Thursday, April 12, 2007

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.

20 comments:

Pam said...

My e-mail is down, Robin!

Maggie and Stephen are just beautiful...and amazing. What an inspiration. Stephen's apple, well, I'm so impressed. Tell him I said, from one artist to another, that it's a fine drawing. He has talent.

Dave's grandkids are adorable and he looks so happy. Handsome guy you've got there.

As for the canyon and river...WOW! Neat place to live, very scenic and wild looking. I love it.

Julie said...

I had no idea from your previous backyard pictures that there was a river below--I love being near water.

I think the best thing about all your pictures is how happy and rested Dave looks. I hope both of you were able to regenerate your batteries :D

vicci said...

Just poopping in to say Hi to you Tammy! When are you moving? This Summer? right!? I can't wait! :-)

turquoise cro said...

a swing by the creek!!!! O! You have made me homesick for where I grew up!!! What bliss! Looks like YOU were busy visiting and having a sweet reunion!!! and Nikki looks cute behind that Iris!!! tee hee xoCinda

turquoise cro said...

AND!!! how cutesie those grandsons are!!! Look at those cheeks and eyes!!! xoxooxo

Anonymous said...

Everyone does look so happy, so peaceful. That is quite a feat when facing challenges. I think the flower is realted to the Indian paintbrush---Castilleja miniata ??

Tabor

daisies said...

what a wonderful happy time you have had filled with beautiful warm smiles ... spending time with the people that you love and that love you back is the best and to be surrounded by all that great nature ... so great :)

thanks for sharing these wonderful images with us :)

Joyce Ellen Davis said...

A wonderful story! Nice to see you're having a good time! Great pictures, too.

Joyce Ellen Davis said...

And I was going to say the flower looks like an Indian Paintbrush (but somebody beat me to it!)

Giggles said...

Lovely post, wonderful pictures! Sounds like a nice time was had by all!! Albeit slightly busy!

Hugs Sherrie

Rethabile said...

The kind of fun I would have loved to have had. Awesome photos. That gorge is gorgeous.

Rachel said...

I always love visiting your blog honey, so much news to read and pics of happy times. Glad you had fun, it is so great to keep in touch with people from your past, it makes for happy times when you all get together

paris parfait said...

What fantastic family photographs - both your "adoptive" family and your husband and grandsons! Sounds like all of you had a wonderful Easter holiday. xo

Deb R said...

These pics are wonderful, Tammy!

Lisa Oceandreamer Swifka said...

Sounds like you really had a lovely Easter. What a treasure to have stayed so close to that family. Children and family around, what joy. I did not realize what amazing views you have and how close you are to such splendor. I just know your heart was full!
XOXO

Amber said...

I am so happy to see how you are surounded by love.

I really am looking forward to coming to see your new home. Please let me know when I can come! :)

Love to you, "yady".

:)

emmapeelDallas said...

Tammy,

It sounds like you had a TERRIFIC Easter. I think the flower is lesser Indian paintbrush, or Castilleja minor...

Great pics!

Judi

Jana B said...

You have a hiking trail, mountains, flowers, AND a river near your house??? Holy Crap!!! If I had unlimited money, I would SO be visiting you before you moved!!!!

That is VERY wierd (and definately meant to be) that you moved beside a family dealing with a similar disease... watching how teenagers deal with things (they take so many things in stride!) is always inspirational.

Glad you had such a fun vacation, but I'm even GLADDER that you're back!!!! I missed you!!!

Chris said...

Wow, I'm exhausted just from reading all about your trip, I know you are beat!

Anonymous said...

How wonderful to have so much of your great extended family there for Easter! All of the kids look so adorable - great photos! You can see what a proud Papa Dave is in the photos.
Stephen's apple drawing is just amazing - he's quite an artist, and from Maggie's awesome winning smile, I can see how she'd really have a stage presence. I'm glad you all had such fun together for the holiday.
I'll have to keep my eye out for the Vintage Housewife's Sunday Scribblings...