Finishing up at Work

I have been training in my replacement at work, this week.

It's amazing. I didn't realize how much I did, until I started showing someone else. Makes me feel pretty good; I feel like I've done an OK job here.

Over the weekend I participated in my 9th ALS Walk. ALS, or Lou Gehrig's disease, is a degenerative muscle disease, where the muscles basically just atrophy away. My father passed away from ALS in 1992, when he was thirty-eight. I had the largest turnout of friends, ever. Becky and her daughter Amelia, Michelle and her kids Teresa and Owen, my Aunt Rita, my friend Emily, and my dogs Otis and Taz. It was a windy day, but the sun came out and made our three mile walk a delight. As I was saying goodbye to my friends, I had to hold back tears-and I didn't do a very good job. For most of the people that were there, I won't see them until I come back for a visit.

Back at home, I backed some cookies to prepare for the Kivel Family Picnic, later in the day. Aunt Rita stayed for a bit, but I was crying again when she left. After my dad passed away, it was difficult to stay in touch with his side of the family. They lived several hours away, and it would have been up to my mom to drive us there. One of my regrets in life is that I haven't been closer to them. Aunt Rita and I got a little closer after I moved back to MN, but she and I both struggle with depression; so we hide from people, when we should be reaching out. I am going to miss her terribly. 

The yearly Kivel Family Picnic was held at Ken and Tracey's, this year. Kenny is one of my cousins; I am one of 18 first cousins. The picnic was fun and relaxing. We had food and talked and just hung out. Since I don't think I will be home for Christmas this year, I just soaked up all of the togetherness. I met my newest 2nd cousin, baby Charlie, who was just 1 week old. We now have 26 2nd cousins, or great-grandchildren. Wow. And, if you give me 2 minutes, I could probably name all of them, lol!

The following day, Sunday, I babysat for one of my nanny families. The girls were very difficult to put down for a nap, and I gave up on trying to get the youngest down, after an hour. But, I did get to spend about 30 mins laying with Sabina, and just cuddling. When I first started with this family, Eva was about 6mos. old, and now she's 2 1/2. I used to lay next to Sabina, who is now 4, and I'd rub her head while I sang 'Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.' As Eva got older, I got to lay by Sabina less and less, since Eva was more difficult to get down for a nap. It was really nice to lay next to Sabina, this last time babysitting, and just rub her head like I used to.

The family made me dinner and dessert, and got me some gifts. Eva picked our flowers, Bina (Sabina) got me a Dog Dream Light, and Dale picked out some food for my trip-a Bunch of Peppermint Stick Luna Bars, my favorite!

When I was finally making my way to my car, I was, again, holding back the tears. I love this family and I love those kids. I actually realized, before I'd even driven away, that I left Taz' food dish in the house (she was with me). But, I couldn't go back in, because I knew I'd lose it!

I drove away crying.

Sigh.