Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Musings



Wow! I looked at my blog today and realized I haven't done a post in almost a month. I think that is the longest I have ever gone in the past almost two years.

January was taken up with Teresa and her surgery. My wonderful cousins, Lena, Samantha, Jan, Jean, Tom, Elsa, Dorothy and Elyssa, as well as all of the Phoenix family were absolutely wonderful in helping with her care.

The week after she had her double mastectomy, we had a faculty party. It was partly a celebration for my birthday. When I told this to Teresa, she said that she was going with me and she did. So many people at the party were amazed that anyone, let alone an 87 year old, would be going to a party the week after major surgery!!! But that is what makes her so special.

In addition, I have been battling a stupid sinus infection that really got a hold on me for some reason. It makes me feel a bit bad that it hit me so hard when I see what Teresa has been through! Between that the craziness of some of the things that have been happening at school have caused a bit of "writer's block."

The weekend of January 8th, Teresa, Yaya, Kerri, Cameron and I drove over to San Diego for the graduation from Marine Corp Boot Camp of our cousin, Brendan. I have never been to a ceremony like this and it was quite impressive for many reasons.

Brendan is the son of my cousin, Rosemary, from San Franciso. Over the years, Brendan has visited us many times for different family events. He is a wonderful young man!!

All of his aunts, uncles, and cousins from San Fransciso were there for his graduation. Probably the most poignant moment was after the ceremony was over and all of the family was hugging him. You see, Brendan was in boot camp when our dear Steven was killed in October. He had not seen any of the family during these past few months.

The weekend was wonderful! I am always so happy when we can take Teresa to these family events because they mean so much to her. But even more than that, is the importance of Cameron being a part of the family gatherings!!!

As I have said so many times in the past, we are so fortunate to have such a wonderful extended family. We are truly blessed!!!