Wednesday and Thursday are days to wrap presents, make hot fudge, and grade Finals. Then, the plan is to drive up to Oregon Friday if the weather cooperates. I am also fine with waiting until Saturday but hope I don't have to wait any longer than that. I gave Zoey an early birthday gift of a dog bed, which she LOVES. She had been using a smaller pink dog bed I got her when she was a puppy but it had become too old and worn out. Plus this one is more comfy. She looks so cute in it, doesn't she?
One of my Christmas gifts this year is a recording of an interview I did with my Grandma and Grandpa, about 10 years ago. If you remember, my Grandpa passed away last year and my Grandma passed away a couple years before that. As I mentioned, they were like second parents to me, and my Grandma and I were especially close. The interview reminded of me of that, of how comfortable we were together and how we just "got" and accepted each other. A wonderful feeling that I miss dearly.
I appreciate having the interview to remember but had been afraid to listen to it for fear the tape would break. I finally had it made into CDs and am giving copies to my aunt and uncle and cousins. I think they will like hearing it, even though it a bit slanted towards me and my Mom (birth mom), since I was the one doing the interviewing. My Grandma cries once during the interview talking about my Mom - it's amazing how the grief over losing my Mom seemed to stay with her and my Grandpa for their whole lives. Of course, that was one thing that we shared (the loss of my mom) and likely added to our closeness.
Though my Mom (step mom) and I don't really talk - I've reached out but she doesn't seem to want to connect right now - I have been thinking of her often and sending prayers. I have also done a couple of things "in her honor," like the care package I sent a while back, recently hanging the art tiles they gave me last Christmas in my new bedroom, and getting the special Campbell's Soup napkins (my Grandpa worked for Campbell's Soup) hemmed that she was going to finish but couldn't because of nerve damage in her fingers due to her treatments. I also bought all the supplies to make her a special Christmas card, and I hope I can find the time and energy to complete it. I guess I can work on it in Oregon if need be, but I know from experience how difficult it can be to get stuff done there. If I leave on Saturday, maybe I can get it done Friday. Anyway, I'm trying to do more practical actions "for her," if that makes sense, because I want to at least be doing something.
I am really worried that they will be telling us bad news when I go home. My brother asked my dad about the scan my mom was going to get to see if the immunotherapy treatment was working, and he said it had been rescheduled or something. Then my mom and dad left for a trip to Arizona, which seems kind of odd timing. So, I'm scared but want to be as present and loving as I can be through whatever happens. Of course, I am also looking forward to seeing everyone and spending time with my nieces and nephew.
Well, I better go put the finishing touches on my Final. Sending good wishes to you all.
Happy birthday! Sounds like you have a bunch of fun plans to celebrate!
ReplyDeleteI'm sure your (step) Mom knows you care for her very much. I hope you only hear good news.