Life Can Be Surprising

Thirty Eight years ago today Walt and I were blessed with a beautiful daughter (I can say her age because she in no way looks it). She is my best friend, my confidant, my helper (Walt is all of those things too, just in a different way).  I don't know how I would make it through all of this without her.  Not to mention the wonderful grandchildren she gave us.  They all make us so happy.
We are also blessed with two other children who came from far away to visit us this weekend.  I can't imagine a better reunion.  Even though life has kept us apart for many years we were able to connect in a special way.  Walt and I could recognize that Walter and Pam are making the best of this life.  They are people that we would be happy to call "friends" not just family.  What a great (all but to short) visit we had. We know the effort it took for them to come here.  We hope they know how much it meant to both of us that they made that sacrifice.  Hope to see them again.
We wanted to make our meeting this morning, but the effort is just too much for my puny guy.  So grateful to have it on the phone. Yesterday started out good, but by the end of the day he was not keeping anything down.  There is so much to look forward to this coming week.  Auntie Sharon arrives tomorrow from Hemet, Ca.  I haven't asked her how long she will be here because I don't want her to ever leave.  Oscar and Dina and girls fly in Friday from the Palm Springs area.  This will be a hard visit because they have to leave on Sunday and I will not want them to go.  They are very special to us and Walt is so happy they are coming.   His big "Going Away" party is on Saturday.  Our CO visit is this coming week and we are looking forward to a visit from brother Russo on Wed.  Busy times, but I've said it before, distractions are good.
Tragedy struck a couple of times last week.  Amanda's husband, George, lost his granny.  She might have been his granny, but she was so special to all of us.   She was caring and funny and we enjoyed her so much.  She will be missed, especially by Thomas and Gavin and Maddy and Austin.  She loved those kids and they loved her.
We also found out that Amanda's childhood friend, Sarah has cancer.  She is going to fight hard and we will pray for her daily to win her fight.
This life can be so hard. Not surprising because we are in the "last days".  We just have to stick together and encourage each other to keep going.  Thanks to all of you who are communicating with us through email.
Love to all.