Thursday, July 8, 2010

Family - God's gift

The past week has been a time of joy, sorrow, and hard work, all revolving around family.

My son Bob and his wife Brenda (a daughter by marriage) flew down from Colorado Springs, the first time we've seen then in two years. Both have jobs which demand much time. Then of course their daughters, one who is planning a wedding, take them in different directions than Oklahoma. But they came to here for two reasons: for Bob's grandmother's funeral and to help with our house. Whatever the reasons, Robert and I were delighted to see them.

Randy, Janelle (our first daughter by marriage), and their boys (Ryan, Colby, and Shane) worked with Bob to tear out our shower that didn't work. They needed to be preparing for their move to Austin, but they took time to help us.

Our granddaughters Macayla and Keri also came to help with the house, and Kurtis, Macayla's son, helped, too. Thanks to Brenda, Janelle, Keri (who worked for two days), and Macayla, the kitchen and big bathroom are clean, the living room is almost completely dusted (big job with 50 some oil lamps), and what is left is manageable, or, if not, won't be done.

Everyone worked hard, but we had some fun, too. We went to dinner together Monday evening, were together at the family lunch after the funeral, and visited every chance we could. We shared many hugs.

Watching Bob leave was hard (Brenda stayed at Randy and Janelle's Wednesday since she was under the weather), but we know he's just a phone call away. Plus, they will return.

Randy and Colby finished up the last of what could be done on the shower before they loaded in my van to go to Norman and pick up the rest of the family and head for Austin. They, too, will return from time to time.

Macayla and Keri left Tuesday evening to return to family, lessons, and job. However, they, too, will be back, and they are close enough we can visit them occasionally, which we always enjoy.

Many hugs and I-love-yous were exchanged. Some tears were shed, in private. The house seems extra empty and quiet now. But, oh, how glorious, I got to see most of my family.

I love all of you, more than words can tell. I am blessed, even if at times I forget.

.

6 comments:

Aidana WillowRaven said...

Yes you are. You are loved.

Sharon K. Mayhew said...

It sounds like you had a wonderful time. My sister and her four kids came to our cabin for the 4th. We took them out on our boat and watched the fireworks over the lake. It was wonderful family time.

N A Sharpe said...

Vivian, you are an amazing woman. My heart and prayers go out to you and your family at this difficult time.

Nancy, from Realms of Thought…

Anonymous said...

It's so nice to have family around. What a wonderful family you have Vivian. : )

Connie Arnold said...

Spending time with family is so important and such a blessing! So glad you had yours with you for a while and the help they've been to you.

Rena Jones said...

I'm sorry for your loss, Vivian, but glad to hear you're family came together to share in their grief.