This is going to be a stream of consciousness post, and I apologize in advance for the rambling nature of it. Even though I am participating in the A to Z challenge this month, I'm recycling old posts. I went on vacation with John and youngest daughter for almost 2 weeks, and left the computer at home. I've been unplugged for the most part, and have enjoyed living in the moment, but have also felt detached from my online friends. So many thoughts are rattling around in my brain, from light-hearted vacation posts, to deeper, I-must-be-getting-old-because-everyone-is-dying posts. I want to have something significant and elegant to say, but my jet-lagged brain had to do a google search to come up with the phrase "stream of consciousness," so a polished post is not going to happen. I guess the gist of my thoughts is summed up in the statement by Dieter F. Uchtdorf: "We can choose to be grateful, no matter what." We know that death (and taxes, according to the old axiom) are certainties in life. I have found myself thoroughly enjoying what youngest daughter dubbed "the best vacation ever" while simultaneously carrying sadness in my heart. In happy times and in sad, gratitude and love triumph.
 |
| Photo: John, youngest daughter, and I sit on the lawn outside the Orlando, Florida temple |
My uncle died just before we left on vacation. While we were gone, my grandma was diagnosed with congestive heart failure. (Six people in her wing of her care facility have passed away in the past 10 days.) The woman who taught my daughters (and me, for a while) violin lessons passed away, and her memorial service is tomorrow. A man in our church ward died yesterday.
Youngest son celebrated his birthday this week. Twenty-three years ago, we didn't know if he would even survive birth.
Sunday, John and I will celebrate our 29th wedding anniversary. We have shared sorrows and joys, and continue to do so.
 |
| Photo: Tiny youngest son is dwarfed by John's hand |
 |
| Photo: Youngest daughter covers her eyes, as John and I steal a kiss at Disney World |
We just returned from Florida, where we visited Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and the Kennedy Space Center. We walked around the grounds of the Orlando Temple. We swam in the hotel pools, ate tasty food (that I didn't have to prepare nor clean up), and generally just enjoyed being together.
I won't enumerate this week, but I'm thankful for memories--both past and being-made-now, associations with good people, life, family, and, of course, John.
I won't enumerate this week, but I'm thankful for memories--both past and being-made-now, associations with good people, life, family, and, of course, John.
Your hosts
A Fly on our (Chicken Coop)
Wall, Amycake and the Dude, Considerings, Finding Ninee, Getting
Literal, I Want Backsies, The Meaning of Me, Thankful Me, Uncharted, The Wakefield Doctrine
sorry about your uncle dear. will be praying for your grandmother. hope your son enjoys his birthday, and that you have a blessed anniversary.
ReplyDeleteThank you. Prayers are always appreciated. :-)
DeleteWow, sorry about the losses.I too will say a prayer or 8 for your Grandmother... Sounds like you guys had a great vacation for it to be the best ever!
ReplyDeleteThere just seem to be a lot in a little space of time. Thanks for the prayers.
DeleteThe vacation was a blast. I have a hard time picking favorites, but we certainly had fun.
I couldn't agree more. With the statement by Dieter F. Uchtdorf.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry Kristi that your joy was laced with sadness. Such juxtopositions -enjoying being in the moment of a great vacation while carrying the sadness of loss. I am sorry about your Uncle's passing and will say a prayer for your Grandmother.
Happy Belated Birthday to your son! A miracle for sure. Look at how tiny he was!
To you and John. Enjoy your anniversary!
Isn't that the best? Eating but not having to cook or cleanup. That is one of the best things about going on vacation lol
Juxtopositions--that's another word that escaped my jet-lagged mind, but that perfectly describes the situation. Thanks for the prayers; they are always appreciated.
DeleteEven though I was there, I am always amazed looking back at photos just how little youngest son was. His existence truly is a miracle.
Love that last photo! Always fun to make the kids cringe!
ReplyDeleteThe Temple is lovely.
And loss...doesn't it seem like some seasons have far more than there share of it?
Yes. I just got back from the memorial service, and am feeling happy to have known such a talented woman, and sad, especially for her family who miss her so much.
Delete(I'm with May.... loved the last photo)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! on the Anniversary!
"This is going to be a stream of consciousness post, and I apologize in advance for the rambling nature of it. not too rambly although I would argue that the is the fun (or writing and reading SOC posts), you never know what's coming up.
Vacations are good, coming back to your home has to be a good feeling also.
Thanks. Yes, while I love vacations, it is nice to be home, too. Drexel certainly was glad to have us back (though he loved the people who looked after him, too.)
DeleteI am so sorry to hear about the passing of important people in your life this week. it looks as though you are having a good time otherwise, though!
ReplyDeleteThank you. Happy and sad are all together.
DeleteI am holding you in my heart and in my thoughts.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad though that you were able to take that vacation. It looks like you had a good time. That picture is absolutely darling and priceless.
Happy birthday to your son as well.
Again, I am truly sorry for your loses.
Thank you. It has been a sweet, tender time.
DeleteA post full of joy, sorrow, love and hope. Your live-streaming consciousness is LIFE. Happy anniversary.
ReplyDeleteYou are right--it is life. And I'm thankful. :-)
DeleteCondolences for your losses... Glad you had a nice vacation <3
ReplyDeleteThank you.
DeleteI am so sorry there was so much sadness in such a short time. I'll especially be praying for your grandma.
ReplyDeleteI have been so out of the loop. I haven't talked to anyone, online or in person, in soooo long. I didn't even know you were going out of town, let alone to Disney! No doubt you had a blast. Can't wait to hear what you think about the difference between the two Disneys. :)
Thank you for your prayers.
DeleteI've been out of the loop, too. Thank you for your Disney tips--we followed several of them (on-site hotel, photo package). Yes, we had a blast! I'll have to do a "compare the Disneys" post sometime.
You have my prayers, especially for your grandmother.
ReplyDeleteLove the last photo and why am I not surprised you went to Disney? :D
Thanks for the prayers.
DeleteYou must know me. :-)
Yes, I do have hope. Somehow the happy/sad contrast makes everything sweeter and more precious.
ReplyDeleteHappy Anniversary!
ReplyDeleteI am sorry for your losses.
I am truly sorry for all your losses -- kind of a stressful week but at least you had your anniversary to brighten it!
ReplyDelete