Home with a Pandemic

 We are recovered from our reunion trip and enjoying continued time at home with no obligations.  I like this time, even though I basically feel it is unnecessary.  This feeling grows with each day our society continues to be somewhat shut down, masked and afraid.  Fear is the big issue with me.  If we are fearful enough we become willing to let go of freedoms in return for safety.  It seems a foolish exchange.  Especially if the fear is unfounded. 

Son-in-law Chris sent pictures of our reunion group that I didn't have for the previous post.  So here is one that he sent.  Back row L to R:  Dominic, Rayne, Vincent, Peyton, Jessica, Miles.  Front row L to R:  Bruce, Seth, James with son Alex (missing is his wife Alejandra, who was there but not present for the photo), Timothy, Layne, me, Audrey, Angelica, Reed, Chris, Isaiah and his love, Avery.

I am bunches of grateful for these wonderful people who make up part of our family.  I'm also terribly fond of the rest of them who didn't make it this year.

August 10 is our granddaughter Carmen's birthday.  This year she would have been 20 if we hadn't lost her to cancer 11 years ago.  Each year Reed and Dorothy and family celebrate her on her birthday by remembering her and releasing balloons in her memory.  This year we joined with them in our yard.

Dorothy handed out the balloons.

Timothy releases his purple one, Carmen's favorite color.

Vincent watches as Layne releases his.

Reed, offered sweet thoughts of his only daughter Carmen, before releasing his balloon.

It is a lovely moment to watch together as our balloons lift to the skies, disappearing before our eyes, as we imagine Carmen receiving them and knowing that we are sending her our love.

Angelica fills her days with carefully planned goals and activities.  Seth has been working all summer on his 4 online classes.  Between that and basketball he keeps busy.  I too, try and organize my days for accomplishment.  Sometimes I'm successful.  

Our next big event is Isaiah's wedding to his lovely fiance, Avery.  California temples are closed, so they will marry in Audrey and Cliff's home.  After they return to Idaho for school, they will be married for Eternity.  That will be 5 grandchildren married!