Coming Together to Depart

This weekend was a host of things. Friday, Steve and I made our way down to Eugene, via Monmouth, where we picked up my sister and nephew. She's staying at her in-laws' home there for the time being, because her father in law is very ill and not expected to live much longer. I didn't see him while we were there because he was sleeping but Kim says it's interesting to be around him because he's not afraid to die, at least not on a conscientious level. I admit that despite my faith in God, and the promise of glory in the hereafter, my mortality scares me.

Dinner was scheduled for 7. My grandpa didn't show up for my birthday dinner that night, and it had us all worried. Almost 6 hours later, and with the involvement of police, he finally arrived back home. He was confused and got lost and then couldn't find his way home. Although it's been something we've noticed for awhile (his mind slipping), this was the first real sign that things are changing. I guess I had fooled myself into believing that although he was slipping, that it was never going to get "bad." I guess I need to be prepared that it might get bad. And once again, my own mortality is thrown in my face.

The weekend got lighter at that point, though - Saturday, Brielle and I had facials (a long overdue birthday present from last year) and we had "Christmas dinner" since the family members are going in many directions this year. And this morning, Christmas stockings and church.

Steve and I are getting ready to depart - for Europe. We leave on Thursday morning. I am very excited - and I hope to have opportunity to make some postings while we're gone. I'm bummed that we're going to miss Jessica's reclamation of "craftiness" - as I am learning a new crafty skill at the moment, but I'm sure it will be fun for those who are going.

Parker is telling me that it's time for bed; he's giving me the stinkeye right now - so I'm off.