It's been a while...

I honestly believe February 2013 has been one of the most emotional months of my life.  The shortest month and the most roller-coaster rides.  So much has happened, I only hope I can remember most of it so I can tell you about it.

The 2 top events -
On February 9, my baby child, TR Baker, turned 35 years old.  WHAT??????  

And then...
On February 12, my grand-twins, Hannah and Isaac, turned 21 years old.  REALLY????????

I must be honest with you and say I could hardly wrap my brain around either one of these events.  Needless to say, I remember all of the births (one a bit more than the others!), and when I gave way to the memories, there was HC Baker right in the middle of it all.  DANG!  So then I had to get angry with him all over again.  How long will this last?  I have read and been told and said myself, as time passes, it will get easier.  How much time?  Easier how?  Everything about me still includes him.  Soon it will be 3 years.  Sam, an incredibly sweet young friend who recently lost her husband questioned me about her "grief brain", and how it causes her to forget the most mundane events of her life...forgetting to lock the front door, leaving the garage door up while she's at work, etc.  I love that phrase, "grief brain".  She wanted to know if I had the same experiences.  I'm sure I did and as it was happening, I just labeled it "sorrow".  I like "grief brain" better.  So how long does it last?  I don't know but I do know activity is the key to opening the "relief brain".  And the first step toward "relief brain" is prayer.  So I pray.  I pray for people, places and things.  The people part is easy and so is the place part.  The "things" I pray for is my special guide to filling my days with activities.  Many of you who know me know that I hate to sweat!  But I look for activities that will make me sweat.  I want to be so tired at night that I fall into bed and immediately fall asleep.  The old "head hits the pillow" thing.  I'm still praying...  Enough of that!

Early this month I received a facebook message from a dear friend in Florida telling me he had experienced another heart attack and was in the hospital awaiting by-pass surgery.  I "set" to prayin' immediately and not 24 hours later I answered my phone and heard Denise's sweet voice.  I immediately asked her why she was calling me.  No hello, how are you, or anything.  Just what's wrong?   She told me my wonderful friend, Ray, was at Jewish hospital awaiting open-heart surgery.  Oh my gosh.  I prayed for days for these two excellent Christian men and all the doctors and nurses caring for them.  I'm happy to say they are both doing very well, still recovering but getting stronger every day.  Love that Kelly Clarkson song, "what doesn't kill you makes you STRONGER!!!!!!!  That applies to so much of life, doesn't it?

It has been a month of sadness for many as they lost their loved ones.  Still praying for Ray-Jean.  And many others who have been ill (precious Devin) or recovering from surgeries other than heart type (Miss Linda).  Here in Michigan, the flu has run rampant through town, schools, and anywhere it could release its' germs...one or many.  One advantage I have in northern Michigan is that the weather is so cold many of those germs end up on the sick room floor!

Which brings me to the weather.  I have NEVER seen so much snow.  It snows every day and every night.  Mind you, it's been great for the tourist trade and winter festivals but hear me when I say, (and this is NOT a complaint), enough already!!!!!  Between son-in-law Brett and TR Baker, they have kept Mr. Snow away from the door by a few feet, but only a few feet.  Soon I'll be walking through a tunnel to get to the car.  And under all this snow is ice.  Schools are NEVER closed up here for snow and this winter they have missed 6 days.  That's really something.  The good news is the snow will really help with the drought and the water levels in the Great Lakes.  The bad news has been for Nutty (you remember my dog), having not so long legs has kept her scrambling for a place to "potty"!  And for heaven's sake, don't eat the yellow snow!!!!!!

Was super blessed this month to see a few wonderful old friends.  And laughed and laughed.  Barb and Rick, Charlotte and Tom, Christy, Bonnie and Patsy, Ashley...thank you for your friendship.  It truly blesses my life.  And so looking forward to summer visitors already on my calendar...Lou, Jack and Anita and Trey, Michelle and Christian.  If you plan to come up this summer (have no idea when it will arrive, hopefully by July 4th!!!), let me know so I can reserve a bed for you!  Food and fun aplenty!

Sad news - Downton Abby, Season 3 is over and Matthew had died!!!!!!!  Hope I'm not a spoiler for anyone but if you haven't seen it yet or don't know about it, you're not really a fan!

Good news - Was excited to watch the Oscars because for the first time in years, I had seen 4 of the nominated movies.  Great wins for all and especially Miss Lawrence, a Louisville native!!!!!  Here! Here!

I finally saw Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and loved it!  Can't wait to see Quartet!

That about sums up my February.  Looking forward to March and maybe, just maybe, I'll see my driveway or wonders of all, some grass!  (Sidebar:  That midwestern snow mess should arrive in our neck of the woods starting tonight - possible 6 more inches!!!!)

Sorry for the lack of writing this month.  Don't really know why.  Trying to understand my life.  March WILL be better...I just know it!

xxoo