The kids wanted a very "American" Thanksgiving and they got it. We took an awesome extended family vacation to Disney World. It was completely different in so many ways from the Thanksgiving in Korea. We were in shorts for one thing and stuffing ourselves silly with American foods!
January brought the resolution of several health issues for me. Without going into too many details, a benign but fast growing tumor was removed from my appendix. Recovery always takes longer than expected but at least I was on the mend.
In February, my Mom had her 5th stroke that left her paralyzed on the left side. Life would never be the same. The previous four had been so much smaller and therefore less damaging. This one would prove to be the most debilitating. She was moved quickly into a rehab facility, near Dad, where she would attempt once again to come back from a stroke. By the beginning of April, things didn't look very good. The left side was still not responding despite some sensation returning.
For the first time, I was actually glad we had returned from Korea.
For the first time, I was actually glad we had returned from Korea.
In mid April, thoughts turned more toward her return home and less about her recovery. On April 18th all the preparations had been made and Mom was able to return to her home. Nothing ever goes as smoothly as planned but she made it. All of us were there to welcome her and help get her settled. Dad was overwhelmed from the beginning but we all felt confident he would make the transition. He never got the chance...On Friday at 11 pm Mom had her 6th and final stroke. This time she would not recover. I do get some solace that she was able to spend her last conscious night at home, in her own bed, next to the man she had loved for over 5 decades.
Somewhere I found the strength to give a speech in her honor at her Memorial service. The sun keeps rising in the East and setting in the West. My Dad has made it everyday so far. After over 51 years, his heart is broken. When you take wedding vows they always say "until death do us part" but no one ever really thinks of it until the reality hits. Some days are better than others but for the most part I can describe him as healthier than he would like to be.
In May, just after Mom's Memorial, a stitching opportunity popped up. I would get an the chance to switch to needlepoint and stitch an amazing piece for a local shop. No pressure on time and all materials provided. The piece is called Melissa Shirley's Thanksgiving House and upon completion will be a 3 dimensional free standing house. I just couldn't pass this one up. Mom was an avid needlepointer, so working on it gives me an overwhelming sense of peace and a closeness to her. Sometimes I get the feeling she is looking over my shoulder checking my tension like she did when I was 7 and just learning. After checking my stitches she would always tell me to 'hurry up' because she wanted to see the finished product. It has been the best therapy yet.
In May, just after Mom's Memorial, a stitching opportunity popped up. I would get an the chance to switch to needlepoint and stitch an amazing piece for a local shop. No pressure on time and all materials provided. The piece is called Melissa Shirley's Thanksgiving House and upon completion will be a 3 dimensional free standing house. I just couldn't pass this one up. Mom was an avid needlepointer, so working on it gives me an overwhelming sense of peace and a closeness to her. Sometimes I get the feeling she is looking over my shoulder checking my tension like she did when I was 7 and just learning. After checking my stitches she would always tell me to 'hurry up' because she wanted to see the finished product. It has been the best therapy yet.
For the most part the Summer was spent with friends, visiting family and I got some stitching done! In June both kids went to visit Grandparents in South Carolina. It was the first time Jason and I had been without BOTH kids at the same time. We missed them terribly but we were astonished how quickly we could complete a conversation! We also started a major construction project on the house--new floors! In July we had a fabulous trip to Maryland where we took in some sights and visited some fabulous family members.
Construction on the house finally ended and Galen received her drivers license. It actually turned out to be handier than I thought. She is a very good driver and is enthusiastic about the fact that she can drive her little brother to tennis! August was spent preparing for the school year; Galen's Senior year and David's return to Middle School.
Recently the topic of Korea cropped up again in conversation (it actually does quite often). Much to our surprise both kids would still go back in a heartbeat. The number of things and people we miss is still quite long. It would be very different if we were to return but I have to admit I would still go too. Several friends of mine have embarked on similar journeys (one to Mexico and one to Korea) and I am so excited for them and the adventures in store.
I have absolutely missed writing this blog. To say the past 6 months have been difficult would be an understatement and I just didn't have the mindset to write. Something changed a few weeks ago (I have no idea what) and today I sat down at the computer. The words came tumbling out almost faster than I could type them. I will start working on transitioning this blog into a keepsake format (instant Christmas gifts) and I may have even stumbled upon an idea for a new blog that I want to start setting up soon.
Thanks so much for reading this and your support.
I have enjoyed writing and sharing our adventures with all of you!
