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Heartwarming Small-Town Romances and Thrilling Mysteries

I love writing a blog each week. It’s given me a voice I’ve never had before. Thank you for reading them, commenting on them, and in general, letting me know what you think. It means a lot to me to interact with people. However, I’m going to take a break for a few weeks and here’s why:

A lot of changes are coming at Hubby and me right now. His mother is dying, and I must concentrate on family needs first. She’s done so much for us throughout our married life, and we will all miss her when she’s gone. But she’ll never be forgotten. Our memories of her remain with us.

I first met Cheryl when Hubby took me home to meet his parents. I was terrified, and she was highly skeptical. I don’t blame her. Hubby hadn’t even told his parents he was dating so I was the surprise package he brought home. One of Cheryl’s friends told me she had a fit when Hubby told his mom he was getting married to a timid high-school graduate. Like any mother, she had higher aspirations for her boy.

In time, I proved myself in her eyes, and we’ve been friends ever since. She and Jim loaned us the money the build our first house, then came to wire and put siding on it. Jim was an amazing electrician and could build about anything. They helped us when we bought our house in Spearfish. After signing the papers, Hubby and I walked in the door and were smacked in the face with the reek of animal urine (we learned why there were always candles burning when we looked at it). Jim and Cheryl answered our call for help and drove over to help us rip all the flooring out of our “new” house. They were always there whenever we needed help.

Jim and Cheryl spent lots of time on the Missouri River and Oahu Reservoir in their boat. We spent many weekends with them floating on the river and swimming in the reservoir. Jim taught my son how to fish and water ski. They pulled both the kids behind the boat on an innertube. Lot and lots of sunshine and fun were had with them.

As we’ve sorted through her things, we found Cheryl’s baby book, started in 1930. What struck me was reading the milestones recorded for her were just like the ones I’d recorded for my children and grandchildren. If nothing else, these sad times have reminded me of the cycle of life. Children are supposed to bury their parents. It’s the way of living. We’re all walking down that same road until each generation goes home, and the next one walks on until they reach their own homes. It’s been going on since the beginning and will continue after we’re gone. It’s what we do while traveling that road that makes all the difference.

14 Responses

  1. Carol, I am really sorry that you and Craig are having to go through this but as you stated this is part of life.
    Praying she has an easy and painless passing.
    Love and prayers to all of the family!

  2. Bless you Carol and Craig, my mother in law passed away in 1991, at the age of 67. She was just as kind as what you describe Cheryl to be. we will be praying that Cheryl be at peace and never in any pain. Take Care and keep in touch. Love you both!

  3. It sounds like you have had a wonderful relationship with your in laws, and that they are caring, good people. I will be thinking of you.

  4. Thank you for this. I have been praying for you and Craig’s family and will continue to pray for peace — and joy — throughout this time as you remember your lives together as a family. Sounds like you are finding some of that joy.

  5. Praying for you all as you go through this journey. I pray your final memories will be precious and everything is said that needs to be said. I pray for your strength and peace through it all!

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