James & Etta were busy with visitors this weekend! My cousin, Peggy, drove out from Richmond to visit with them both before attending the *Pink Party* at my house, a benefit for the UVA Breast Cancer Care Center. I know they were both tickled to see her. The next day, Peggy returned to Charlottesville so her mother, Verna, could make a visit as well. Verna is one of Etta's sisters. Together, the two women are complete firecrackers too. Funny how that hasn't changed a bit!
Peggy and I talked about the Pink Party and Etta loved hearing about how we were all wearing pink, dancing, and singing. I could tell it brought thoughts of her earlier days too. I told her we should scoop her up next time there is a celebration because we know she would have a blast with us. Oh how I wish it were just that easy...to simply scoop her up and take her somewhere. Even McDonalds. Just to get her out and about. I will, one day, somehow do just that. She talks about how she "used to run all around town."
James was happy to see all the girls in the room too. At one point, he smiled and hugged Verna saying, "Ok, now pretty lady. You sure pretty." I really believe he knew Verna. While James was pleased with the company, there is only but so much chit-chat and giggling a man can take. James eventually got up from his recliner and began pacing the halls. Each time he passed the room, he would peer inside to see if we were all still there, give us a big smile, wave, and then kept on walking the halls. Finally, he must have gotten tired of walking and sat down in the dining hall. Dinner wasn't for another 2 hours but he said he was fine to wait for his dinner. I don't think James will ever miss a meal at the Laurel's!
It was beautiful and so sweet to hear Etta and Verna talk about the good 'ol days. They laughed and laughed. At times, they just sat in silence. Oh but not for long. Between the two of them, there is ALWAYS something to be said!
Verna and I took a few minutes to walk outside together. She took my hand in hers and without saying the words, I knew she fully supported the decisions I have made thus far. Being there with her and Peggy was wonderful. It was relaxing (haven't had much of that lately) and it was special. For a brief time, we tried to forget the tragic details of the situation and enjoyed just being family.
I was concerned that Verna would be upset when she saw how much her sister and James had changed. In reality, what she felt was relief that she would never worry about them the way she had over the past few years.
Peggy and I talked about the Pink Party and Etta loved hearing about how we were all wearing pink, dancing, and singing. I could tell it brought thoughts of her earlier days too. I told her we should scoop her up next time there is a celebration because we know she would have a blast with us. Oh how I wish it were just that easy...to simply scoop her up and take her somewhere. Even McDonalds. Just to get her out and about. I will, one day, somehow do just that. She talks about how she "used to run all around town."
James was happy to see all the girls in the room too. At one point, he smiled and hugged Verna saying, "Ok, now pretty lady. You sure pretty." I really believe he knew Verna. While James was pleased with the company, there is only but so much chit-chat and giggling a man can take. James eventually got up from his recliner and began pacing the halls. Each time he passed the room, he would peer inside to see if we were all still there, give us a big smile, wave, and then kept on walking the halls. Finally, he must have gotten tired of walking and sat down in the dining hall. Dinner wasn't for another 2 hours but he said he was fine to wait for his dinner. I don't think James will ever miss a meal at the Laurel's!
It was beautiful and so sweet to hear Etta and Verna talk about the good 'ol days. They laughed and laughed. At times, they just sat in silence. Oh but not for long. Between the two of them, there is ALWAYS something to be said!
Verna and I took a few minutes to walk outside together. She took my hand in hers and without saying the words, I knew she fully supported the decisions I have made thus far. Being there with her and Peggy was wonderful. It was relaxing (haven't had much of that lately) and it was special. For a brief time, we tried to forget the tragic details of the situation and enjoyed just being family.
I was concerned that Verna would be upset when she saw how much her sister and James had changed. In reality, what she felt was relief that she would never worry about them the way she had over the past few years.