Michelle and I road tripped to lovely Olympia, where my dad and stepmom live. Michelle is a tech guru and helped set up my dad’s computer. We enjoyed a nice visit, then headed home.
Views from their dock…
Dad and Me
Visit with Dad and Julee
Nov 24th, 2012 by leigharev2
A Sweet Care Package
Nov 24th, 2012 by leigharev2
We have been incredibly blessed with friend and family bringing flowers, and food to my mom. My aunt knows she loves the shortbread cookies from Hawaii and have sent a couple tins.
On a more personal level, some of my Cali girlfriends sent up a care package for me. I love my friends! (Shanti, Tina, Eun, Lori)
A Couple Days with Crystal
Nov 24th, 2012 by leigharev2
My precious friend, Crystal, flew up and spent a few nights with me. I booked a hotel room that was within ten minutes of my mom’s. We checked in, went out for sushi, then saw the movie, “Pitch Perfect”. After that, we walked in the rain and snag 80’s girl band songs at the top of our lungs. Went back to our room and continued singing, switching to worship, until 1am.
The next morning, I took her for a drive throughout Issaquah, Snoqualmie, and North Bend. Showed her our old church, neighborhood, and house.
Snoqualmie Falls
Rattlesnake Lake…
It was a wonderful time, full of song, prayer, and rest.
My two worlds collide! Crystal and Michelle met!
Gingerbread House
Nov 24th, 2012 by leigharev2
Diane brought a gingerbread house for the boys to decorate. Everyone ended up getting in on the act, especially Uncle Devin!
A Day in Seattle
Nov 24th, 2012 by leigharev2
While we were all staying with mom, David and I took a break with the boys and spent the day in Seattle.
We had breakfast at the “Top of the Hilton”. Great views. Good Benedict.
After breakfast, we walked to Pacific Place and watched the movie, “Here Comes the Boom”. After that, we walked to (and through) Pike Place Market. It was a nice family day.
Halloween 2012
Nov 24th, 2012 by leigharev2
While the boys were still in Washington, Michelle carved pumpkins with them. R’s is the one with the jagged smile and A’s urned out a bit abstract, but the intent was a sky with clouds, a house, and a car…
David drove home with the boys and they enjoyed trick or treating in our neighborhood…
Christmas in October
Nov 23rd, 2012 by leigharev2
Another bucket list item my mom had was to celebrate Christmas one more time. She was really sad to think of missing it. So, we decided to have Christmas that Wednesday!
Devin assembled the fake Christmas tree that already had lights, and Mom, Katy, and Michelle decorated the condo. It looked so lovely!
My cousin Katy cut and styled my mom’s hair and applied her makeup. We all wrapped presents, and Aunt Annie and David picked up food for the feast.
We had a very encouraging phone call from my uncle, and that set the tone of hope and direction for the rest of the day.
Presents were set under the tree, and the kids could not wait. They were all so good, but it was torture!
For the Christmas celebration, we had:
Family: Mom, me, David, Alex, Ryan, Devin, Paige, Kaylee, Annie, Art, Katy, Malani, Charles, Jenna, and Henry
Friends: Diane, Julie, Pam, Cathe, Lettie, and Michelle
Everyone was so generous, bringing gifts and food. We are so blessed!
I went to the mailbox and was surprised to discover not only get-well cards, but also Christmas cards! So special!! We placed them on the buffet, and along with the candles,and Christmas music, it made for a true Christmas celebration.
Finally, the presents were opened. The little boys all received remote control cars, and went out with the big boys (the dads) to play outside.
Michelle bought the family the game, Bananagrams. We pulled it out after everyone went home, and enjoyed a few rounds. I would not doubt that mom and Annie will play it well into the night. They are Scrabble fiends, and I can’t imagine they’d be any different with this game.
Me and Michelle
Jeff, Sheila, and Mom
Devin, Mom, Me
Mom gave all of her grandkids one of the glass hearts she has collected over the years.
H, Charles, Mom, and Jenna
Di and Pam
Salmon Days
Nov 23rd, 2012 by leigharev2
One of the “bucket list” items my mom had was to take my boys to Salmon Days, a festival in Issaquah. She wanted to watch the fish jump at the hatchery, and walk the aisles of arts and crafts. The only issue was how to get her around. She only had a walker and that was not going to cut it.
I called Walgreens to see if the rented chairs. They only sold them. Then, I called all the local medical supply stores. Closed on the weekends. So, I did a shout-out on Facebook and within 10 minutes I had two responses one from my friend, Carrie, and one from my friend, Dan. Carrie and her husband Al hand delivered an almost new, portable, electric wheelchair, that we were able to purchase from them at a crazy low price.
(It’s surreal to write about all the socializing and activity. It’s like one big holiday. Aside from bouts of extreme pain that she endured on a regular basis, the pain would come and go. She can carry on as normal; we all just have the understanding that the aneurysm will burst at any time, and she will die immediately.)
Me, mom, David, the boys, brother Devin, nieces Paige and Kaylee, aunt Annie, uncle Art, cousin Katy and baby, all enjoyed the festival. It was crazy busy, and the weather was amazing. I have never attended Salmon Days that did not have rain.
R, Paigie, A
The Family Gathers
Nov 23rd, 2012 by leigharev2
Due to my mom’s critical medical state where surgery was not an option and death was expected within two months, our family and friends gathered to love and support her and each other. We focused on creating great memories with the time we had left.
Mom and KK enjoying shakes at Red Robin…
R,KK, A
Family from my Dad’s side came and visited with my mom. It was a sweet time. My grandfather (Jerry), brother (Devin), mom, and my two cousins (Terry and Robyn)
My Aunt Annie and Uncle Art came, as well a my cousin Katy and her baby ‘M’…
Bayside 2012 Serve Day
Nov 23rd, 2012 by leigharev2
Our church closed down the first weekend in October to serve throughout the community. Thousands of church goers served a bunch of ministries, schools, shelters, and other non-profit organizations.
The boys and I committed to helping setup the “world’s largest garage sale” where 100% of the sales went to charities. Then, on Sunday, our family planned on joining our small group to serve at a large homeless ministry in Sacramento.
Unfortunately, I received a call a few hours into our Friday evening setup from my brother. He let me know that my mom was being rushed to the hospital. I flew out the next morning and David and the boys drove up that same day.
Here are some interviews our pastor did during the Serve Day/Weekend at some of the charities:
Ready for duty!
We were assigned the shoes and handbag section. I priced and displayed the shoes while the boys went through the purses to make sure there was nothing in them. They found some spare change, earbuds, car remote, and a few other items.
