Uncharacteristically Quiet

Maybe if I don't write about it, it won't be true.

Could that be?

I can talk about it.

I can read about it.

I am not sleeping very well.

Three nights ago I woke up at 4:17 a.m.

Two nights ago I woke up at 3:15 a.m.

Last night I woke up at 2:52 a.m.

Sometimes I might go back to sleep for short periods of time.

Mostly not.

If I keep waking up earlier and earlier I will wake up before I go to sleep.

That sort of made me laugh.

I don't laugh much right now.

Nothing is funny.

My daughter has cancer.

I sit and look at those words and feel strangely disconnected from them.

Maybe it's just the day.

I have had moments of tears.

I have seen pain in my eyes.

I have heard her voice during the days when she is just like her old self running her life.

She has three little boys.

And, a husband.

Life goes on.

Things have to be done.

She goes on.

And, sometimes naps.

I have heard her voice late at night when the things that kept her busy don't anymore.

She has feelings.

She has thoughts.

What if?

What if?

Would my boys remember me?

Nobody wants to go there.

To that place.

I know she has to.

To get beyond it.

I was supposed to keep her safe.

I am her mother.

I couldn't.

I would take it away if I could.

I would trade places if I could.

If only I could.

I don't feel strangely disconnected anymore.

My daughter has cancer.

And, I will start to tell her story.

Our story.

I love you Sarah!

Mom xo

Saturday We Pack

My sister,Linda, just called. I have been waiting. I have been waiting to help. Saturday is the day. I will call Sarah. I will be there Saturday..at Briana's apartment. It is another start. We will pack and we will help move...move Jahmari to his new home.

I have been saying to myself all night.........I can't even say it...I thought I could be done with .......

I am not....

the reality hits when you least expect....

I have been on hold..

the hold button just got pushed...

and tears come....

My Jumbled Thoughts....Part Of Briana's Story

I still can't believe Briana is gone. I keep thinking about her. I think about Christmas when it comes again. Briana is supposed to come here for Christmas. She is supposed to say, like she always did, "Oh, Judy will have plenty of food. She will have her beans and barbequed meatballs." She is supposed to stand in my kitchen and be in my way. I am supposed to hear her laugh from some other room. I keep thinking she can't be gone. She has a son. He is eleven years old.

My thoughts are jumbled. I don't know where to start. I have one thought and before I can write it another one jumps into my mind.

I was sitting in her hospital room. It was a big room. It was a double room, but she was alone. She had the bed by the window. The window was a beautiful bay window looking out over downtown Minneapolis. She didn't look out the window. I wondered if I would have if it were me in the bed.

I sat in the chair and looked at the number 26 on the calendar on the wall. It was January 26. As I stared at 26 I started writing a poem in my head. It is what I do when my world feels big and I want to bring it down to size.

It is January 26
I am going to bed with it
When I wake up
on January 27
Will I still have it?

I couldn't write anything more in my head. Something happened. A nurse came in. Briana needed something. Something was usually happening.

I wondered what it must feel like to go to bed with cancer and what it must be like to wake up the next morning. Is there a moment before a person remembers it is there?

I think I went home the night of the 26th. I remember not knowing exactly how to get home from the University of Minnesota Medical Center. Sarah talked me a little way home on her cell phone. Then I was on my own with the voice from my navigation system. I liked Sarah's voice better.

I went back on the 27th. And, stayed.

The University of Minnesota Medical Center, Ward 7C became my temporary home. It became home for a lot of Briana's family and friends. Some of us didn't feel the outside air for days. I can still see the halls, the nurses desk, the familiar faces of the nursing staff, the family lounge that we kept stocked with food and kleenex, video games for the kids and our ever present cell phones.

Technology became a virtual member of the team. Whenever anyone or anything was needed to help Briana the young people texted each other and the old folks made calls. Every member of the team could be in constant touch with another member within seconds no matter where we were in the hospital.

Briana had left some things untended to in her life that required being tended to as she faced an uncertain future. She was told she needed to take care of things because she had a ten year old son. What did that mean? What were they saying? How could that be? She was 36 years old. No!

