Hannah’s Journey

Hope everyone enjoys their barbeques today. The weather is not the best here, but I’m sure we will still have a great day.

We have been busy since last time I wrote, but things have calmed down considerably. We made it to the end of the school year. My last day was June 20th, and Austin finished up on June 25th. Colin was done with all of his finals and classes on June 11th. Class day for Colin was June 12, and it was a very nice day. As soon as Pomp and Circumstances came on, I got teary. That music always gets to me even in the best of times. The kids looked so good. They sure clean up well!

On Sunday, June 22nd, we went to church and then after the service a tree and plaque were dedicated in memory of Hannah on the school playground. The tree and plaque were donated by 2 of my previous classes and now every time I’m at St. Paul’s I will see Hannah’s tree. I, of course, still have a hard time keeping my emotions at bay, as do Bill and the boys, and was so honored that this was done for Hannah. The best part of the morning was seeing all of the children and how much they have grown. After the dedication, we went home to get ready for Colin’s graduation party. It went off without a hitch, just one small thunderstorm with hail, but after it cleared out, the rest of the day was beautiful.

Graduation was on June 27th, and though the day was threatening rain all day, by the time the graduation started, the sky was blue. I think that Hannah was looking down on her brother with love and pride, and that her smile was shining down on him. We are so proud of him and all that he has accomplished, as we are of all the boys, especially while dealing with Hannah’s illness and loss. It’s on to Syracuse University on August 21th.

Our last recent milestone was on June 29th when Nathan turned 21. I just can’t believe it. Where has the time gone? One minute he was so tiny, now he towers over me and is such a remarkable young man. He left for Happiness is Camping that same day, and Austin followed him the next day. I know that it will be hard for both boys without Hannah, but I know they are there for each other.

I am enjoying relative quiet and the fact that the house actually stays clean when almost everyone is gone. Hannah is still so sorely missed and I don’t think a day goes by that the tears do not come at some point in the day. Every day is filled with memories of times together. Thanks for continuing to check in on us.