We have had a pretty rough couple of weeks. Daddy's grandpa Emil passed away, so we went to Alliance this weekend to attend the funeral. Along with that came a long list of questions from both of you about death that were incredibly challenging for us to answer. We also learned that a giant wildfire was burning dangerously close to Oma and Opa's house in the mountains - so close that firefighters came in to protect it. We learned that many of their neighbors lost their homes, and that the fire is still burning out of control.
It had the potential to be a completely heavy, chaotic, depressing and stressful weekend. But I want you both to know how lucky you are to have a family like you do. Lots and lots of aunts, uncles and cousins that you have rarely seen were together in one place, and instead of being melancholy about the fact that we were all together for a funeral, I've never seen so many smiles. We hugged, shared food, teased each other, you two ran around with cousins that you made quick friends with, and made the best of our time together.
You are especially fortunate to have people like your Oma and Opa in your lives. They worked so incredibly hard to create their home in the mountains. Many years of sweat, tears, nerf wars and laughter went into making their house a home. And even though they spent most of the weekend not knowing the fate of their house, I was humbled at how positive they stayed. They joked about getting the hot dogs and marshmallows out to roast and make the most of the fire. When they learned of other neighbors homes that were lost, Oma cried for them. When it was time for Great Grandpa's funeral, they stepped out of their own challenges to be present with their family. And after it was all done, we went to Dairy Queen to enjoy the simple joy of chocolate ice cream all over the faces of the small people in our lives.
Last night I painted Guin's finger splint to look like a T-Rex. And as I was painting it, I realized just how important it is to keep a positive mindset, even when things get dark. To create laughter where it may otherwise disappear. I was so glad to know what a shining example the two of you will have of this in your lives. They say "when life gives you lemons, make lemonade." I suppose in our family, when life gives you a busted finger, you paint your cast like a T-Rex, with eyelashes and a flower in her hair. And you laugh.
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I'm proud to be a part of this.
Love you,
Mom
