Where else?

17 August 2026: Where else was I going to visit on my walk this morning?

A couple of long and strange days kicking off today, but grateful for some time to be alone and think before the rest of the day unfolds.

Soaked through...

16 August 2026: Took a long walk before driving up to NY today. Probably should have had an umbrella with me. Mostly, though, it just sprinkled.

Then the skies really opened for the last block or so. 

Felt appropriate. 

And maybe a bit renewing?

Walked through the door soaked, but it was okay. 

(Symbolism aside, I had to change and shower anyway before hitting the road anyway.) 

These two...

15 August 2026: Where would I be without these two? They have been kind of perfect through all of this. And they are navigating having Annie join us with more patience than I could have imagined. 

That picture of BabyCat was taken about ten minutes after Annie chased her all the way down the upstairs hall and down the stairs. Her face show she's mostly recovered from the "WTF?" of it and is in "I hate this, but okay..." mode. 

Exploring...

14 August 2026: Cat paws on the TV. Cat paws behind the TV.

Annie's exploring range is expanding. 

Pushing on...

13 August 2026: A dull headache persisted all day today, having set up shop on Monday. But it's okay. Very busy day, which is also okay. Lots of kindness from friends, which is more than okay.

49

12 August 2026: 49 years ago, my mom brought me into this world. This morning, she slipped past its bounds and gained her heavenly home. 

I am so grateful for all that she gave me and grateful that she is at rest. 

"Softy and Tenderly"

11 August 2026: Praying for her heavenly homecoming and so many joyful reunions.

Jo at 4

10 August 2026: Lil Soups for everyone today as we celebrated Jo turning 4! I woke up with her sleeping hard by my legs. On days like these, when I wake up sad, it means so much to feel her there.

Here's a photo that summarizes the big excitement in her life lately: being intrigued and intimidated by and sometimes angry at her new housemate. Really, she's been remarkably patient and easy-going about Annie's arrival, as has BabyCat. Very proud of them both. (Proud of Annie, too, but really hoping she gives up her aggressive colonizer attitude soon!)

There at 4:30 a.m.

9 August 2026: Made it back to WV by 2:00. 

Keep thinking about the wonder that is hospice. Called them at 4:30 this morning because my mom had a fever. There they were, ready to tell me and Yasmine what to do, what to look for, and to tell us to "get some rest." I can't even think about that kind of beautiful service without crying. 

As for the time between that call and when I left four hours later...it was like an alternate reality. Quiet. Profound. Ordinary. Sad. Normal. Just sat with her and thought and thought and thought and prayed. 

Saturday morning at Rocky Point Beach

8 August 2026: Back yet again. Took my walk early this morning as it's hot and humid here. 

The guy heading out in his kayak reminded me so much of Ryan that it almost took my breath away.

Another surreal day.

I leave tomorrow morning and thinking about how that will feel is almost beyond my imagination.

Yasmine

7 August 2026: Tonight, I watched my mom's caregiver feed her an entire Glucerna drink with a teaspoon.  In the midst of so much sadness, it was beautiful to witness.

Not even a year ago...

6 August 2026: Headed up to NY tomorrow for what will be a very hard visit. 

I was scrolling through blog entries from last August just to be sure I was right about Jo's birthday. (I was; it's on Monday.)

Felt my breath catch when I scolled by this post. Less than a year ago. 

Surreal.

She's home...

5 August 2026: For the first time since early June, my mom is home in her own bed tonight. So grateful.

Not Quite a Ghost, again...

4 August 2026: I am trying to get as much day-to-day course prep done ahead of time as possible, which is why I have spent the past couple of days rereading Not Quite a Ghost. I am teaching it for the first time, including it in the Young Adult Lit class. It's been fun working through it again through the lens of teaching and I find myself looking forward to diving into it with my students in October.

Comfort

3 August 2026:

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am." John 14: 1-3.