With All My Love

Dear Elder Schenewark,

Good morning! I have recently returned from the land of your Grandparents. They extend their greetings and love to you. They prayed for you. They do love you. They asked about you, and actually had me find your mailing address for them.

I flew out after work Wednesday, driving straight to the DFW airport. The day at work at been so busy. We generated over 400 calls for service. I was mentally fatigued. I made it to the DFW Airport without incident, which might be a first for me. Had no problem with the remote parking lot or shuttle bus. I tried really hard to find a close parking lot, as I'm driving a rental car that I don't recognize as my own. 

A really cute picture of your younger Breyer - WV

I was dropped off at the wrong portion of the terminal, and didn't know enough to question the incompetent driver. I found pee all over the toilet in my bathroom stall. I accused the Chik fil A employee of not providing the correct change. I plowed through the toilet paper roll I brought to blow my nose. I was pretty miserable climbing onto the airplane. The bone jarring turbulence didn't help, nor missing my exits off the MassPike. By the time I crawled into bed at 2 a.m., 1 a.m. for me, I had been up almost 24 hours - less than 3 hours short. I was still awake when Grampy came out a short time later, so we had an early morning or very late evening greeting that was wonderful.

I coughed myself awake an hour later, and then again. By 3:45 I was in the shower hoping the hot steam would ease the chills from the allergy name of Cedar Fever, and by 4:00 was greeting your grandmother. I finally fell asleep, and slept until 9:30. It was a rough night. I won't mention being sick again except to say having no allergens in the cold northeast air flipped the allergy so quickly my sinuses have been draining ever since. I'm hoping being back in Texas won't cause another allergic reaction.

We spent the day mostly in our pajamas. We might have put on some clothes in the afternoon but it was only so we'd be ready for Aunt Rachael, who brought games and cards over to play. Imagine that her favorite game is mine? Rummikub. I taught them all Golf. Good times. We ordered from Olive Garden for dinner, which was yum.

I was up early Friday morning to drive far north into New Hampshire to see Aunt Becky and your cousin Mackenzie at the Dartmouth Children's Hospital in Lebanon. What a beautiful drive. The mountains had a fresh coat of snow, the tree branches bowed from the weight, and the sky clear, crisp and blue. I had to drive all the way to the last parking lot, last row to get the last space. 

The lady behind me was maneuvering her vehicle onto a snowbank. After plowing back through the multiple parking lots on foot, crossing through knee deep snow between the lots, I reached the lobby huffing and puffing from the 18 degrees. Your cousin is doing well and progressing with the respiratory therapy. It was fun to sit with that sweet, sassy girl and catch up with my sister. I stayed a couple of hours, and made my way back home by 3:30.

 I inhaled dinner. I had decided ahead of time to not eat in the hospital. One of the things I had wanted to do for a long time was watch Uncle Aaron in action as a high school or college basketball referee. He happened to have a local girls' game at Marlborough High to officiate so I drove over for half of the game. He's quick, he's decisive, he's confident. The only negative comments in the stands were for his partner's calls.  

I'll close the New England adventures with this thought. I was speaking with your Aunt Becky while waiting for the remote bus at the airport parking lot. She and I were speaking of something but the topic of getting a father's blessing from Grampy came up. I told her I always forget, and never have a pressing need to remind me. So one of my goals was to do this while I was home. Late the night before I left, 11:30 p.m., he told me he'd like to give me a blessing. So so sweet. I told him of my conversation, and how grateful I am that he offered, as I had again forgotten. Dad's are the best.

Sweet photo of Uncle Rich and Aunt Kelly I found on line

We had a good friend take Breyer to gymnastics while I was gone.

Your father got to watch Sawyer in his basketball game against Arlington Seguin Friday. They were the only team to win their game, and it was at home.

He also took Miller to his prime game last night. Hopefully he got some good clips for me to watch. I opted to stay home for a minute. I had to do three piano lessons shortly after debarking from the plane. Thankfully the other four cancelled - due to the flu no less. Dad did a wonderful job keeping up with dishes, food and wash, but I needed to make a bigger dent before the new week begins in full motion.

Cooper and Sawyer went to a youth stake dance, but was the only one to go in character for the movie themed event - Hans Solo with an awesome gun he created.

The only other thing I remember pre trip was that we worked on Come Follow Me for Family Home Evening. We'll tackle some more this week.

I do believe that's the goods on the week past. As for the week to come - be strong. We love your letters, and check multiple times on Monday waiting. Know of our love for you -

Mom