Home Again . . .

Home again

We've just returned from Michigan. We packed a lot into our time there. Of course our first priority was spending time with my sister. It was wonderful to be able to visit with her every day. I wouldn't be truthful if I didn't say that it was also very sad. She has been working very hard in her physical, occupational and speech therapies and is making progress. We are so thankful for that, but at the same time we know that it is going to be a long road to recovery. She is expected to be in the hospital for a few more weeks and then will move to a skilled care nursing facility to continue rehabilitation.

While we were in Michigan we also attended the graduation party of a relative on my husband's side. Their backyard was so pretty that I thought I would share a little bit of it with you. This pond had 2 waterfalls which made such a relaxing sound on a beautiful summer day.



Near the waterfall and pond was this bench. Wouldn't that be a relaxing spot to enjoy your morning coffee?

Most of our visits to my sister took place after dinner as she has a full schedule of therapy every day . One day we went to visit my husband's aunt and uncle. Aunt Barbara has always had a green thumb and a real flair for interior decorating too. She is now in her upper 70s, but that hasn't slowed her down in the least. I couldn't resist taking a few pictures around her gorgeous gardens.

We enjoyed glorious weather while in Michigan. People had their windows open and I found it heavenly to have the fresh air blowing throughout the house. We can't do that in the summer here in North Carolina unless we want to melt :-)

A relaxing spot to sit right outside their bedroom window.

One night while visiting my sister I took the page that I had attached the good thoughts and prayers from all of you. She is still only able to say a few words, but she indicated that she wanted me to read them to her. After I read them all and told her about you she pointed to her door. She has a metal door in her room where we put all of the notes, pictures, etc. that she wants to be able to look at. I knew she would be touched ~ and she was. Thank you again for your kindness.

My sister has always had a lot of friends. It was wonderful to be able to see and talk to so many of these friends while we were visiting. What a blessing to be surrounded by such positive people who care so much about you. Everybody I talked to feels confident that Norma will make a good recovery as she is such a determined person and has never been one to shy away from hard work. How nice to know that on this journey to recovery she will have so many people cheering her on.

This picture reminds me of the many, many times Norma & I sat in her beautiful yard and enjoyed a cup of coffee together while raising our boys. We both have 2 boys who are close in age. One of Norma's many talents is that she is a master gardener. She is one of those people that can do pretty much anything she sets her mind to.

I'm still struggling to understand why things like this happen to good people.

I guess there are just some things we aren't meant to understand.

There is one thing I do understand . . .

When these times happen, it sure helps to know that there are so many really good people in our world. For no matter how independent we may think we are, there are always going to be times when we need a hand to hold. Often when I was visiting my sister I would feel bad that I couldn't do more for her or I couldn't figure out what she was trying to say to me. But then she would put out her hand and I would hold it for a few minutes and know that maybe right now this form of communication is good enough. The words will come in time.

Well, I'd better sign off now. The laundry is calling my name. Once I get caught up on things here at home I will be stopping by to visit all of you again.