A Writer in the Family

Back in September of 2001 Mark's job took us to Tampa. Andy had just started 3rd grade in South Bend and he had to move part way into the year to a new school in Florida. I remember going to his first parent-teacher conference and being very nervous. I wondered how the transition had gone for Andy in the classroom and I wondered about this new school and new teacher.

Her name was Ms. Alonso and she turned out to be wonderful, as did Andy's conference. She told me what a good student Andy and especially what a great writer he was. In fact, she said, I set aside this paper he wrote about his cat. I thought you'd like to read it. I took the paper from her, read it, and had to agree, it was wonderful! Very descriptive and detailed. The only thing is.....Andy didn't have a cat. Never did, never will (I'm way too allergic). When I asked
Andy why he wrote about a cat he told me "I just felt like it". Too funny! And that's when we found out....Andy can write!

Last year Andy wrote a paper in school for a contest in which he ended up being a finalist. It was all about his trip to Washington, D.C. Again, a wonderful, well written paper. We were proud. And not a bit surprised that Andy could write a paper about a trip he had, in fact, never taken!
After all...Andy can write!

So this year, when Andy signed up for Newspaper at school, Mark and I thought that was a good idea. We knew he could write! Two weeks into the class Andy was made News Editor and assigned three stories to write. And this issue, the second of the year, all three of those stories appeared! Including the front page story on Homework, Too Much or Too Little.

Mark and I weren't surprised. After all...... Andy can write!

Walk for Hospice

Hospice entered into our family when Grampy got sick and passed away in 1994. He hadn't been sick too long, just a couple of short months, so his death was devastating to our family. Hospice was there to help keep him comfortable and at home those last few weeks and was there for our entire family as we tried to deal with the shock of losing him.

In 2008 when Grammy, who was in a nursing home, took a turn for the worse, Hospice was again there to make her comfortable and also to counsel the family on how to let go. I can't describe how important their support was during that time. There really aren't words to thank them for caring about us and taking such loving care of grandma.





So this year when the Walk for Hospice came around I sent out a message asking for anyone who might want to walk with me. And many family and friends responded. Hospice has blessed so many families and everyone, it seemed, wanted the chance to give back to them.

So, today, on a brisk but sunny fall day, we all gathered at Newton Park and walked in support of Hospice.


Here is a group shot of 11 members of our 18 person team. Tricia Morton, Mom, Jon, Darcy, Mr. Zutter, me, Aunt Connie, Dane, Sarah and Dana Rigby and Abby. Missing are Dad, Garrett, Sally, Jada, Mady, Alex and Sterling.

Tricia, Mr. Zutter, Mark and I all walked together and managed to go 4 miles. It went by so fast with the four of us talking and laughing and sharing the day together.

They provided a Memorial Board for anyone who wanted to share. I wasn't prepared for this so just wrote what was in my heart. We miss you Grammy and Grampy.

The Zutter family also has been the recipient of Hospice loving care. Mr. Zutter wrote a beautiful memorial to Mrs. Zutter. Today was their wedding anniversary and she walked with us in spirit.

Here a shot of Mr. Zutter and Mark after we crossed the finish line. What a special day to support a special organization.

Hospice is a non-profit organization whose mission is to improve the quality of living through physical and spiritual care of the patient and their family. No one is ever turned away due to an inability to pay for their service. They rely on the support of the community and financial gifts.

To learn more about Hospice click the link below:

http://www.centerforhospice.org/

Peace,

Lisa

24 Years

Today Mark and I celebrated our 24th wedding anniversary. And this is what he sent to me at work. 24 perfect long stem red roses.

What a hubby!

But that isn't the whole story of our courtship. Mark and I actually met in high school and starting dating when I was 15 and he was 16. That makes our years together top out at 32.

In honor of our anniversary I dug out some of the pictures taken while we were young!

Boy did that time fly by! Here's to 24 more years together!