Easter Break

When I first retired, over ten years ago, I rented a nice house in a large city. I was meant to live there because I had a retired cop on one side and this wonderful family on the other. The retired cop gave me my best friend Manny as my protector, until he turned 17 and passed from cancer. The other neighbors became my family as we helped each other out in any way we could.

We were unique families because we were all dealing with a similar motor neuron disease. Stephen and Maggie were born with SMA (Spinal Muscular Atrophied) that acts like ALS. The youngest in a family of six. These two are my little miracles that I have had the pleasure of watching grow up. You have never seen inspiration until you witness the teamwork and love of this family.

The oldest is away at a prestigious Air Force college in Florida and we had him join us this Easter via web cam. Rachel is 16 and a singer in the church choir, plus an amazing writer. Stephen and Maggie have never walked and have had their spines fused so they could grow properly in a wheelchair. They have always attended public schools and have been amazing students. I have no pincher's but I have grip and they both have the opposite. I teased them while we played Uno because I kept dropping cards and they did just fine. Maggie loves being in plays and Stephen is a comedian.

We had a wonderful Easter with this family again this year. Lamb, homemade creme puffs and chocolate eclairs. We will be moving 4 1/2 hours away instead of the current 2 1/2. We have stayed in touch since I left. It was hard to break away and move to the country nine years ago but I knew I needed to spread my wings. They will come and visit, no easy task, when we move and I can't wait.

Stephen is a Freshman in High School now and he is a comedian/artist. He gave me this apple he drew and I was touched.

We also had Dave's daughter's family here from Washington, but it was a short visit because of so many friends and family here. His grandson's are not one's to pose for pictures at 2 and 5. Nikki is behind the iris. :) We had forgotten how active young people can be so we kept them busy. The oldest got to go on our canyon trail with mommy and papa Dave, while youngest napped. Papa also took them bowling and the 5yr old loved it. They were born in Washington and felt California was just too hot (70's). lol

The oldest got to cool down on a swing near the creek. Papa is a happy camper!

Wild flower on our hiking trail. Do you know what this is?

This is 1mile down the trail and it's the river below my backyard view.

Dave and his daughter Jolene on the trail with the lupin starting to bloom. Jolene has created a blog and joined Sunday Scribbles as One Vintage Housewife.

We have had a busy 12 days but we got a lot done with some added fun.