She was told she needed to make arrangements for her son. Who would look after him? She was 36. She didn't have a will stating her wishes. She needed to have a will stating her wishes. How else would anyone know? The team had only days to make that happen. There was a window of time in which she was able to sign her name. It was one of the miracles that happened. Her wishes were made known. Had we waited just one more day, she wouldn't have had the strength.

We were all praying for a miracle. We prayed for the miracle of healing and getting better. We prayed her temperature would go down, the fever would stop, so the next round of chemotherapy could be started. It never did go away. They started chemotherapy anyway. They said it was the most powerful chemotherapy available. There was nothing else they could try.

We didn't get the miracle we had been praying for. But, oh my goodness, we got so many other miracles along the way.

One of the best miracles was the day Briana was able to get out of bed and actually sit in a chair so she could visit with her son, Jahmari. It took a monumental effort for Briana to do this. She was even able to talk with him in sentences. Both before and after this miracle she only communicated with her eyes.

We think we have an explanation for this miracle. At the same time Briana was able to be up and talking to Jahmari, a Bible study class at her church had stopped the lesson and simply prayed for her for an hour and a half.

Yes, it was the wings of prayer that lifted Briana up.

On February 2nd, Briana was moved from her big double room with the bay window to a smaller single room. It was here she would live her last hours. There was no more they could do for her. They said to visit with her. Talk to her. Tell her things. Even though her eyes were closed she may not be asleep. She could still hear us they said. Hearing is the last thing to go.

We had the praise and worship music she loved playing in her new room. We had a digital picture frame with pictures of her life close to her bed. We sat by her and held her hand. We talked about memories. She was never alone. We kept the curtains closed. The room was a room with good energy. The nurses said so. They said it felt good when they came in. It was a happy room.

When she was moved to her new room we said she was being moved to her new life. That is how it felt. It felt like we were all on the porch of her new life.

And, then, she turned and left us and went through the door to her new home as we circled her bed and held hands.

It was February 3, 2010.

Part Of Briana's Story....The Families

Briana's story is both an interesting and an inspirational story. Briana was adopted by my sister, Linda and her husband David, when she was nine weeks old I believe. Her biological mother's name is Phyllis and her biological father's name is Ivory.

Briana met both of her biological parents as a young adult and had somewhat of an ongoing relationship with Ivory. They texted, called each other on the phone and Briana and Jahmari spent a week with Ivory on at least two occasions. She also had siblings that she was able to meet and have ongoing communication.

Phyllis, Ivory and all the siblings attended her funeral. I don't know how common this bringing together of two families is, but it doesn't seem very common to me at all.

In addition, Jahmari's biological father's family was at the funeral. The father, Gene, is currently out of the country, but his wife and extended family were at the funeral. They are African and wanted to make a contribution to Briana's funeral. The video at the end of this post is them singing the benediction. It is beautiful!

To have all the families who have a connection to Briana at the funeral still expands my thinking and touches my heart. It is like Briana was in the center of a circle and all the families joined hands to surround her life in her death.

Linda and David talking to Phyllis, Briana's biological mother

Linda talking to Phyllis

Ivory, Briana's biological father...they look so much alike

Christmas Day 2009 With Briana...Part Of The Story

I had a feeling before Christmas. It was one of those things that is hard to explain. It was just a feeling. I thought to myself that this might be Briana's last Christmas.

One night, earlier in the month, I was talking to my son, Adam, on the phone. He told me they were going to be spending Christmas Day alone. I said, "You could come here." Not only didn't I want them spending Christmas Day alone in South Carolina, but I wanted them all here. I wanted my whole family here this Christmas.

I had a feeling. It had to happen. We had to be together. We made it happen. They came.

Then the snow came. It came and came and we hoped and prayed everyone would be able to be here. And, perhaps it was a miracle. I don't know. But, everyone was able to be here.

Christmas Day 2009 was special. We were all together. All of us, (including Joe from Ireland, who was in NJ that day) had chipped in some money to give Briana and Jahmari a nice Christmas.

Below are three videos from Christmas Day. Briana passed on to her new life February 3, 2010. So much happened in such a short time.

The Day After

(Dante's Prayer) Please click to play.

Today is Sunday, February 7, 2010. It is the day after Briana's funeral and two days after the visitation. It is also Briana's son, Jahmari's, birthday. The last two sentences take my breath away.

