Home for the Holidays

It was so good being home for Christmas with family. Sheri and I had lots of quality time with Henry. We took him to visit Santa Claus and ride on the carousel. We went to the playground. He stayed with us at our house a couple times, which is always so much fun. We got to eat creamsicles together (it's our thing), make cinnamon rolls and pancakes, read books, and play with lots of cars. Randy and Kirsten had to work on Christmas Eve, so we got to take Henry with us to Sheri's brother's house for a wonderful Christmas Eve dinner and present exchange with Sheri's family (a tradition). We also had a Christmas dinner on the 23rd at a nice restaurant with mom and Janet's family. I drove up to Olympia again on Christmas day and Mom and I went out for Christmas dinner at the Indian casino. Not the most Christmasy place, but fun none-the-less. I was quite happy since mom seemed to be recovering well from her broken hip.

Unfortunatley, that didn't last. Mom fell again on the 28th of December and cracked a couple ribs. She was in the hospital for five days, then moved to a rehab center. She was hurting a lot, weak and not eating well, and having more trouble with memory and processing. She was not very happy. I spent nearly all of January in Olympia visiting with mom and trying to keep her spirits up. The upside of it is that I stayed at my brother's house, so got to spend some quality time with him and his family. Sheri was great support for me and helped a lot with mom. My sister and brother, Janet and Tom, were also great with mom.

My last day in Oregon was Henry's birthday party. Two-years-old! He is growing up so fast. So fun to watch what a great little guy he is becoming.

I will miss family, but most of all, Henry.

I am now back in Costa Rica. It is good to be here, but it is difficult. I worry so much about mom. I know nobody lives forever, but I just want her to be comfortable and happy. We moved her into a really nice adult home where she will get 24-hour care. There are six other residents and the care-givers are so kind and caring. I feel really good about the place. I hope mom does well. I have to admit, I cried (alot) when I left.

I also miss Sheri and looking forward to when we are together again.

But I have to go. I have a lot of life to live.

“You see, I want a lot.

Perhaps I want everything

the darkness that comes with every infinite fall

and the shivering blaze of every step up.

So many live on and want nothing

And are raised to the rank of prince

By the slippery ease of their light judgments

But what you love to see are faces

that do work and feel thirst.

You love most of all those who need you