Looking Back

So much has happened this summer, and as I reflect back on it all I find myself fighting back tears.

As previously mentioned, Shawn's health has been a major stressor for me. I saw Dr. Lind today for Sierra's physical and we spoke for a moment about Shawn. He's concerned that Shawn isn't fitting into the "normal" for diagnoses. So, off to specialists we go. Then I ran into Eileen, his wife, at Walmart. She was very comforting to me.

In addition to Shawn's "stuff", there was the Sierra situation. Heart-breaking really. On many levels, I suppose I should be happy. She found someone like Patrick to spend her summer with, and he has treated her so wonderfully...and she and I connected in ways I had only once dreamed of. Yet, the knowledge of what she has lost weighs heavy on my heart. Top that off with the fact that several weeks ago, I discovered lie after lie after lie from her. It became abundantly clear to me that she has been just telling me what I wanted to hear...and doing something completely different. I'm left hurt and jaded. I'm not one to give up...so onward we will forge. Someday she will change...this I truly believe. I take her to a different doc on Sept. 1st. That's a trip I was hoping to NOT have to make with her for a very long time. :( Breaks my heart...but turning a blind eye won't solve anything. I can just hope that the preaching I've done over the past 17 years has sunken in a little.

A few good memories come to mind from this summer. We had a lot of beach days. I thoroughly enjoyed trips to Chappy with the kids. They are finally the age that I can go without a bunch of junk in tow. There is nothing quite like sun-kissed kids...with salt in the hair and smiles on their faces. :)

Jared has really grown up this summer. He started babysitting his siblings for me on a few occasions. I was able to run an errand and know that he had his eye on them. He is expecting a growth spurt within the next year, which makes him very happy. It's about time. :)

Scott came to visit a LOT this summer. The kids got lots and lots of "Uncle" time. It's always nice to spend time with him.

All in all, it was a bitter-sweet summer. Thankfully, there is still 2 weeks left. We head to Washburn Island on Monday for 4 nights of camping...that will be SO nice (here's hoping the weather behaves). We could sure use a good ending to August...