Today is Jahmari's 11th birthday. He didn't want to celebrate his birthday today. He didn't want to celebrate his birthday the day after his mother's funeral. I don't know what he will choose to do. His grandma and grandpa, his mom's parents, are with him.

None of us will be the same. Briana was so loved and brought such laughter, humor, understanding and compassion to her world. Even the nurses at the hospital fought over who was going to take care of her.

Below is a picture of one of Briana's most beloved nurses. Her name is Natalie. Natalie only looks like a person but she is really an angel. She was with those of us who were fortunate to be at Briana's bedside as Briana stepped through the door to her new heavenly home. In the stillness of the moment Natalie gently reached down to take Briana's pulse and then quietly listened to her heart. And, then Natalie spoke the words........

"She is in heaven now."

Natalie at the visitation

How often does a nurse come to a visitation? I don't know. She came up to me and my eyes flooded with tears and poor Natalie.......I grabbed her cheeks with my hands, held her captive in the palms of my hands, and just looked and looked at her. I could only say, "Oh, Natalie! Oh, Natalie! You came!" My heart ached with happiness! I had to pull her toward me and hug her and hug her and hug her! She was there with us all like it was meant to be. "Natalie darling, I hope you know what your coming meant to all of us! You are very special and you have a wonderful gift to give. We are so thankful for you!"

And, below is a picture of my 97 year old father, Briana's grandpa, signing the guest book at the visitation. He spoke a few words at the cemetery the following day as we stood in the cold and the snow. He said,

"Briana, it was wonderful to have your company for 36 years. We will miss you. We love you. Bye, bye. Amen."

And, then we sang the doxology. Praise God from whom all blessings flow............

My dad.....I love this picture

There is so much to write.

There is a story to tell.

Our experience over the last, what has it been now? Close to two weeks? There wasn't time to feel or understand. There was only time to do what needed to be done next.

Yes, there is a story to be told and perhaps as the pieces of the story get told others might benefit. Briana would like that!

Briana

(Winter Light by Linda Ronstadt) Please click to play

Briana at the U of M Medical Center days before she passed through the door to her new life

At 11:45 a.m. on February 3, 2010 our dear Briana entered her new life. She took her faith seriously and fought valiantly so she might get better. God had other plans for her and for us. He wanted her to come home.

Some of her family and friends kept constant vigil at the University of Minnesota Medical Center for five days and nights. We watched over her, cared for her, prayed for her and took care of countless details on behalf of her and her son, Jahmari, age 10.

We learned over the course of days that her cancer had spread like wild fire throughout her body giving her and her doctors no chance of overtaking it. She believed her God was bigger than the cancer. Her faith made it so difficult to grasp that she had worldly things she needed to tend to. It was a dilemna that was hard to reconcile. Why did her faith and real life seem so far apart? Would it mean she didn't believe strongly enough if she took steps to deal with life after death here on earth?

I am left with many questions. I am left with no immediate answers. I am left with unshed tears because of what I experienced in that hospital over so many days and nights. I am left with exhaustion and more miles to travel before this new road reaches a place of rest.

Each time I looked in the mirror at the hospital at a face that hadn't been washed for days and a body that had not slept for nights, I simply said.......

"You can do this. You CAN do this. You can DO this. YOU can do this." And, I did. And, I wish I had not had to.

I love you Briana, and I will miss you. I do miss you.

May you rest in peace in your new heavenly home and it was an honor and a privilege to be part of your journey home.

Love,
Judy

Briana Needs Prayers...My 35 Year Old Niece

Hi everyone.....it is with sadness and hope that I write this post. My niece, Briana, who is 35 years old and a single mother of a ten year old son, has just learned her cancer is spreading.

We need your prayers!

She was diagnosed in June of 2009 with uterine cancer. Cancer cells were also found in her ovaries and again in her stomach. We have learned tonight that her chemotherapy has not been working and several more tumors have grown.

We need your prayers!

She is at the University of Minnesota hospital and has been told she needs to make plans because she has a ten year old son. Her parents, my sister and brother-in-law, have been with Briana and her son for the week. I spoke with my sister and she said Briana is dehydrated and nauseous. The doctors are going to work out a chemo program that they hope will be effective.

