Unexpected events

So, on the 17th I was talking with Ricky's mom, who was in Hawaii on vacation, and she was telling me that her mother had had a stroke. They were planning on coming back a little early and heading up to Washington to go check on her and everything else. Not an hour after our call, I was talking to Ricky and his other grandmother had just had a major stroke and passed away.

Let me say this, Grandma Barlow Smith, was an absolutely amazing woman. For the short time that I had the opportunity to know her, she had a great sense of humor, was very strong willed, and loved her family. I think that generation went through a lot as children, as in the depression and a couple of pretty big wars, and came out of it very inspiring people and contributors to the success of this country. She was a woman who has been an amazing example to all that she knew. I am grateful for my faith, that we all have the opportunity to be together again after this life is over, and I take great comfort in knowing that she is surrounded by those that she loves, who have been waiting for her.

In this all happening, I learned the ropes of working with the Red Cross for family emergencies. Ricky was able to come home for the weekend for the funeral. What a blessing. His grandma had lived with his family for a time (there were 6 of them, 3 boys who were all within a year of eachother... ) to help out, Ron was just getting started in his medical career and Nora was not only mom but business owner... So needless to say, she was a big part of his life. So, yes, he got to come home.

It was a blessing for me and the children as well, because even though he had only been gone a little over two weeks, I was really struggling. Our farewell at the airport had been rushed and not what we thought we were going to get. This time, we were early enough that the kids and I got our security passes and got to escort him to the gate. There we were able to spend every possible second together, and say goodbye with a good big hug. The kids were able to watch him get on the airplane and watch it take off, and I felt like I got a little more closure...

So he is off again. June 6th is still the anticipated date of AIT graduation. We are eagerly awaiting June! We are at 128 days today. I am busy with school once again, and getting more involved in the travel industry. Cruises seems to be the popular demand right now... Bring it on! I am enjoying it and how busy that is keeping me too. I am in need of a good babysitter... if anyone who happens to read this knows of one, will you let me know? I am having a difficult time lately having someone I can depend on to be on time, or show up at all... Its almost February. So happy Valentines month!