Wednesday

And suddenly there was snow! Gavin enjoyed a day off of school. I wish I could say the same for Greta. Nothing worse than missing out on the benefits of a snow day because you were sick and would have been home anyway!!

While trying to make some semblance of the storage area above William’s office last week I stumbled upon a box of old vinyl records from when I was a kid. I smiled in recollection of some of my old favorites such as Mickey Mouse Disco and Chipmunk Punk. Of course this prompted me to purchase a portable turntable that was available in an array of different colors. I chose the light blue which was reminiscent of the one I had as a little girl. I was so excited to have it delivered yesterday and to share it with Gavin and Greta. Greta wasn’t quite ready to be captivated by the allure of old vinyl records, but Gavin was curious as to how this all worked. He asked me later in the day if he could go upstairs and play with that thing that plays frisbees. I honestly had no idea what in the world he was talking about until he elaborated, “You know… That machine with the needle that you put those black frisbees on. It plays music!?”

“Oohhh!” (Stifled laughter)

Greta was still feeling under the weather. It was a little over 24 hours and this was all still going on for her. Again we built a sick nest for her in the “lower level” (because “basement” sounds so dank!). She has been such a good sport both times she’s been quarantined. No complaining whatsoever. But I could tell she not only felt bad physically, but she was sad. She told me with her voice cracking and tears in her eyes that she missed Nora. I can barely go an hour without sniffing and squeezing that baby. I can only imagine how hard it was to be stuck down there away from everyone. I hated that these stupid germs were keeping us all apart. Greta is such a sweet, cuddly, kind-hearted, loving, empathetic little girl. She needed extra TLC–cuddling, hugging, kissing. This is when Nana swooped in and saved the day. She came over here and got Greta to bring back to her house.

Nana and Papa were able to love on Greta like she needs and deserves without running the risk of infecting a certain little baby girl. Greta is already feeling tons better and is actually able to keep foods and liquids down! I am so relieved and thankful for that!! Thank you so very much for your prayers for Greta! I told her lots of people were praying for her to get better and that made her smile!

After Greta and Nana left, Gavin and I headed over to Michael’s for a few things I needed for my photo archiving project(s). Nora stayed at home with her BFF Abby.

“Um, while you’re out can you pick me up some more milks? And… I need diapers… Wipes… “

I was walking over to the scrapbooking aisles at Michael’s when I passed a woman. I smiled at her as our eyes met. She did a double take and almost continued in the opposite direction before turning back toward me, “I know you!!” she said with tears in her eyes and wrapped me up in a big warm embrace. These types of things have a habit of squeezing happy tears out of my eyes. So we just stood there hugging and crying in Michael’s oblivious to any eyebrows that might be raised on our account. I realized she must know me from this blog but I didn’t know exactly who she was at that point. She went on to explain how uplifted she has been through my writing and how Nora and my family are always in her and her her family’s thoughts and prayers. Even her grandchildren are in love with little Nornor! Each time I hear this, especially from strangers, I am completely awestruck and overwhelmed at the reminder of how God is using me. I KNOW I am not capable of rousing this kind of encouragement and faith on my own. I can actually be kind of a hot-tempered jerk at times, which is why I have no doubt that it is indeed God working through me. This dear sweet woman went on to explain that she’d sent some things to me by mail awhile back. When she told me what it was that she’d sent I knew right away who she was and was overcome with emotion remembering how her notes and her gifts had brought such brightness to days when I really needed lifting up. Is there anything sweeter than the love and benevolence of a complete stranger? Maybe because of its unexpectedness? What a blessing it was to have met you, Nila and your dear husband Steve too. I am still smiling. As I was pulling out of the parking lot I looked up and saw 3 geese in flight, equidistant from one another — no mistaking the THREE BIRDS. It was God’s signature on that moment that had just transpired, perfectly authored and carried out by Him as if to say, “Yes! That was Me! Make no mistake!” I think we BOTH needed that chance intended encounter!!

Thursday

Someone got all tired out after their bath this morning.

Greta is feeling tons better and is able to eat again. She is staying another night with Nana and Papa and will probably stay home from school again tomorrow. I read on CDC’s website that you can still be contagious for 3 days after symptoms have subsided. Is it any wonder this crap is spreading around like wildfire?!

Gavin is such a good big brother! They both miss their sister!

Above all keep your love for one another fervent, because love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without complaining. Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of the varied grace of God.
(1 Peter 4:8-10 NET)