We need your prayers!

I believe in the power of prayer. I am sending this post to all my friends and am asking you all to send it on to your friends and families and ask for their prayers.

We need your prayers!

Below are two pictures. One is of Briana with her mom, Linda. One is of Briana with my daughter, Sarah.

We need your prayers!

Briana and her mom, Linda, Christmas Day 2009

Briana with my daughter, Sarah

The Vikings Game Meets Technology

Yep...a Vikings game is no longer just a Vikings game! It is an international experience. Last nights Vikings/Saints game was a big game. The winner of that game would be heading off to the Super Bowl.

Tom and I wanted to share it with our friend, Joe from Ireland, because Joe is the only one of the three of us who actually owns a Vikings shirt.

So Joe could watch the game with us, I made a video call on Skype and set up my webcam so it would face the TV. In the blink of an eye Tom and I (in Minnesota) and Joe (in Ireland) were watching the Minnesota Vikings play the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Louisiana.

The miracle of techology made it all possible. Now Joe is a true Vikings fan as much as he is a Minnesota Twins fan.


Below are two videos of Tom, Joe and me watching the Vikings/Saints game last night. We missed you for the second half Joe!





What a fun night despite the ending!

Albino Squirrel

The other day I was sitting at the kitchen table looking out the patio door. It is my favorite view. I can get lost in my thoughts until something catches my eye and brings me back to the moment.

On this day, a few days ago, I saw the first albino squirrel I had ever seen in our back yard. It was cool!

Tom had his camera at the ready so he is the one who got the picture and took the video. I am glad he did! I must remember the rule in this house. Always have your camera ready because you never know what you are going to see.

Lunch With Davey (Punkin To Me)

Today was a special day! Punkin called me this morning and was so excited. He said they were having our special lunch at school today....

Tomato Soup
Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Baby Carrots
Goldfish Cheese Crackers
Fruit
Milk (we always pick chocolate)

He wanted me to come to school and have lunch with him. I was concerned about the weather turning bad and the roads not being good. He understood. I suggested a Plan B.

Plan B was to see if I had all those foods in my pantry and I would make the same lunch at home and we could talk about it all later when he got home from school.

So, Punkin, look and see what gramma did!

I went shopping at Rainbow and got EVERYTHING I needed just so you and I could have lunch together!

I love you Punkin! Here are some videos to watch of gramma making lunch and some pictures to show you as I ate it. I invited grandpa too and he was my friend at lunch.









And, here are the pictures.......lunch was so good...I just loved it! You can see in the pictures that I loved every single bite!

Mmmmm Mmmmm Good...Mmmmmm Mmmmm Good...that's what Campbell's soup is...

Mmmmmm Mmmmmmm Good!







Thank you Punkin! I had such a good time having lunch with you! Love, gramma

Simple Natural Fun In Ireland March 2009

You know, it is not everyone who would allow the world to see such simple and natural fun, especially at this hour of the night. But, there is something about the sheer joy of being yourself and daring to share it with those who just might appreciate it.

I hope whoever sees this enjoys it! It was so nice to be so relaxed and playful and have so much fun! That was three so's in that last sentence so I must really mean it : )

Two Videos Of Jackson Walking And Derek Talking

Davey had a doctor's appointment this morning and Sarah asked if I could help. I met them out at the clinic and stayed with Derek and Jackson in the waiting room while Sarah took Davey into the doctor's office. Davey is fine...just an infection that showed up as a red rash. He has some medication and it is getting better.

Here are some pictures of Jackson. Do you believe how big he is getting?




And, here are a couple of videos of Jackson at the doctor's office while Derek, Jackson and I were waiting for Davey and Sarah. Where does the time go? It was just yesterday, wasn't it, that I first said hello to him minutes after he was born? How could it be that that first hello was fifteen months ago!

If you listen to what Derek is saying in one video, you will learn that boys are he's and girls are she's and he's have a team and she's have a team. Made me smile.

Twins Spokesman...None Better!

I had to share this! My friend, Joe from Ireland, created this video with some new software and it is fabulous! He took video of Tom's and cut it and inserted the clip of Jackson. Amazing!

