Over the last few weeks, my life has been a whirlwind. After Kelli and I got back from seeing Bonnie Hunter in Moline at the beginning of April, I started scrambling to get things together for our family Easter and my trip to Cincinnati to the International Quilt Festival. Just as I was ready to leave for Cincinnati, my husband’s mom took a turn for the worst. She was 91 and in the nursing home.
We debated about whether I should leave or not. In the end I went.
When I got back, she had gotten worse. Tuesday we went for a visit and said goodbye. The next morning, the minister came to visit, said a prayer with her and a few minutes later, she passed away.
Thursday the family got together to make arrangements. Friday all my kids came home and we traveled back to Minnesota for the wake. Saturday we were hurrying out the door to the funeral when the phone rang and we were told the baby chicks were in and we should go to the post office to pick them up….how could that happen?
We took two vehicles to the funeral. The kids ended up going home after the funeral and hubby and I stayed on. The kids (and their significant others) were AMAZING!! They came home, cooked food and cleaned house, even the refrigerator and laundry rooms which had barely been touched since the 1st of the month!! They also picked up the baby chicks, brought them home, and set up their housing.
I am exhausted and sad. My Mother in Law, was a great lady. She was a hard worker, good cook, gardener, canner, volunteer, great housekeeper, and good grandmother to our kiddos. She was very accepting of me and always, always, made me feel welcome in the family.
I do have to say that these little chicks came at the perfect time.
There are 28 in all. This little gal (as well as all the others) have been enjoying lots of attention.
We have a couple chairs set up by the pen and we seem to find ourselves there petting baby chicks and reminiscing about Grandma.
I’m so sorry for your loss. The way you describe your mother-in-law reminds me of my grandmother, another outstanding woman. I do envy you your chicks. Not much room to raise chickens in Brooklyn!
I suspected something like this was going on with you this week as you were not blogging. I’m so sorry for your loos. Your MIL sounds like she was a wonderful lady. And it sounds like you raised your kids right and they have chosen partners wisely to be such a great help.
you have some amazing kids. Marie
Oh, Jo, so sorry to hear about your mother in law. It sounds like she led a rich and fulfilling life. We are preparing for a funeral for my brothers ex wife this week. They had been divorced for about a year, and have a 15 year old son who lived with my brother. She was only 36, so it’s really been rough on brother and nephew. I was not close to her, but am just turned inside out for my nephew.
I’m so sorry for your loss. She sounds like an amazing woman. You and your family will have many wonderful memories to help ease the pain.
Jo-I’m so sorry to hear about your mother in law. It’s always hard to lose someone that is so close..especially a lady that is so accepting. She sounded like an amazing woman…just like you.
Gotta love your children – wonderful help for you. What a great time thou petting baby chicks and celebrating your mother in law’s life. Blessings.
I am so sorry for your loss, Jo. Your mother in law lived a rich & full life. Your kids are wonderful, and there are new chicks in the house…
I am sure you will honor & remember her in all the sweet, every day moments in life.
Deep peace & comfort to you, your husband & the whole extended family.
Such a sad time for your family…hope the chicks help to lighten your spirits.
My sympathies to you and your family on the loss of your mother-in-law. I’m glad you were able to say your goodbyes.
Sounds like you haven’t stopped to take a breath since I saw you in Moline. Again, so sorry for your loss. You kids really stepped up when you needed them to…way to go kids! Those little chicks are so cute and will benefit from all the lovin”. Warm hugs to you and the family.
{{{hgs}}} from northwest Iowa to you and your family. I’m sad for your loss but heartened by how your kids rose to the circumstances and made life easier for you upon your return home. You raised some good ones!
So sorry for your loss, it is always to difficult to lose those we love so much. It is funny how the good Lord gives us what we need, when we need it. Sounds like the adorable little chicks reaffirm that life does go on and if we are among the lucky, along with our grief we have all the happy memories to celebrate. You have raised a wonderful family. I wish you better days ahead.
I’m so sorry for the loss of your mother-in-law. My parents and in-laws have all been gone for several years now. It certainly makes a difference in the family dynamics. None of the younger generations see each other as often now. Random thought: It also makes me part of the “older” generation, even though I feel like I shouldn’t be a day over 30. Well, except when various parts of me ache. :)
That little gray chick is adorable. What kind is it? Or is that just a chicken mystery?
My condolences to you and your family. Hard to lose those we love and admire so much. Sounds like your own ‘chicks’ are wonderful people as well!
Staying busy and recalling sweet memories are good ways to deal with grief.
Now those bitties are so sweet!
I’m so sorry for your family’s loss. Your MIL sounds like a wonderful lady and I hope that in time, all of y’alls memories of her will bring you joy.
Sorry to read about your loss. She sounded like an amazing woman.