2018 Joy Journal

January 8 Second Sunday Supper was joyous last night. Andrew seemed relaxed and started off sitting by Barry and talking about pickups and I heard him say, "I'm not sure I made the right decision," in son-asking-father tone. And then John came in and the three of them discussed the comparative pluses and minuses of various makes and models of pickups.  Kim went straight to pet Mama Cat.  When I said that Tori and Josh were still good friends, still good to each other, had just decided that they didn't have the kind of fire that takes you through all of life's troubles, I ended up looking at Kim, who was nodding as in how important that is, and I remember her saying about meeting John, "It isn't like I didn't know right when I met him that he was the one." Chris said, "I wish all of my relationships were that mature," and Andrew, in big brother love, "So do we." Chris said, loving back, "I know y'all do!" J...

May 14, 2018 Andrew called after he got off work yesterday and we got to have a little visit. He said that he was sorry he couldn't be here. He said that he might be coming home sooner than expected, because someone said something stupid on Friday, and he said something smart alecky in his reply. He said, "I'm 2000 miles away from the people who take care of my soul." He'd already talked to me about how much he misses Annette, so I knew what he was talking about. He said everybody there knows he'd rather be home. The people you would expect to be annoyed by his frankness are not, he said. Most people there are trying to climb the corporate ladder, but he is not. Most people there won't say the things that need to be said, but he will, and they are grateful.  Annette basically pulled Second Sunday Supper together for me. I couldn't even think of what to serve. She suggested party food, and so that's what we did. John and Kim stopped by and pick...

October 15, 2018 Vivian:  Happy birthday to this gem! We are so blessed to have such a supportive, generous and LOVING Grannie in our lives. Here’s to another year of giving in to Zak’s sweet smile and Max’s puppy dog eyes!!! We love you.   Beverly:  Sending out Huge wishes for the Happiest of birthdays to my M ❤️ mmy+Mentor+Confidant+ Yoga Buddy+Life coach+Lifesaver+All-Round-Best-Friend  🎂 🌠 I miss you so much I have physical discomfort ab it, but am happy knowing so many strong and loving arms are wrapping around you. (Bc you're the center of our universe, you know.) Happy Birthday to You ❤️ I love you past all the words  😘 😘 😘 Abby:  HAPPY BIRTHDAY to one of the bestest ladies I know ❤️ ❤️ ❤️  your words of wisdom and thoughts linger with me always and I’m so so so lucky to have you for another year! I hope today is all about you smiling! Martha:  Hoping it’s a sunny & beautiful Birthday & you and Barry have a gre...

August 20, 2018 Second Sunday Supper ---- the house was filled with the love and laughter of those who could be with us.  My cookies made me so sad. Brittany had asked if we were going to have some, and so I sent her a text and told her how badly they'd turned out, that they might be o.k. for crumbles on Vanilla ice cream, but not good as cookies. She offered to pick some ice cream up for me which she did, and I tried to reimburse her, but she wouldn't let me.  Andrew called while Annette was still here, so I got to hear his voice, anyway. He sounded really tired, and I remembered her saying that their phone calls are always short, so I didn't keep him on the phone long.  She said that he'd had a good lunch with Granddad and Nana, and that after he'd paid for lunch, Granddad joked that if he'd known Andrew was going to do that, he might would have ordered something more expensive.  Annette took care of the rolls for me.  John had to work,...

July 16, 2018 I sent Andrew a text last night, after Second Sunday Supper. He was at work, but texted with me for a few minutes. When I told him that I had thought about trying to call him when I was on my way back from Vero, but pictured him working, he said, "Should have reached out. Could have at least tried to meet up." So that made me feel good --- that maybe he isn't so busy that he'd feel bothered if I reached out more often.  Vivian excited about her new job at the WalMart distribution center --- she said she told Beth, "I can't wait to have lunch with Grannie and Papa," and then realized that she worked from six at night till six in the morning.  Annette and Skyler came early, and Annette helped me in the kitchen, with the rolls. When they got ready to leave, Skyler said to Annette, "Give me the keys! I'm driving home!"  Brittany came with Jon Mark, her boyfriend, and we were happy to meet him. Brandon wasn't here when...