Spring Break 2019

Before spring break Olivia’s teacher had the students share what they had planned.  Going to Hawaii, Mexico and Arizona were among the common responses.  When it was her turn, Olivia announced that she would be staying over at her grandparent’s house with her cousins.  The teacher thought that was great, and asked her where they lived. Olivia replied, “Next door”.  A few classmates thought that didn’t really count, but hey, it’s true.  I couldn’t stop laughing.  Perhaps I should have felt guilty that we weren’t going away, but I didn’t.  I knew the kids would have fun regardless, and besides you can’t beat Vancouver in the spring; my favourite time of the year.

Spring break 2019, along with some beautiful, record breaking weather brought many highlights; some movies and walks, a hockey game, lots of time with family and friends and even more laughs.

For me, being a part of an online ALS community has been invaluable, but also incredibly sad.  After being diagnosed with ALS, many people find that their friends all but disappear, either right away, because they just don’t know what to say, or gradually as the disease progresses and they don’t know how to react to the physical changes.  These people comment on how lonely they are.  I read these stories and feel such despair.  It’s bad enough having to battle this horrific illness, I couldn’t imagine having to do it alone.

I am beyond blessed that I have not experienced this with my incredible family or friends; in fact it has been just the opposite.  I am grateful.  I was thrilled that during the break, two dear friends from Calgary came to visit; choosing to spend part of their vacation with me.  Silas’s best friend from Calgary and his parents (who have become like family) also drove out just to see us.  I am so appreciative, more so after reading how other people are struggling.  I know it can’t be easy, coming to visit and not knowing what to expect. Despite the fact that I have undergone many physical changes since I last saw my friends and now speak through a computer, it wasn’t awkward at all.  My friends were gracious; waiting patiently while I formulated my responses.  It felt like old times!

The kids also enjoyed hanging out with friends this spring break.  I must say it does a mama’s heart good to see her kids happy.  I must also say that teenage boys baffle me! Silas had four friends for a sleepover and they decided that the trampoline would be a good place to sleep.  What??  It couldn’t have been more than 7 Celsius.  I assumed they would last an hour, max.  I was wrong.  They stayed out the entire night.  In the morning all you could see was this mass of sleeping bags and the bottom of the trampoline practically touching the ground.   The boys came in disheveled and wet from the moisture.  Did they think about coming in because of the cold?  No. Oh to be 15 again!!!  They gave me a good laugh in the morning, but I admit I was a little worried during the night.  Coyotes?!!  Now, to see if these boys will be allowed to come back. 😉

I have to say it was a great break and I’m really not ready to send the kids back to school tomorrow!

Until next time ♥