Even if dad didn’t have cancer, I knew we’d be back to KC for Elizabeth’s first birthday. The first child/grandchild seems to have the distinction of snatching the attention for all the events that will later be anti-climactic for all the rest. Nothing was going to keep Grammy from her granddaughter on her first birthday.  Simple things like playing in the park, and going to to the zoo are made better with the presence of this little one. I always marveled at the change in my father after Erik was born. I never dreamed it would someday happen to me.  It’s different than when your own child is born. Here’s a person you have to get to know, and they have to get to know you.  But they’re also a part of you and you are a part of them.  It’s like parenting, but different. I think if you’re a grandparent you know exactly what I’m talking about.

We took some time on Sunday to visit our friends in the Woods Chapel Gospel Choir. In the year before I left, I directed this group that I’d sung with for three years. They’re a great group of people and fun visit.

It’s good to spend time with dad. He’s been receiving treatment and he’s doing better than when we saw him in January. His spirits are up and he’s planning trips for the fall. Mother is encouraged as well and is constantly by his side.

As I noted before, our trips to Missouri are now filled with blessings and sadness. I suppose that’s the way life is.

“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.” – Helen Keller