FOURTH OF JULYHawes are here.
Linda and Chris joined us from Texas. The flag in the grass is placed by the scouts, one in every yard on all the holidays. That, with the bells marking the hour make it a very special place to be.
Forever chasing Andrew.
Dad was invited to represent the veterans in the parade. He rode on a 'hard seat' in a jeep, but the overcast kept the weather pleasant. He looked very distinguished.
Dad before a Kiwanis meeting. I enjoy being with him at the meetings.
Mom, Tutu enjoyed having Joanne, Laura and Devin for a visit. They, with all their cousins, were always her 'pubbies' even as they grew up.
Just days before her death, Tutu lovingly cradled McKenna.
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MOM'S GONE . . . . . . . . . .
Mom's condition continued its downhill slide and I fought with myself over the inevitable. I thought she would live like that indefinitely, years maybe. My interior battle must've been what brought on my 'heart attack'. (Which I genuinely thought was killing me) After undergoing a series of expensive tests, I'm taking a drug for acid influx, though I've not had that problem before or since. It was all too strange to have it happen on the day Mom died. I'll never forget the ineluctable drive I had to get home as she was exiting this realm. All I knew was that I had an unprecedented need to be with her, at that moment! Thankfully, (due to Karen's intervention because she knew the Drs. wife) I was discharged early. It was still strange, one of those moments when I'm just an observer not feeling totally there physically. Now Mom's gone and all the wishing that she could be free of pain doesn't take away the emptiness. I'm remembering her many wonderful qualities so vividly. It's almost like the last two or so years have faded and she was just her young, singing self. I'm reflecting on my childlhood at Stratford Sunday School with Mom standing tall and beautiful, directing "Give Said the Little Stream". I followed along so proudly, dutifully. I have a deeper compassion for those whose Mothers have passed on.
With Mom, Dad and my brothers in 1989
The dearest sisters ever, Ruth and Beth
The greatest love story I have known.
With her adored and adoring brother, Andy.
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MIRACLE McKENNA Laura and Mark's adoption of Mckenna, born July 18, marked another dramatic event. It was a disguised blessing that it took Utah and Ohio four weeks to get the legal work completed because it kept Laura close to care for Mom. Laura was the one who did the lifting and coaxing.
It also let Mother enjoy holding the baby and in the last days have her lay on her arm. Once Laura came in without the baby and Mom said "Where's your baby. Take care of your baby". Forever the Mother who cared for the little ones.
What a wonderful thing for McKenna to have big brothers to protect and defend her. It's already happening. How loved we feel and how our capacity to love has multiplied!
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MIRACLE PHILIP
Always on the move.
Everybody loves Philip.
Wow, a quiet moment.
We got word that Philip has Indian blood and so the Sioux tribe had to release him to our nation for adoption. Just today we received word that he could be ours! We're ecstatic!!!!
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BACK TO SCHOOL
Jacob loves standing on the high side of the slope.
Jacob's on the debate team and doing Lacross come spring. Michele's on the volley ball team.
Emily's the best tender ever. . . Here she is with Emmaline and Brenda at Black Canyon. She's been coming over after school this past week and she promises to come ocassionally to keep me company.
For my birthday the kids took me out to dinner and then to see McBeth at the Idaho Shakespearean Festival. Much to my delight and surprise, it was the best production of it that I have ever seen! Awesome witches. . . and drums.. . . not to mention McBeth and his Lady. . . Hmmmmm. Wonderful production. Best company ever!!!! Neat present!!!! Many thanks. . .
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So summer fades. The weather has cooled. The children are energetic and busy and glad to be back on a schedule. Brenda left on Thursday (4th). Emmaline has started smiling and cooing easily so I'll miss her awfully much. I held her almost too tightly whispering 'nothings' into her ear for my last time in who knows how many months.
Philip is to be raised by Carol and Matt.
McKenna is Laura and Mark's.
All are safely gathered in. . .
ere the winter storms begin."
Linda's 60th birthday, July 14th
Linda, Jim, Kay
For the past two and a half weeks we've made cookies, gone swimming, played games, played dress-up, put puzzles together, made dinners, gone to church, picked up, gone to the dollar store and been just happy being together.