When Joe was here this summer one of the things we did was go to a twins game. It was Jackson's second twins game believe it or not. Joe bought Jackson his little Twins outfit for his first birthday in June. He is a true Twins fan from the inside out.

I hope you enjoy the video. I can't stop watching it!

Jackson is One Year Old And Likes More Than Pancakes

YOU ARE ONE HAPPY LITTLE BOY JACKSON

AND WE ALL LOVE YOU FROM OUR HEADS

DOWN TO OUR TOES!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JACKSON XOXOXO

JACKSON EATING LASAGNA FOR THE FIRST TIME

I THINK HE LIKES IT!

Jackson LOVED His Pancake And Joe's

After Sarah, Davey, Jackson, Joe and I got to Perkins last night, Dave and Derek were able to join us. As you will see in the videos Jackson absolutely loved his first Perkins pancake.

In the first video Sarah mentions that Jackson's real first Perkins pancake was the one he grabbed off Joe's plate. Before we knew it Jackson's hand had found Joe's pancake and away it went.

It was then we decided we best order Jackson his very own Perkins pancake. Gosh, it was fun to watch him eat it! I wish I had video of Jackson pulling Joe's pancake off Joe's plate!

Joe says there must be a Perkins pancake gene that got passed down from my dad to Jackson! I think he might be right! For those that don't know, my dad who is 96 years old, LOVES Perkins pancakes and has eaten them for I bet thirty years if not more.

Joe Meets Jackson At The Airport

CLICK TO PLAY NICE TO BE WITH YOU BY ANN MURRAY

The long awaited meeting of Joe and Jackson, after a year, has now happened. Joe arrived at the Minneapolis airport at 4:02 p.m. today and Sarah, Davey, Jackson and I were there to meet him. Hugs and kisses were shared and then it was time for Joe and Jackson to check each other out. I think the pictures speak for themselves. It was love at first sight and first bite! You will see what I mean when you look at the pictures.

Welcome to Minnesota Joe! It is so nice to have you here!

Joe meeting Jackson in person at the airport

Jackson saying, "Hey, I think I remember you from last year when I was born"

Jackson saying, "Yep, you look familiar"

Someone likes Joe's eye

Jackson really likes Joe's eye

Jackson saying, "Joe, I have to ask you something"

"Joe, can I have a pancake please?"

Joe said, "Of course love, you can have anything you want"

Yep, Joe bought Jackson his very first Perkins pancake and now the next leg of the Perkins pancake tradition has begun! Jackson LOVED it!

It is sooooooooo nice to have you here Joe!

Is It Snowing Today?

Derek

I went over to Sarah and Dave's this morning to take care of Derek (4) and Jackson (almost a year) because Davey had his track and field day at school to finish up his kindergarten year and Sarah and Dave wanted to be there and sweet little Jackson is sick. Boy, that was a long sentence!

Derek and I spent some nice time together while Jackson slept. I don't know how the conversation started, but for some reason I asked Derek if it was snowing today. Derek said, "No." So I asked him why not. Derek said, "Because it is daylight! Silly goose!"

And, I laughed. How could I not know that?

The New Tradition

It was about 11:00 a.m. on Sunday morning, May 24, that the phone rang at Adam and Sara Beth's house. It was for me. It was Sarah letting me know that my being in South Carolina was really hard on Davey. You see, Davey and I are the best of friends and he calls me pretty much every day when I am at home. We hang out together on the phone. We watch his shows, play his computer games, go outside, eat and do pretty much anything he is doing. He just likes having me there.

Sarah also let me know that some or all of the family would be meeting us at the airport Sunday night even though we left our car at the airport. Here is the story.......

When Tom and I arrived home from our trip to Ireland in March, Sarah and the rest of the family met us at the airport and then Sarah and Davey drove us home to our house. Well......it seems that we were locked out of our house at 11:00 at night. Not one of us had a key to the house so we called Kara to bring her key in to let us in. Because Kara was coming from Chaska and it would be a half hour or so wait, Tom, Sarah, Davey and I decided to go to Perkins and meet Kara there. We now have the makings of a party going on in the middle of the night and now Davey thinks this is how we do things. When gramma and grandpa go away they pick us up, drive us to our house, we will be locked out and then we go to Perkins!

