From Indonesia with Love

This past weekend was a big day for Paeton,

graduating in the country that welcomed him when he was only a few months old.

For me, this is the perfect photo, the special young man that he is.

Excuse my bias,

but, oh the memories that come flooding back

from cradling him in my arms, not knowing how we'd ever get to know him

to the precious times we've shared over the years.

The family is down to four, with Tehya here.

And we won't talk about next year yet. 

 With graduation ceremonies behind them, suitcases got packed and

they are on their way back as I write this post. 

You can imagine the excitement here of family reunited,

of rooms ready, and plans for an eventful summer. 

Paeton, we are so proud of you,

the young man you have become and the decisions you have made!

We realize that this is a pivotal time for you,

leaving life as you know it to

return to a new life in your passport country.

It is a stage none of us could have dreamed about 18 years ago

but it is here, calling our for new adventures.

We look forward to seeing you come through our doors as often as you like! 

Hockey Season

Papa, who is left handed, has passed this gene on to several grandkids.

Although Jack is not one of them, when he showed Papa how he shoots,

he held it just like Papa did,

so they went shopping for a left handed stick to store at our place. 

We found out later that he had simply copied Papa's stance.

So he improvises, never missing a beat.

At home he plays right, and at Papa and Mimi's he plays left

or uses his left handed stick to shoot right.

and he scores! 

Precious times, when all is right in a five-year-old's world.

 

Better Late than Never

After almost all of the grands have had a fifth birthday date to Build-a-Bear

it came to our attention that the two who missed out still wanted their turn. 

Why not?

We picked up Tehya and Natalie on a Monday after school

and headed into the city to the store in Metrotown Mall. 

Their excitement was contagious! 

I really thought that our trip in with Jack was our last ...

so this was a bonus, 

observing these teen girls do the back and forth walk looking at options.

At this age, choosing a character, an outfit and accessories really is an event. 

Natalie had her sixteenth birthday last month.

She is a sweet teenager! 

Oh, the memories that come back of after school dates 

and how she always bubbled over with stories.

This was no exception. 

Frog and Bear were stuffed with love, dressed and given a birth certificate.

Meet Kevin and Macey! 

And the way out followed a certain tradition as well.

All eleven now have their special memory. 

We headed to a favorite restaurant

and enjoyed a very tasty meal together! 

Why did we wait so long? 

And yet, I wouldn't have it any other way now.

It was so good to listen to what's happening in their lives,

even good old fashioned dreams of young ladies with all of life ahead of them.

Our oldest two granddaughters, paving the way

and making us so proud and thankful!

We dream with them and pray. 

Mother's Day Bits and Pieces

Mother's Day has a way of bringing me back to one of life's blessings ...

that of being a mom. 

I've asked the question before, had I known the cost of it, would I have signed up?

Did I know that these children would become part of my very breath 

for the rest of my life? 

It's a mystery, this love that comes with those tiny helpless babes,

a love that keeps going through all the learning curves and challenges,

no matter the years that go by. 

Life just keeps building on those first years.

first steps, first flower picked and given ... 

to the bouquet brought to the door by a tall and handsome.

Every flower from him has always melted my heart.

Add to the picture, two beautiful young women,

at a place now where they know the cost as well,

yet embracing this beautiful gift with grace and strength.

We postponed our family get-together due to not everyone feeling well,

but I had a very special time with my siblings.

The stone was delivered this past week and it was our first time seeing it with both names.

I cannot express how surreal it felt and the emotions that go with this. 

The word we cling to is on there ...

"Aufwiedersehen" or "until we meet again" 

The bond that fills my heart with gratefulness

is the history and memories that we share.

We are the family now, along with our families,

continuing traditions and making our own

with a new awareness of where we come from and where we are going. 

May we live and love to pass the baton of faith,

praying, no one will be missing on that day

when again we see face to face.

 

Just Checking In

 

These two weeks since Easter have been filled with a lot of emotions that I don't really need to share, but it may be good to think through what has all happened and to realize how the Lord has shown His loving presence in our pain. 

On Good Friday, after our family get-together, my H went to sit through the night with his ailing brother. Dealing with cancer, he somehow ended up with a severe infection that took him home the next day. He is the first of nine siblings, so it is a surreal and sad time for the extended family, and in particular for his immediate family. 

In the meantime we both ended up with Covid. He was able to get past his five days to make it to the graveside service but I was not.  It is times like these that I am especially thankful for our kids who have shown their care and love. Many texts, a surprise package at the door and a flower delivery. Feeling loved is good medicine.

Personally I'm in a place where I need to remind myself daily to trust God's timing in everything. I've experienced how quickly my plans can change, that I am not in control of viruses and protocols, but I can choose my attitude.  This truly is a work in process, but it amazes me how giving my fears to God gives me assurance, a better perspective and peace. 

Family Easter

We gathered for our Easter celebration on Good Friday. 

It felt a bit of a somber day to celebrate, so I kept decor simple

and we lit candles on the tables. 

Papa talked about the significance of this day and asked the

kids, "Why do they call it Good Friday?"

Apparently the term "Good" as applied here is an Old English expression meaning Holy. 

Holy Friday ... when the sky went dark and the earth shook just before Jesus breathed His last. 

Easter baskets were hidden by the dads ...

you can tell.

I was chasing the kids but didn't get to see all of 

the hiding places or initial responses.

And guess where Koen found his! 

Papa's shop has lots of good places,

including a trash can. 

I struggle with the balance of taking photos and just enjoying the time.

If I had more photos of Paska,

it would be of the kids spreading icing on slices of paska bread

and adding their own sprinkles. 

The recognition on their faces when I told them of this possiblity 

still brings a smile to my face. 

 How thankful we are that the story did not end with Holy Friday,

but that on Sunday we could celebrate our risen Savior,

Lord of life and death.

But the truth is that Christ has been raised from death, 

as the guarantee that those who sleep in death will also be raised.

1 Corinthians 15:20