November 8

This date marks an anniversary in my life. I have chosen to acknowledge it by writing a letter describing family events for the year.
 Dear Kathy,
First- I really wish you were still here with us. So much has happened.

To begin 2010, we lost U. Cecil, followed closely by my Father. Less than 2 weeks later, U. Marion went also. It's almost as if they left the door open for him. They aren't the only ones who walked through the door though, and I know one of the most confusing yet comforting was your Mother. She is buried next to you, and all I could think of at her burial, was that now you and your Mom can be together. She wanted that, you know? That is why her funeral wasn't so tough for me. My daughter- your namesake- says I stonewalled at Dad's funeral. I think she's right. I think I didn't want to feel, so I just didn't. We know where I learned that skill, right? Speaking of Kathy- She and Scott had a baby girl. She had some trouble getting here, and had to really show her strength and stubbornness at a young age, like less than a day old, but she did it. Her name is Kahlan Rose. Yeah, I know. Not only did I do what you and I always said we'd do, but so did my daughter. Pretty neat, huh?  Kahlan is gorgeous. I have no doubt that she is the most beautiful baby girl ever born. It's hard to put into words, but she fills all those spaces that are empty. Anyway, I wish you could see her. I wish you could see me with her. I'm not convinced that you don't. I am a Grandma!!! Wild.
Patrick is working and in his second semester, seeking a second degree. He seems to be doing really well, and is more like his old self all the time. He was living with us until this summer. Oh! That's also big news- we decided to buy the house in Oklahoma. We payed it off in full last month! It's a big decision, because it wipes out pretty much all the retirement savings we had, but it makes economic sense. It's also made a change in the way we feel about living here, I think. I will always love my house in Kansas, and I will always want to end up there, but this place is fine. It feels good here too, you know? I enjoy the area, the campus is gorgeous, the students are great.....etc. I feel like you are rolling your eyes less at me all the time!  ;)  Keith and I had a really nice anniversary trip this year, going into Missouri and Arkansas. We stayed in a Yurt (!) in a really bad storm- which was not so great, but the mountain top was. We also finally took that trip to Vegas that Keith has wanted to make for SO long. It was also fun- surprisingly- for both of us!! Of course, the best part of all this, is that I had someone to share it with. I am lucky, and I know it--
I guess that covers the main big news. I'll miss you always.

November? Really?!

Well! October certainly flew by for me.  We had a wonderful visit with daughter and family. I have multiple photos to prove it. We are looking forward to having everyone together again for Thanksgiving here in Oklahoma. It's Kahlan's first everything, so it's automatically special. There is always a certain decision making process involved with the holiday planning for us. We own two houses- one in Oklahoma and one in Kansas. On a side note, when I say,"own", I actually mean it! We paid off the Oklahoma house last month!! Yippee!
Back to holidays- because we have two places in two states, there is a bit of figuring, plotting, and planing to be made. AND- since we've had a marriage, there is also another entire family to negotiate with as well. We have always done Thanksgiving at the home in Kansas, until last year, when half of us went to the 'other side' for that holiday. We had a very nice day here in Oklahoma, and are going to repeat the process this year- with the exception of having more help in the kitchen!
Happily, my Mom has two options for Thanksgiving that don't involve her riding in a car for a 7 hour round trip. I brought her down once for our Christmas show, and while I think she enjoyed the show, the trip was tiring, and being some place besides her home was difficult for her. I'm really thankful that there are other things she can participate in that don't involve her leaving her home. She has begun to live in a kind of alternate reality, I think. She has sort of rewound the clock to a time when all her loved ones were still alive. That works out fine for her, until I show up with a grandbaby! Then she has some confusion when she actually thinks about it. It's really tough to explain, because she has always sort of ignored things that are painful for her, so this behavior isn't new- and not really related to age, etc. It's a self-preservation thing I believe. I know that Christmas and their anniversary will be difficult for her, if she allows herself to recognize it. Time will tell how that works out.
In the meantime, I am helping with some costumes for Opera Scenes, and taking photos for promotions for the School of Music this week. We are heading into a season of concerts, etc. and lots of excitement. Among all this, I get to celebrate with a new Grandbaby! We have so much to be thankful for!