Lives well lived but too much loss

The last few weeks have been really tough.  Tom's mom went on hospice 6/14.  She said all of her good byes and then things did not proceed as quickly as she thought they would so, the last few weeks have been a vigil with her.   She was in a lovely place called Quiet Oaks up by St Cloud and they were amazing. Through it all, her grace and humor stayed intact!

Kristin, our dear friend and neighbor also went on hospice in early June at home. The brain cancer was spreading to her brain stem and we knew we only had weeks let.  As a neighborhood we rallied and tried to fill her weeks with things and people she loved.  My Burger, Erin Schwab sing along Zoom concert, dog walks and hearts written with everything she loved on them.

Then, out of the blue, Nikki became lethargic. The day before she was walking and playing with Maui and the next morning she could barely made it up the stairs. We called the vet and made a quick appointment. We assumed it was doggy food or she got into something.  Unfortunately by the time we got to the vet, she was in critical condition. They thought a tumor had burst and she was bleeding internally. She was not in any pain but we had a tough decision to make - a blood transfusion, MRI and possible surgery or having her put to sleep. This was NOT the decision we thought we'd have to make. We called the kids and we gathered. We petted her for an hour and told her home much we loved her and what a good dog she was.  The vet was amazing and she went very peacefully. She died just like she lived, calm and steady, sweet and loved.

We were still reeling from Nikki when, on Sunday, we learned the Kristin had passed.  We gathered outside her house that night to see her last ride out of the neighborhood. It was heartbreaking and surreal.  She was surrounded by family and love through it all.  We came back home to see if we could find the comet.  We did, and...on top of it, a shooting star went by. I'd like to think it was Kristins final goodbye.  She was my 1st friend in the neighborhood. We raised our kids together, walked dogs together and worked out together. I miss her already.

Then, the following week, an urgent call from hospice to "come right away", Tom's mom was declining and lost consciousness.  However, in true Kay toughness, she held on throughout the week. Brigid had planned a camping trip and was bound and determined to go.  She said, 1/2 kidding, Mom is going to pass while I'm gone. To which Pat said, then leave now!!  Sure enough, that Friday night, Kay passed peacefully.

We were so blessed to have these souls in our lives and now they are all part of the larger universe of love.  We'll do our best to love you and the ones you love in a way that would make you proud.

XOXOX

Kristins video

Kay's obituary 

Happy Birthday Kay...and other accomplishments

She was just 17 if you know what I mean....

Kay turned 17 on July 10th and amidst all the goings on around here lately I was unable to post until now.

Kay as always celebrated her birthday with enthusiasm and gusto however with the pandemic she was unable to have a party which has been postponed until MEA weekend, random yes but without reason, no.

Kay spent her birthday hanging out with her friends going mocking, swimming, climbing in old abandoned buildings and other crazy things like that. We celebrated with her on Sunday with dinner from Yum, which was fantastic opened presents and had a great time.

17 we are in awe of her skills as a gymnast, chief/baker, friend, hard worker and her determination to do things her way, every time, always, no doubt.

Since her birthday she has interviewed and got herself a job working at the local golf course. Golf jobs seem to be the summer theme amongst the Loudamericans. She will work 3-5 8 hour shifts each week along with a 6:00 am-2;00 pm shift. We are skeptical but  she seems to think is best because after work she has her whole day free, hummm

She also passed all 3 of her summer school courses.  Algebra 1 term 1, Algebra 1 term 2 and Health (DO NOT ask how you can take term 1 and term 2 at the same time but...she actually got a better grade in term 2 than in term 1 - go figure)

Saving the best for last ...today at 1:45 (insert drum roll here), Kay past her driving test. Yes we now have 4 drivers in the house and an insurance bill that hurts!

Kay we are proud of you tenacity, your determination, your persistence, your relentlessness, your independence, your humor, your love for your friends and your will. We love you, and we are blest to have you chosen us for your family.

Happy Birthday and Congratulations!!

We love you to bits!!!

COVID 19 #5 update - Billy's Gotcha Day, Grandma Kay, and other craziness

So, once again, life has gotten away from us. Since the last blog we've celebrated Tracy's birthday (52), Billy's Gotcha Day (15), sat vigil with Grandma Kay in hospice, had as many neighborhood happy hours with Kristin and Craig as we can, did a social distanced 4th of July BBQ and Kay's has attempted her drivers test twice (more on that once she passes).

Rather than bore you with details, I figured we'd do a photo update with quick descriptions...

Tracy's new Terry Fox limited edition Canadian Addias came, just in time for her birthday!! Woo hoo!! 

After 3 years of dreaming, it came true. Tracy got a gym remodel for MORA!

SO.....nice 

The herons are back in our neighborhood and they are gorgeous! 

A relaxing team bonding experience in Victoria

You only have to go 35 min to find this in MN 

All the sibs + Jeremiah (and Kay behind the window)

Family for Grandma Kay - she's still holding on and when asked how she's feeling she says "too good". She was ready to go a week ago and did a wonderful job of saying her good byes. She's tiny as a bird, weak but still totally with it.

The neighbor kids have been "saving" monarch caterpillars and then releasing them when they bust out of their cocoons, its pretty cool 

Billy's 1st photo sent to us, happiest of days;) xoxoxo

Jimmy sold Hudson his 1st set of clubs and has been taking him up to the driving range. Jimmy has also been trying to play 9 holes a day and LOVES his job at 2nd Swing.  Funny kid. He's working hard and getting ready for football and school to start.

Billy is thinking about going out for soccer in the fall so...he's signed up for skills class the next 2 weeks. He hasn't played since 3rd grade but he scored 3 goals today