Days 55 - 59

Days 55 - 59 - February 24- 28 - I knew I was behind in this, but not that far. I guess I've been more tired and sleepier in the evenings than I thought. Plus, I think my days are off. I think starting in March, I'll just use the date. Will be easier for me to keep track of.

My last post was of Joannie's skate, so that was Wednesday, I think. Her skate was on Tuesday, but I imagine it was too late after to do it. So, this will be Thurs - Sunday.

Thursday the girls were here while Jodi went to her doctor's appointment. We had a good time together. They were watching something on TV and I needed to do something, so left the room. A little while later Bethany came in and said, "Nana, we aren't allowed to watch this show." So, I went into the living room and changed the channel. I thought that was very obedient of them to tell me they weren't allowed to watch something. Sometimes parents forget to say if something is forbidden. Usually the child won't say anything. Good for Bethie!! I am thankful that she is learning obedience, even though I know it is hard sometimes.

Friday we went to Elaine and Leon's after supper. I wanted to go through Dad's photo albums to see if I could find some pictures of Dale and I for our book. We had a good time looking at the pictures. Leon had fun teasing Elaine about her huge glasses (didn't we ALL have them?), but we did look rather like bugs back then! :) I did find some pictures, but I also found a picture Dad had taken of my mom and dad when they had visited back in 1980. It was such a good picture of them, almost the best I have besides ones done in portrait studios. I'm thankful for pictures and for the memories they evoke of our loved ones and good times gone by.

Saturday was just another regular day for us. It's our "run errands" day. It was cold and windy, but the sun came out and warmed things up a bit. Promise of things to come, I guess. I'm thankful we are still able to get around a do things for ourselves, even if sometimes we hurt afterward! Don't forget the cane!!

Sunday - Lucas was here for some "alone" time with us. He was in school on Thurs. and missed coming. He watched the race with Papa and tried to see some of the hockey game. We love having him here. The closing ceremonies for the Olympics was on, too. I'm glad it's over. I like watching some of the events, but 17 days is a lot! Me, I slept this afternoon and got a good nap in - THAT'S what I'm thankful for! And now my bed is calling me again. I'm thankful for that, too. Goodnight!

Day 54

These are pictures I took from the tv of Joannie Rochette's short program Wednesday evening.Here she is before she starts talking to her coach. I wanted to get the back of her costume, it was so pretty. She looked wonderful despite all she's been through since Sunday. She is skating out to center ice to a standing ovation and cheering and adoring crowds. It must have helped her a lot to know the whole country was behind her, no matter how she did.

This took when their camera was just changing from her face to a long shot. I thought it turned out cool. Joannie doing one of her 3 spirals in her sequence. She was so right on for this skate. It was emotional for everyone watching - not just for her!

Realizing she had done the whole program with no mistakes, she hugs her coach and bursts into tears.

When her score came up in the "Kiss and Cry" she was already overcome with emotion, I don't even know if she realized how well she really did. She is in 3rd place going into the long program on Thursday evening.

Day 53 - I just had to post these pictures. Joannie is one of my favorite figure skaters and when I heard her mother had died suddenly on Sunday of a heart attack, not too long after she had arrived in Vancouver to watch Joannie skate, my heart just dropped. It's hard enough to lose a parent, but to lose one only days before the start of something you have been working for all your life, it has to be horrific! They say she is a true champion and is trying to just "do her job" before she really grieves, but I can't imagine how anyone can do that. She is young - in her mid 20's - and her mom wasn't very old -in her 50's. It would be like how it would be for Jen if I died. That's really hard to comprehend. I was 35 when my dad died and that was hard enough. I was 45 when my mom died and that, too, was hard. It's never easy to lose a parent, but this has to be especially hard. I guess what I am most thankful for is that when my parents died, as hard as it was, I knew where they were and that I would see them again some day. My friends I've reconnected with on facebook speak often of the glorious reunion we are going to have. It will be glorious and that's all I wish for my children and everyone, that they are sure of their salvation so that we can all meet again in heaven. I don't know Joannie's religious affiliation, but being French, she was probably brought up Catholic. I pray for her that she will find peace from the Lord and if He isn't her personal Saviour that He will be someday. I'm praying there will be someone who comes into her life who will be a witness to her. That's all I can do. God bless her.