Marie Chesanek came across this picture some time ago and gave it to Martha.  Apparently it was taken at her house but no one can remember why.

Doesn't matter.

I saw this and had to have it.

I remember the day Sharon Drummey graduated from St. A's.  Mrs. Drummey handed me the keys to the car and said, "I'm going home to celebrate; I will never have to drive to St Adalbert's again!"
And for a moment I was jealous. I thought our that trips to St A's would never come to an end and I couldn't even imagine what that would be like.
Well.  That was a long time ago.
Clare is with Dad and me this weekend.  She was a little thrown with the idea that she could choose between 3 bedrooms and with the fact that she had the entire (very clean!) bathroom to herself.  She immediately sensed and mourned Lisette's absence while saying, at the same time, how happy she was for Lisette that she had her own place.
For us, the loss of Lisette (which, as I said in an earlier post, simply amplified everyone's having left) came and went quickly, given the events of the last few weeks.
But that loss is back.
Lying in bed this morning I felt Clare here because I knew she was in the other room, much like I always knew Lisette was in the other room when she was here.  It's a very different feeling than when I wake up - or go to bed - knowing no one but Dad and I are here.
It's been such a sad few weeks.  Yesterday's time with Surat's family - our family - brought to light, again, the deep importance and significance of family love.
And having the Buritos here for the evening (of such a sad day) was a good salve for that sadness.
Family.
So here's this post for you, a note to remind you that I love you.

PS. Brent asked me the other day, "And how are you and Dad doing?" I know Brent's voice; this was not a light question on his part.
 It brought me back to times when Dad was sailing and, for one reason or another, only Brent and I would be home.  Brent would have plans to be out with his friends.  He would hesitate to leave me alone. He would check in with me time and time again - before he left! - to make sure I was alright.  And after he left to be with his friends, he would sometime come back home....just to check up on me to make sure I was ok.
I told Brent that Dad and I were good - much as I would tell him back then that I was fine.
I meant it then and I mean it now.
Dad and I are good.
But as my father always said to me, "Our children are always our children"  Whether it's concern for you all or missing you all, you are always present.  And that's how it should be :)