I think that’s where my family was yesterday, especially my brother and parents.

Yesterday, with the crisis is (seemingly) averted, everyone shifted to maintenance mode.  And while the crisis caused a rush of adrenaline, the daily grind of maintenance does not.  So there were a lot more tears on Tuesday night and Wednesday because, without new crises to focus on, everyone began to process the events of the week.  And then the tears came.  And it’s most likely that the tears will continue for a few days, especially as the girls start to understand that this will be more than just a “sleepover” at Papa & Gramma’s.  Pray for my parents to help the girls cope well, especially in the next couple of days.

Thankfully, Chris and Deb did get some good news yesterday, and she was able to read blogs and emails and to
type on the computer her side of conversations (her breathing mask
didn’t allow for talking much) which impressed the neurologist.  But Deb did need a breathing tube inserted this morning to ease the amount of work her body was having to do and they are restricting her visitors.  Check out yesterday’s blog for a link to her site and my brother’s updates.  Also, if you would want to send her a card, the address is
Debbie Campbell
Miami Valley Hospital  Room # 4513
One Wyoming St.
Dayton, OH 45409-2793

My parents did want to get to the hospital yesterday.  And they needed a breather from my nieces who are wearing them out!    So my sister and I headed to C-ville in the afternoon to entertain the ladies while my parents went to visit Chris and Deb. And we had a marvelous time!

• My dad built the girls a teepee from the branches and brush of fallen trees left by the wind storm.  So we made decorations (buttons and bells on strings) and hung them up in the teepee.  The girls LOVED the project, and we were highly entertained, as well (I’ll try to post pictures soon).
• We watched some television, and the girls enjoyed showing us all the exciting stuff they’ve been doing at Gramma and Papa’s house.  Their bedroom is such a big deal (Holly’s on a trundle bed next to Kelly), and my dad cut open a big box for them to use as a playhouse/puppet show, too.  They even did a bit of a puppet “show” for us.  Too cute!
• After supper, Karen helped Kelly do her homework.  This week is “B” week in kindergarten, so they’re focusing on words that begin with that letter.  They cut and colored and pasted pictures of “B” things on a big baseball (see…more B’s); it was very exciting.  Holly and I watched a Backyardigans video while they worked.  It was a good thing Karen’s an elementary school teacher!!

And when I got home late last night, I walked into my house to see that Eric had spent his evening cleaning up the kitchen and living rooms.  They were CLEAN.  And it was such a nice surprise to come home to.  Sadly, he was already asleep when I climbed into bed, so I had to wait until this morning to thank him.  He’s so great!

I think that’s about all I have for now.  Have a great Thursday!