile you have all the emotional aspects to work through while grieving.

Dennis‘s brother and his girlfriend left on Monday after over a week here with us. Last Saturday we decided to take them to the zoo along with one of Doug‘s daughters, Katie and her three children and Piper. It was a lovely few hours of escape, although the zoo was busier than I have ever seen it. With all that was happening in our family we had not realized that it was Berkshire Hathaway’s Annual week of meetings, each year many of the investors congregate in Omaha, Warren Buffett’s hometown. Along with all of the meetings, they have many social activities planned during the week. Apparently the zoo is planned for Saturday. 😬 We still had a wonderful time. Of course we always have fun when Miss Piper is with us! Here we are in the aquarium. It’s one of my favorite places in the zoo.

It was a welcome respite to an otherwise busy, busy week. I’m so glad to know that Mom is now at peace and enjoying her eternal life with Dad, Karen, and their baby Susan, who have gone on before her. It’s the hope and promise that each Christian holds onto.

I did make a few baby blankets since I last posted, although I went almost an entire week last week without picking up a crochet hook! Can you believe it? I had no desire to craft at all. In fact, I would sit here in the evening coloring on my iPad instead. A mindless, brainless activity for my numb mind.





After Doug and Nancy left about noon on Monday, Dennis and I packed up the camper and went to Mahoney State Park just about about 20 miles from home. We returned home on Thursday. We did absolutely nothing, besides opening up the camper for the season. And for the first time ever, everything worked our first trip out! Usually there are a few issues when we de-winterize. But not this year! I think God knew we needed an easy time of it. We spent time just sitting in our chairs outside, enjoying the birds and the quiet. I think it was just what we needed.

I’m planning to spend some time today trying to catch up on your blogs. Please, please forgive me for missing the last several weeks. Our hope is that life will soon slow down although we do have several camping trips planned throughout the summer.

Blessings and love,

Betsy

O That Will Be Glory

Text and music: Charles H. Gabriel

1 When all my labors and trials are o’er,
And I am safe on that beautiful shore,
Just to be near the dear Lord I adore
Will through the ages be glory for me.

Refrain:
O that will be glory for me,
Glory for me, glory for me;
When by His grace I shall look at His face,
That will be glory, be glory for me

2. When by the gift of His 

infinite grace, I am recorded 

in heaven, a place, 

just to be there, and to look in 

His face will through 

the ages, Be glory for me.

3. Friends will be there. I have 

loved long ago; 

Joy like a river around me will flow; 

yet, just a smile from my Savior, 

I know, will through 

the ages, Be glory for me.