Its a New Day

This morning my dear opa went home. It seems odd to be writing those words.  I have been very blessed with not only knowing my grandparents but most of my great-grandparents.  Only a few years ago my great grandmother died. But this is opa. It's just one of those sad/happy/holding back the tears kind of days.  Sad that, though I planned to visit him this afternoon, I didn't get to see him one more time.  He didn't know who I was anymore, but just to put my hand in his big hands and tell him I love him and see him smile.  Happy because the last few weeks and months he has been in some pain and very confused.  What a wonderful thing to be able to grieve with hope - knowing that he is no longer confused or sad or tired or restless or sick.  Now he is in his Father's arms. Holding back tears because oma didn't get to see him this last week.  He was in isolation at the hospital because he had some sort of an infection and she had a cold s...

I was just reading someone's blog post about aunts and the blessing that these aunts were to her.  As I was thinking more about it, I know I have a very unique opportunity with my nephews and nieces that I am so thankful for. This morning, as I realized that I forgot to set my alarm and I had missed the morning news, I was awakened to a still quiet voice in my ear "Auntie Jen, can we watch Wild Kratts?" followed by a quick smooch on the forehead and the sound of feet skipping across the floor to turn on the TV.  "Auntie Jen said ok, but we have to be super quiet".  Living with my sister and brother in law and their 5 children may seem like an odd thing for an almost 40 (but not really almost 40) year old woman to do.  I've written before about how I moved in with them, how well we got along and how when I did leave the kids asked me every week when I was bringing my bed back.  It may not be the 'normal' of how most single people live, but I wou...