You Can't Always Plan the Next Step

Since my last "battle of the blog", concerning what's new, what should I write about, and what do I want to convey, much of importance has taken place.

I had gone for a visit with my son's family in Austin Texas for a long weekend, Labor Day weekend. A day or two into our visit, a lovely time of sharing life's updates and getting to know the grandchildren better, wildfires brokeout at 3 locations in their county, Tarrant County I think it is. One of those was right near the entrance to the development where their home is situated. It couldn't be contained due to the drought in the state and the firemen from all around couldn't keep up with its agressive spreading.  Ultimately all the residents had to evacuate the area, leaving most belongings behind, not knowing if their homes would be spared. Fortunately, my daughter-in-law's parents live in San Antonio, approx. an hour and a half from Austin. She arranged for us to stay there, and fortunately they have 3 idle bedrooms now that the family has all grown up. They were totally cordial and generous in our stay there. Having taken no luggage from Austin, since we left there before the evacuation notice (assuming the fire would be quelled, and we would later return home), we made due, and the next morning made a trip to Walgreens to try to get some of our prescription drugs, to purchase toothbrushes, and other daily essentials, including underwear, extra t-shirts, etc. to tide us over. Eventually we flew back home on our scheduled flight, with no luggage (lightest I have ever flown!), and later that day the family was able to return home. About 25 homes were destroyed and several others damaged by the fire. In other state fires, hundreds of homes were lost and they were declared a National disaster area.

I KNOW HOW TO HAVE FUN ON A VACATION! Truly it was nerve wracking, but everyone in the extended family remained calm.

This morning my mother passed away. She was in poor condition for a long period of time, one of the severe problems being dimentia, barely recognizing anyone at this point, really in her own world. My daughter who lives in Chicago had driven to Milwaukee to be with her in her nursing home and give her some love from the family. We had been notified that hospice was there keeping her comfortable, but that her life time was limited. Jennifer conveyed our love to my Mother, held her hand for a while and stayed there for a while in a comforting role. My mother passed away while Jennifer held her hand. I am so grateful she went there and was with her when she passed away.

No, I haven't been painting. I feel like my head is scrambled. The funeral will take place in a few days. Till then I'll be working and also sorting through the memories of my life with my Mom. I know I am an artist because of her artistic abilities before me.