On Loss and Grief

Our next door neighbor lost her husband unexpectedly several months ago.  We have always been friendly with this family since we moved here in early 2015, but now we are taking even more special care to check in on her.

Since our neighbor has a quiet house, Big Girl will occasionally visit to chat or do homework there.

Big Girl has had her share of loss and grief in her life and I know it impacts her to see the gargantuan daily effort our neighbor is making to move forward alone.  Since it's challenging for Big Girl to talk face to face about feelings, one day she gave kindness and support in the best way she knew by leaving an encouraging note in the kitchen which our neighbor shared with me.

MaOma Was Here

My Mama aka the kids' Oma was visiting for most of this summer and while it does feel like summer passed us by in a haze of home renovation, we did try to put some fun into her stay.

June 22 - Inside Out 2 Matinee

June 29 - Graduation/anniversary party with our Indiana cousins

July 6 - Fourth of July party and fireworks with our other Indiana cousins

July 12 - Birmingham Oratorio by Cincinnati Opera at Music Hall

July 13 - Family Dance Day at the Cincinnati Ballet

July 15 - Lunch at the historic Golden Lamb for our moms and one of Craig's aunts

July 21 - Visit to our new state park, Great Council State Park, dedicated to the Shawnee people

July 27 - Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden

July 28 - brunch at our lovely neighbor's house