Special Times

I haven't posted for over a week.  We were on a very busy "vacation".  This time of year everyone is faced with school related activity.  We're definitely in the "grandparent" stage of life which is much busier than anyone ever told me.  Our grandson JD graduated from high school a week ago last Saturday.  He also received his AA degree at the same time.  We are quite proud of him and all his accomplishments.

Then this past Thursday, June 14, our son Chris retired from the United States Air Force after 23 years of service, with great praise from his superiors.  It was quite astounding to hear the speaker of the event listing our sons many accomplishments, one of which is humility.  After all we heard we realized how humble our son truly is and we are very proud of him.  

On the way to our "special event" with Chris, we were given the news that the grandmother of two of our sons-in-laws (yes, two of our daughters married cousins) had gone home to be with the Lord.  She was a treasured friend of ours as well.  She liked to listen to me play the piano, so I volunteered to play for her service.  I so enjoyed being able to play for her service; and visit with family and old friends. 

We were unable to stay through Sunday, as we needed to get home so that I could play for our Sunday Morning Worship.  Larry wasn't preaching, but I had decided to play the digital piano as I usually do.  A wonderful couple in our church were celebrating 65 years of marriage, and had family visiting that morning and wanted us to celebrate with them.  

During all the commotion, sadness, happiness, laughter and tears, we also celebrated our 43rd wedding anniversary.  Our son had entered the Air Force on our 20th wedding anniversary.  He said he wanted to "share" the anniversary date.  The 43rd anniversary was much better celebrated than the 20th.  I still remember sitting in the airport, waiting for him to board the plane to San Antonio, Texas and boot camp.  It was difficult to hide my tears.  Coincidentally, he and his wife celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary earlier this year--the year of his retirement.

Life was definitely busy, emotional, and with a "touch" of stress, but Larry and I are feeling quite blessed.  During all the busyness we were surrounded by our wonderful family.  My sister and brother-in-law were able to join us for JD's weekend.  We had all of our kids, spouses, and grands, around us; including our newly adopted granddaughter and two (Lord willing) soon to be adopted granddaughter and grandson. (Our son and daughter-in-law are growing their family through adoption.)  God has blessed us "abundantly, beyond anything we could ask or imagine." 

 An earlier picture of the grands minus the two youngest.

 No great statements.  No trials or tribulations that have taught me lessons.  Just a busy slice of our life I wanted to share with all of you.