My, how fast time has flown in the last year. Much has transpired since my last post.
When Dad came to visit in December 2012, we had no idea that it would be his last Christmas with us. We had a glorious four months with him, enjoying breakfast, lunch and supper together each day. It was a remarkable time, filled with routine, daily matters, but I will cherish each moment we had together. I have so many precious memories of this time with dad... including prayers of thanksgiving at each meal (that included prayers for each of his children and grandchildren). We had just started the process of establishing new relationships with doctors in the Dallas area when we learned that dad had a heart valve problem. Unfortunately, we discovered this when it was really too late for the doctors to fix. On Easter Sunday, we went to the emergency room and he didn't come home. He passed away on April 9th. Frank was at the hospital with him when he passed away, but Steve, Jennifer, Molly, Jeri, Chris and I had just left after having a wonderful visit with him that evening. There were so many special moments that occurred that day, it's hard to include them all here, but I had gotten a medallion from the college that day that I was able to share with him and a special friend had finished a painting for dad that he had been wanting for several years... a white chapel sitting in a wheat field. I was able to show him a photo of the painting just a few minutes before he passed away. I know he liked it... with tears in his eyes, he squeezed my hand that evening. Little Molly lit up the room that afternoon and she was so precious with him. Again, it was a wonderful day and one that I will remember always.
The rest of the year has been a blizzard of activity, moving things from dad's house and getting his estate in shape. There have been lots of forms and documents between Frank, the attorney, the accountant and me. (Fed Ex has been terrific and been right on time for everything!) I'm learning lots about the business behind dad's farms and I'm sure we will continue to learn as we move forward over the next several years. I'm SOOO grateful for Frank's knowledge and for the assistance of great professionals who understand the legalities of all the things we are taking care of these days.
We also sold our family home to a sweet young family and I'm so thrilled that they are loving the home as much as we all did. I especially love that it's the grandson of one of my mom's special friends. It really helps take the emotional sting out of selling our home.
On a fun note... Molly and Jaxon are growing like weeds, with both of them celebrating their second birthdays this year. Molly LOVES Minnie, Mickey and Doc McStuffin, while Jaxon is really loving his train set and Jake the Pirate on Disney. Both are adorable (I may be a little biased, but I don't think so!!)
Also, Jen and Jamie both got promotions this year-- Jen, at JCP and Jamie at Enterprise. Julie had another great year with a winning season as Jr. High coach in the Southlake Carroll ISD. Jonathan is working as an Industrial Designer at TREK and had an awesome first year, with a new design being debuted at TrekWorld.
Steve has had a bit of a tough year, with two knee surgeries. He ended this year with a partial knee replacement a couple of weeks ago. He is moving better each day-- gaining strength and flexibility. The physical therapist is pleased with his progress (for which we are very grateful!!)
I'll try to do a better job of keeping this blog updated in 2014. Many blessings to friends and family who check in on this blog from time to time. Have a great new year!!! :)
