Starting 2015

The past month has been busy, challenging and very rewarding. The Sunday after Thanksgiving, I called my mom to let her know we would be there in ten days or so. She started crying and said she needed us to come to Florida immediately! Obviously, we decided to start south the next day skipping a planned visit with one sister, my brother, and a special aunt and uncle. The immediate need was to make a plan for her eye surgery that we hoped would stop her blindness due to glaucoma.

She was scared and panicky.

To jump ahead, the surgery happened on December 16 and she is progressing very well. The doctor is very pleased with her recovery and if she continues to heal, she will not need drops or medicine for the rest of her life.  This would be the best possible outcome.

In addition to the eye issue she had other things that needed to be done.  Latona and I do all the cooking and the dishes to give her a break. There was outside maintenance on their home, delivering unneeded items to Goodwill, and the preparation for the holidays and the baking of the Christmas cookies.

She likes to share some of the cookies with her neighbours on plates like this...

We have also enjoyed her tree for the past few years. My siblings make sure there are packages to open on the big day!

                             

Our gift to ourselves was a hand wax for the van that made it look like new!  This is a picture of Worm who did a perfect job along with his father Phillip!

During free moments, we took a quick visit to the hot tub here in the park where mom and Chick live.

This became a time of renewal when we would be tired, worn out or frustrated.  

We want to be here to help Mom! We wouldn't want to be anywhere else, but it has been very challenging, to say the least, to give up our independence and life for this time.  I'm sure it has been helpful but very challenging for mom and stepdad also.

In addition to the hot tub, we have been thrilled to see our feathered friends here in Florida like the Sandhills Cranes.

We received special packages like this delicious treat, the famous Peanut Butter Balls by Rusty,

and a picture card from Becky...

Pictures of Carries and Jays girls in our mail package, and cards from folks who found our whereabouts

And a special card from my sister...

                                  

There were also lovely emails and Facebook messages that seemed to make us feel closer to all of those we love and always wish were closer.

So,from this spot in Wildwood, Florida I/we thank you for each of these special expressions of 

your thoughtfulness and caring.  More than any time, these have really perked me up and kept me going.

So, I am starting this year grateful for you, and for your love and friendship.