I had big plans.
This month, for my annual Thirty Days of Gratitude, I would post every day. I would report about one area of my home tidied each day. It was going to be great. It was going to be, dare I say, epic.
But then I missed last week’s Friday Five. And a few more days of gratitude posts.
And then I missed today’s Friday Five.
So much has been going on over here at HQ. Some good, some not.
Bear died in August.
M was diagnosed with Crohn’s in October and lots of testing preceded that.
Dear Husband’s father has been in and out of the hospital.
Through all of this, the tidying up part was a welcome respite. It provided a feeling of accomplishment while a lot of other things were up in the air.
Especially in the last week, we’ve had, as the saying goes, good news and bad news.
The good news first: we have a new addition to our family!
Next to Hank is our new black labrador retriever, Elvis Parsley Dog Cooper!
We adopted Elvis from Atlanta Lab Rescue. He was a stray, picked up by animal control and then rescued by Atlanta Lab Rescue.
Clearly he has made himself at home.
He is a love. He is sweet, playful but not crazy, and pretty much just wants to be patted.
We thought he was four or five – given the gray on his jowls. But then I took him to the vet today and they think he’s about two.
We’re so glad he’s part of our family. Even Hank.
Now for the bad news…
Dear Husband’s father is not doing well. He will likely pass away in the next day or so. We are all heartbroken; he was one of the kindest, sweetest, loveliest people to walk this earth.
So today, rather than write a Friday Five about tidying up, I was buying my kids clothes for a funeral. I was getting everything in order. And then we had dinner together and piled in the bed and talked and watched basketball and laughed and hugged a lot.
So the Thirty Days of Gratitude continues, to be sure, but I’m going to be pretty quiet around the blog for a bit.
For now, I can leave you with this Friday Five:
(1) I am grateful for my father-in-law, who welcomed me into the Cooper family with an open heart. I am grateful he was at our wedding and around for both kids being born and growing into really great kids. I am grateful that he would read with D and sing with M and that they loved and appreciated it. I am grateful that he and my mother-in-law raised a really wonderful son and taught him what family and partnership and love means.
(2) I am grateful that Dear Husband has had time to be with his dad, in these last days. I know he is grateful for this, too.
(3) I am grateful for my children, who are kind, loving, and sensitive, and worried about Papa, Grandma, and Daddy. I am grateful that they share their feelings with me and that we can talk about big things.
(4) I am grateful that we found Elvis and he found us and that he’s now part of our family.
(5) I am grateful for my amazing friends, who have listened to me, talked to me, told me where to buy fancy kids clothes, and made me laugh.
I want to wish you all a very happy Thanksgiving. I count you among my blessings every day. I’ll talk to you soon. xoxo
Update: Dear Husband’s father passed away on Saturday, November 21, peacefully and surrounded by his wife of 50 years and his two sons and lots and lots of love. Thank you all for your well-wishes and love.
A "recovering lawyer," I turned in my power suits for power tools and a life of DIY. I believe in merging old and new to make a house a home.
Good post, you made me cry. And it mat surprise you I am not a crier. Hang in there!
Thank you, friend! You are so sweet. Thank you for the advice and help with clothes shopping and for listening! I’m sorry I made you cry. Dinner after Marketplace, m’kay?!?
Our lives are filled with so many ups and downs. Sorry for the not so good things happening right now. It is good to see that you can still hold on to the good things in your life. Sending hugs to get your through the next several days.
Thank you so much, Vickie! Those hugs are appreciated!
So many things to be thankful for, Karen. Indeed, you are blessed. God be with you all through the coming days.
Thank you, Cheryl! I so appreciate your kind words.
I’m so sorry to hear about your father-in-law, but I am glad your family & Elvis found each other. I think, I hope he will be a comforting presence.
Peace be with you, Karen.
Thank you, Mickey! Peace be with you, as well!
First, y’all are in my prayers. May you continue to find peace and strength in one another.
Second, welcome to Elvis! High Paw Five! Elvis has arrived and is in the building! He’s a handsome boy and his coat looks amazing!elvis, you hit the puppy dog lottery! Be a great little brother to Hank man ok!
Third, but not least, Karen you have always come across as a person who is grateful in every post you do. This one is no different. As much as your plate is full and then some, you still were grateful enough to share with us what’s happening with your family AND tell us all that you are grateful for. That says a whole lot about you. A truly grateful and thankful person.
Happy holidays to everyone here.
I pray you enough. Google this title when you get a minute. It helps get me through the tough times.
Blessings to and for all, Hope
Thank you so much, Hope! Your kind words are a blessing. Thank you, and Happy Thanksgiving to you, too!
Karen, so sorry you are going through all the things you have this past month. It seem that it can’t be just one thing and leave it at that, there has to be more added to it. You are lucky that you have been able to have time with your father-in-law. And what a blessing to find Elvis. Take care in your journey.
Thank you, Judi, for your sweet words. I really appreciate them.
I’m so sorry, sweet friend! The heartbreak I understand so very well. You are so brave and loving and such a sweet wife. You honor your father-in-law and husband well. Take your time off and do the life things that matter so much. The blog will be here when you get back. Love you!
Thank you, sweet friend! I will…it’s good in a way that this happened near Thanksgiving. We are all together and that’s what matters. Love you back! Thank you!
Just time for a quick note. Our black lab Tasha was a stray, too. She was the best! Welcome, Elvis, you lucky dog!
Thanks, Karen! 🙂