Last Day (Again) with Michele

 

It was sad to tell Michele goodbye (again!). Today was his last day with her. Michele's care has been appreciated, and we're grateful for her role in Emerson's early years.

He's pictured with Callen and Bodie, her grandsons (they adore Emerson!).

On Tuesday, Emerson will start attending Kids R Kids of Olentangy, where he'll have structured learning and support for his academics. Transitioning to this new environment seems a good step in his growth. He'll have the chance to explore new things, make friends, and have a fun summer schedule with field trips.

Visiting Steve

 

Yesterday, the girls, Ilene, and I visited Steve at Hillside Manor in Jennings. Despite the facility's less-than-ideal atmosphere, Steve appeared upbeat and maintained his sense of humor throughout our visit. He quickly recognized the girls and referred to us as the "four queens." Steve gave the girls green bead necklaces and gifted us lotion from his room. Despite his struggles with schizophrenia, he engaged in conversation, occasionally drifting into his own reality. He shared about hitchhiking to Ohio to try to meet me when I was younger. When he was ready for us to go, Steve signaled politely and said "group hug."

Helping Ilene

 

It's been rewarding having a living grandparent after all--and special for the kids to know a great-grandparent. 

We extended our St. Louis volleyball trip to spend time with Ilene in St. Charles. She will be 84 on May 5.

Sunday night through Tuesday afternoon, the girls and I were able to help her with a variety of tasks: cutting her hair, servicing her car (an adventure for mom), shopping multiple places, repairing her glasses, visiting the DMV, getting her blood drawn, visiting Steve, and more. She was grateful and used the word "amazing" often.

Ilene enjoys giving us things. She had photos, magazine clippings, keepsakes, and gifts for us. Kit tried on the pink jumpsuit she bought, and Ilene was so happy to see it on her. However, Kit couldn't be convinced to wear Salonpas on her neck to help with a cough that developed. :)

Winnie (and all of us) got a kick out of her knowledge of current entertainment/gossip news. She recognized celebrities on television that we didn't know about. Her memory is sharp, and she's friendly and talkative with strangers during our outings.

Reflecting on the past year since discovering Ilene is in fact my biological grandmother has been a good experience. Getting to know her, alongside the kids and Seth, has been enriching for her and us. I am especially grateful we can bring joy while she lives alone and has limited contact.

Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows

 

On Saturday, the girls and I visited the peaceful grounds of the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows in Belleville, Illinois.

MEQ - St. Louis Tournament

 

15 Shamrock was up against some tough competition. They came close to winning a few times. I'm proud that Kit maintains a good attitude! Even when she fell twice on the same hip, she kept giving her best.

It was super having Winnie along this year. She is a great companion and navigator. With lots of persistence and practice, she can now solve a Rubik's Cube in just over two minutes (she and Seth recently learned from YouTube videos).

Cahokia Mounds

 

On Friday, the girls and I visited the Cohokia Mounds, the site of a pre-Columbian Native American city, near our hotel in Collinsville, Illinois. The earthen mounds were interesting and eerie. 

Hug-Tastic

 

Go for the Gold Meet

 

Winnie and I celebrated St. Patrick's Day at the "Go for the Gold" meet in Canton. Her hard work is paying off! She took second on bars and third on floor and vault. She took fourth on beam.

Emerson & Mommy Time

 

Emerson & I had a good time while others were away. We had Andrew over to play, visited the Toyota dealership, picked out a toy truck while thrifting, and watched Kung Fu Panda 4 at the Strand. Like Kit, Emerson enjoys having his back scratched.

Louisville 2024

Seth and Kit had a good time in Louisville over the weekend. 15 Shamrock won one of their tournament games after tough competition on the first day. The Damhoffs hosted them again. Kit was touched that 6-year-old Lyndon pulled up a video of their time with them last year.

Emerson Faces His Fears

On Monday, Emerson reluctantly agreed to climb the rock wall at the Jungle Gym. (Significant because he broke his arm in two places after falling from one!) I am so glad he did and that I got to hear his classmate tell him, " I am proud of you. You faced your fears!"

On Tuesday, we had a mid-day date at the skatepark and Panera.

Flipping Your Way to Fame Meet

Winnie got a 9.3 on her floor routine after landing her front tuck during the meet at the Football Hall of Fame Village.