Below are a few pictures of our trip to Perkins.....the new tradition!

Davey (Punkin to me) and gramma at Perkins

Derek and Punkin with blue tongues from the blue drink they both ordered

Sweet little Jackson having his snack at Perkins. His little eyes are so tired. He is getting over his pink eye

You know something? I think I am going to like this new tradition!

A Few More Pictures From South Carolina May 2009

I will miss the early morning get on gramma's lap, snuggle and watch cartoons routine with the boys

Kallsen, Joseph, me and Parker eating home made ice cream at the festival in Seneca

Adam getting Kallsen into the car following Kallsen's graduation

Kallsen with the photo album he received following his pre-school graduation. It had pictures from his entire year of pre-school. It was just wonderful!

Kallsen sitting in the grass at the

Meet for Three Festival in Seneca.

Sara Beth with Kallsen in his cap and gown

Grandpa with Parker

Joseph

Kallsen

Parker

Pictures Of Kallsen At His Pre-School Graduation 2009

Kallsen at his pre-school graduation

Kallsen age 4 in his cap and gown

Kallsen with his mom, Sara Beth, and his brother, Parker age 3

Kallsen studying his rose

Kallsen's daddy congratulating Kallsen on his graduation

I love you son

Kallsen's Dance Recital

It is Sunday and it is the day we head back to Minnesota. The day looks cloudy and like it is going to rain. What a busy time we have had.

While it might rain today, nothing could rain on Kallsen's performance in the dance recital last night. Kallsen has been taking dance lessons for the last year at the professional dance studio in Seneca. He is the only little boy in his class and he has loved it from the beginning. He takes tap dancing and ballet.

I had no idea what to expect. Adam had said Kallsen sometimes does everything, sometimes just the tap, sometimes the ballet and sometimes neither. He is 4 which helps to explain that last sentence.

Last night Kallsen did it all. He did everything. He stood on stage with the other 3 and 4 year old children in front of an auditorium of maybe 200 - 300 people and did it all. He tapped to The Good Ship Lollipop and did ballet to The Baby Bumblebee. He did all the movements, he knew his dances and there was one row of parents, brothers and a gramma and grampa who were bursting at the seams with pride, smiles, laughter and happiness.

Kallsen honey, you did a fabulous job and I am so glad gramma and grampa were here to see you in your dance recital!

Joseph's Post

Now you must of heard about or read about grandma and I watching Zoolander while everyone else was gone. If you haven't heard about it here's your chance. Well, everyone else was gone to do something and grandma and I were at my house just hanging around. I suggested to watch a movie and grandma said sure and I pulled out Zoolander. Now for the people who don't know what Zoolander is it's about Derek Zoolander (Ben Stiller) who is a male model trying to become the best model ever. Now he's not happy about his competition Hansel (Owen Wilson).

Now for the people who haven't watched Zoolander won't know anything about the next paragraph. People who have go ahead and read it.

Grandma and I shared tons of laughter about the movie especially when they couldn't figure out how to turn on a computer. They started beating on it and howling like monkeys. And we started busting out laughing when Hansel and the DJ started break dance fighting. Grandma started having hysterics about Derek's phone that's the size of a piece of candy. Grandma thinks she's part of the underground now. Grandma had the best time she's probably ever had watching a movie.

All in all we both had a great time. Who ever said senior citizens couldn't have fun?

Kallsen's Pre-school Graduation

Last night we went to Kallsen's graduation from pre-school. I don't think any of us expected what we experienced.

The ceremony, and I do mean ceremony, was held in the auditorium of the Wallhalla High School. The 25 or so children, ages 4 and 5, performed a wonderful program on stage. They sang and performed little skits to music and their faces were full of smiles and excitement as they entertained parents, brothers, sisters, friends and grandmas and grandpas.

Following the stage production, there were taped interviews of each individual child which were played on a big screen. Each child was spotlighted and asked the question, "If you were President of the United States, what would you do?" The answers were amazing. Each child had some idea of what they would do to help people or help the world and make it a better place if they were President of the United States. Remember, these little ones were 4 and 5 years old.

