Life's Highs and Lows

     During the first 2 weeks of July, I have experienced life from one extreme to the other; from its worst to its best; from its lowest to its highest.  It has not been an easy time.  For those who have missed me and were concerned, thank you for caring and checking on me.  For those who knew what was going on, thank you for your support.   

     The month started with the death of my mother-in-law.  She was a special lady and was known and loved by an entire community.   In my early years as a new bride she was a mentor, teacher, and shining example of what it meant to be a good farmer's wife.  She was like a second mother and lived much closer than my own mother.

     She died on June 30th and we buried her on July 4th.  Not the way you ever want to spend a holiday.  It was really a rough week.

 


      That Saturday,   July 7th, was the one year anniversary of my own mother's death.  One year ago that day, she was killed unexpectedly in a car accident.  I still miss her terribly.  Two years in a row the first week of July has been devastating.   Life's lows can be extremely painful.






     Thankfully, mixed with the lows of the last couple of weeks have also been some beautiful highs that have made the month bearable.    When my son and daughter-in-law left to go home on July 5th, they left our two beautiful grandchildren to spend the week with Granny and Grandpa.    Children have a way of putting things in perspective and getting us through even the darkest times in our lives.   They remind us that life must go on and can bring a smile to our faces even when we are feeling our lowest.

     Since our grandchildren live almost 300 miles away, time spent with them is always a special blessing.  They are always sunshine after the storm, but especially so this time.  They kept me from falling into a deep well of depression and instead filled me with hope and happiness.  We had a wonderful time in spite of the way our time started out.

    

     To say they love the swimming pool would be a vast understatement.  They would have stayed in it 24/7 if I would have let them.  It may not be huge but it sure provided a huge amount of fun.




     On Tuesday, sister Jane, niece Cheri, great niece Jayna, nephew Chris, great niece Bella,  Jacob, Nicole and I went to Indiana to visit my dad.  While there, all but Dad, Jane and Jayna went to Marengo cave to take a tour.  I hadn't been in the cave since I was a kid and really enjoyed the trip, as did the rest of our crew.

     Not wanting my time with the kids to end, we went on one more adventure before taking them home.  On the day we were to meet their mom halfway, we picked up my friend Brenda and headed to Glendale to eat at the famous Whistle Stop restaurant. 

     The kids had never been there but after eating decided they really liked the food.  After lunch, we walked around in a couple of shops until it was time to make the long drive to meet their mom.  Despite the look on Jacob's face, he really did have a good time and really enjoyed Glendale.  We all had a fun time and hated to see it end.

     Such is the roller coaster ride I have been on so far this month.  Thanks again for everyone's support.  I am looking forward to the rest of the month getting back to normal (if there is such a thing).    Thankfully, no matter how dark life becomes at times, my God, my family and my friends always help me find the light.  Love to all!

Until next time...that's my view.
Kat