I just don't have the energy to write an amazing tribute or explain all the happenings around here this week in some witty repose. But there are going ons that I need to share.
My Father-in-law, Al, passed away Friday evening. The kids and I were there and we helped give grandpa a send-off, toasting his life with sacramental wine and witnessing the Priest give Final Rites. Everyone was sad, but we turned the evening into a positive one celebrating his life. He was 89 years old and just missed his 60th wedding anniversary (in November). My children will always remember their first alcohol was at their grandfather's deathbed. (I wonder how the shrinks will work that?)
On Saturday, in the hubbub of confusion and family, the Caboose tumbled down the last 3 steps of the stairs. He cried for quite a while. Over the next two days, I kept wondering why he was whimpering in pain every time someone picked him up.
Tuesday, the doctor confirmed my suspicions. He broke his clavicle. So, now I watch on pins and needles every stumble and fall he takes. We are being gentle with him for the next two weeks while his collar bone heals. (can you say "guilty schmuck"? That is how I feel, wishing I knew sooner and could have helped his pain!)
And even through the sorrow, we've had some joy.
Jammin' FINALLY passed Level 3 in swimming. This is HUGE! He has been so afraid of the water and it took 2 years of being at this level. TWO YEARS. We celebrated with dinner at Ruby Tuesdays. (The Caboose celebrated by throwing french fries across the table. That kid has an arm - even with a broken clavicle).
Finally, this household bought a brand new computer. (insert angels singing here). I never knew how fast could be so glorious.
So - what have YOU been up to?
More hugs for the Caboose, poor sweetie! I think your send off for the FIL was fantastic. What a great way to pass with loving family surrounding you! A very positive experience for the kids. Death along with birth is a part of our lifes journey. Would it not be nice if we could not fear it and take it as a normal part of our existence? (I am assuming of course you explained to the kids what was happening in a non scary way?) I bet he is resting in peace knowing how much his family loved him! Big big hugs and smoochies xxxoxoxoxox
Posted by: Karisma | October 15, 2009 at 09:23 PM
I'm sorry for the loss of your FIL, but I'm glad you all got to be there to celebrate his life. Family passings in my family always involve alcohol. *grin*
Poor baby Caboose! I hope he heals soon.
Yeah to Jammin'! What great news.
Posted by: Desert Songbird | October 15, 2009 at 09:53 PM
[[[hugs]]] Gosh, what a huge week on so many levels for you all!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Mal | October 15, 2009 at 10:32 PM
Ohh....I am so sorry to hear about the difficult parts of your week. Glad the Caboose will be okay. Congrats to Jammin! Around here we are still very busy becoming a foster family on top of regular life!
Posted by: Tracey | October 16, 2009 at 05:36 AM
Man you've just had a time, haven't you. Well since you asked, it took 4 months to get our land offer settled, 24 hours after that, we had our house ordered, and it will take up to 4 months for the paperwork and building to be complete. At this point, we're hoping for spring thaw. In reality, we wanted to be in our own house by baby's first birthday which is next week. Kind of bittersweet.
Posted by: Jill | October 16, 2009 at 06:21 AM
I'm so sorry to hear about Al... what a neat man. I'm glad that your family was able to celebrate with your mourning.
I hope the Caboose heals quickly!
Jammin'... you rock! You did it... way to go :)
Posted by: angela | October 16, 2009 at 09:12 AM
I'm sorry to hear about your FIL. It sounds like he was a wonderful man. Poor Caboose. Good thing kids bounce back faster than parents do.
Awesome job Jammin'!
Posted by: nikki | October 16, 2009 at 09:47 AM
Condolences on your father-in-law's death, congrats on the passing the swimming test, and welcome to the world of never ending guilt. I hope that Caboose never hears this story or you are NEVER gonna hear the end of it.
Glad he is feeling better.
Posted by: Sandy | October 16, 2009 at 09:58 AM
I am sad over Al's passing. He was such a wonderful person and I'm glad I had the chance to know him.
I wanna snuggle that caboose. Poor little guy. AND Jammin! Way to go, bud!!!
Posted by: Amanda | October 16, 2009 at 10:46 AM
So sorry for you loss...It's hard, but he had a long and full life. I'm sure he appreciated the family around.
Poor Caboose!!! I hope he feels better soon.
And congrats to Jammin!
Posted by: caroline | October 16, 2009 at 06:23 PM
My condolences to you!!! However, I am smiling at your last line about a faster computing experience.
Hope the collar bone heals fast. Poor little guy1
Posted by: C... | October 17, 2009 at 07:22 AM
Uffda what a week, I am sorry for your loss..but it sounds like you made it a positive experience for the children ..even if it involved alcohol!
Poor Baby, it is really hard to know when little ones are hurt. He will heal fast! Leaving you guilt free!
Way to go Jammin.. a great milestone!
Yes, computers that are fast are so much fun!
Hope you have a good weekend:)
Posted by: Far Side of Fifty | October 17, 2009 at 08:09 AM
What a sad time. This must have been an emotional week, highs and lows. Hope Caboose heals quickly. :) And yay Jammin'!!!
Posted by: Lisa's Chaos | October 18, 2009 at 01:53 PM
I guess I missed the Jammin swimming excitement!
Posted by: Pamela | October 19, 2009 at 12:26 AM
Poor caboose, give him a gentle hug from his auntie and all his little cuz's. Sorry to hear about Al, what a legacy he leaves behind in his kids and grandkids. GO JAMMIN!!!
Posted by: Jennie J. | October 21, 2009 at 08:16 PM
I'm sorry to hear of your loss, but it sounds like a lovely celebration of his life. Poor Caboose! Hope that time passes quickly! And yay for Jammin'! We just quit swim for a while because it was frustrating, so I understand the celebrating for the achievement for sure!!!!!!
Posted by: Sabrina | November 01, 2009 at 02:20 PM