There was a slideshow of pictures showing each child doing the things they do every day and the slideshow was done to a song that I really have to find. Adam will know or at least he can find out. The words that I kept hearing over and over were "Let Them Be Little." For some reason, pictures of children in all their innocence and joy set to music touches me. I can still see those little faces and hear that music and there is hope for our world. I keep thinking...yes let them be little even when they get big...and they will be the best big they can be. For those that don't understand what I just said...leave me a comment and I will do a post on that.

And, finally, the end of the night came. The children put on their red graduation robes and mortar boards and awards were given and each child's name was called and they walked across the stage to receive their certificates and before they left the stage the owner of the school, Ken, congratulated each student and said "I love you."

No, I don't think any of us expected what we experienced.

Congratulations Kallsen on your graduation!

Love, gramma and grampa.

My South Carolina World This Morning

Tom and I flew to visit our son and family in South Carolina yesterday. We were met at the Atlanta airport by Adam and Parker, who is three.

Kallsen, who is 4, had a field trip at pre-school yesterday and Parker needed a field trip too. So, Parker got to have a field trip with his daddy to go pick up his gramma and grampa at the airport. It was a really good field trip. We got to find and count all the trucks on the road and get some food at Wendy's and go to Walmart to buy some black pants for Kallsen to wear at his two special events this weekend...........which is the reason for our trip.

Tonight, Kallsen is graduating from pre-school and tomorrow night he is in a dance recital.

Both little boys were so excited to see us. Joseph, who is 12, was excited too. Kallsen waited patiently for us to arrive home....that is if you can count his looking out the window and asking Sara Beth ... "When are they coming?" Sara Beth told him, "They will be here at 7:00 tonight." And, from then on Kallsen said, "Is it 7:00 yet? Is it 7:00 yet? Is it 7:00 now?"

And, then it was 7:00 and Kallsen was out the door and in my arms. It was such a nice welcome. Joseph came to greet us too and told me all about the things going on in his world. Joseph is so nice and polite. He said he had to get up for school early and he hoped he wouldn't wake us up getting ready. I told him not to worry about a thing.

I did hear Kallsen and Parker getting up and getting ready though and I got up to see them before they headed off to school. What is it about a gramma being sleepy and coming out to the kitchen and saying hi to little boys and having them say, "Gramma......" and come running into your arms that makes you feel like your world is very, very special? And, them wanting gramma to put their socks and shoes on and tap the bottoms five times when each shoe is on and double tied? And, wanting gramma to read a book before they leave and watch a movie and you have to make plans to do all those things when they get home school? What is it about being wanted and needed because you show up with sleepy eyes and messy hair wearing your flannel nightie and all you want to do is spend those precious minutes with them before you have even one cup of coffee?

Good morning everyone.........Welcome to my world! x x

Arriving In London And The Changing Of The Guard At Buckingham Palace

Tom's and my trip to see our friend, Joe, in Ireland was made even more special by including an all too short trip to London.

On March 12th, Joe, Tom and I boarded a plane on Ryan Air at Shannon Airport. Shannon Airport is only about an hour's drive from Joe's house and Dublin Airport is about two + hours drive from Joe's house. Our good friend, Pat Whelan, drove us to the airport and he included a short trip through Limerick. It was the first time Tom and I had been to Limerick, so that was nice, as we got to see one more part of Ireland.

Our flight was comfortable, smooth and just a hop, skip and jump from Shannon to London Gatwick where we were met by Joe's sister, Peggie, and her daughter, Maria. Tom and I had never met Peggie and Maria before and we were so excited to finally meet them face to face. We had spoken on the phone before which was very nice, but seeing them was just wonderful!

When they spotted us in the airport at London Peggie came hurrying over with arms outstretched and a beautiful welcoming smile. Maria, who is full of personality, nearly galloped over to hug her Uncle Joe and hug Tom and me in turn. It made us feel very welcomed and loved.

We got a good night's rest at Peggie's beautiful home and on Friday, the 13th of March, we visited Buckingham Palace so we could witness the changing of the guard.

Later I will write about why Friday the 13th might not have been the best day of my trip.

The first video was taken as we took our first steps out onto the streets of London and the other videos are of the changing of the guard ceremony outside Buckingham Palace.

Enjoy the videos and stay tuned for more of our London holiday! x x