Loss and Life

Today is six years my father has been gone. It is amazing to think that he has been dead that long. In light of today I would like to share a poem I found.

Tis a Fearful Thing

It is a fearful thing

to love what death can touch.

A fearful thing

to love, hope, and dream:

to be--

to be,

And! to lose.

A thing for fools, this,

and

a holy thing,

a holy thing

to love.

For your life has lived in me,

your laugh once lifted me,

your word was gift to me.

To remember this brings painful joy.

'Tis a human thing, love,

a holy thing,

to love

what death has touched.

-- Anonymous

Short Goodbyes

Edith Ellis was my grandmother. She was a vibrant lady who loved her family, cards, and in her own words she "never met a man she didn't like." Last friday I officiated her funeral. She had a short two month struggle with colon cancer. I was able to spend some time with her before she was transferred to hospice care and say my goodbyes. My grandmother asked me to prayer for her which brought me to tears. When I asked her what we should pray for she said "for peace and comfort." Now that is my prayer for my family and myself. We have had a long six years and have seen a lot of loss.

If I have learned anything from my grandmother is to live life to the fullest on your own terms and cherish family and friends. I will miss my grandma... and I am so glad that Webster Comfort Care ( webstercomfortcare.org ) took such good care of her.

St. Paddy's and Melting Pot

Mike and I headed to Chicago for St. Paddy's Day weekend (see pics that follow). We had a great time as always. We took the train from Ann Arbor to Chicago. I have to say that riding on the train was a lot less stressful than driving and had more leg room then flying. I was able to finish my hat for the Shamrocking weekend and start one for Liz (which I finish the next day).

Like the hat? I do! And I already have an order to make another (which yes is on the needles). We took the trolley that Jon's mom rented from place to place and she even made song books. I know it sounds a bit silly but it was a lot of fun. We all sang Irish songs (or at least tried) with Jon leading the singing.

Here is Liz and Jon at the first place...

Mike and I...

On the trolley... picture from where I was sitting.

The girls at the last place.

Liz and I in our new hats!

It was great to spend more time with Jon and Liz on Sunday and just hang out. We got back home on Monday. On St. Patrick's Day we went to the Red Wings game. (GO RED WINGS!) The Red Wings won but it was not the best game I've seen. Mike and I really enjoyed the crowd and the energy at the Joe. (Joe Louis Arena) Maybe one day we will be able to have season tickets.

On my birthday we went to the Melting Pot with my in-laws. www.meltingpot.com

We had "the Big Night Out." I love fondue! Who doesn't like dipping delicious food in cheese, oil, or chocolate.

I also want to thank everyone for the cards and facebook birthday wishes. It was great to hear from everyone even though I am far from a lot of you. I think that is the scoop for now.

Hultgren Wisconsin Dells Weekend

Mike and I had a great time in the Dells with Jon, Liz and all of Jon's family. My snow pants went to good use as we went snow tubing. We also joined Jon's family for cosmic bowling, laser tag, and a trip to Ho Chunk casino (My first trip to a casino by the way). Mike and I didn't gamble but had fun watching Jon play black jack.

Thanks Hultgren family for a fun time, good food, and lots of laughs.

Snow Pants

Yep it is official I have bought my first pair of snow pants since junior high school. I got a great deal on them. They are for skiing or snowboarding so they were originally $135 but I got them for $40! Then Mike and I stop by TJ Maxx to look for snow pants for him but I found a ski jacket for $25 (original price $165)! Yes it is “such a deal.”
Why am I buying these things you ask? Well Mike and I are going up to the Wisconsin Dells to Cascade Mountain with our friends Jon and Liz. Jon’s family has gone up there for many years now for a tubing weekend. Liz and I might have Mike teach us to snowboard too while we are there. Mike and I are really looking forward to some winter fun in the snow.

Speaking of Mike it was his birthday on Tuesday. Happy Birthday honey! I was able to take the day off and we had a good day of hanging out together. Then my in-laws took us out to dinner at the Gandy Dancer. It is a very nice restaurant and we had a good time together. Mike was able to have lobster, crab, and mussels.

Mike and I have also begun to look for houses and townhouses. We hope to find something in Ann Arbor so that I can ride the bus. Yes I am one of those silly people who enjoy riding the bus.
I think that is all the fun news for now!

Snow, Christmas, and New Years Pics

The snow storm the Friday before Christmas

Evan

Jacob



Nancy (mom), Lindsay, and Kathy

Mason, Ben, Abby, and Jacob

Eric and Kevin playing "Rock Band"

Jon playing "Rock Band"

Andrea

Mike's self portrait

Lindsay and Liz after the Winter Classic

Christmas and New Years

Happy New Year Everyone!

2008 was an interesting year for Mike and I. We decided to move back to Michigan after I received a new job offer. I am still enjoying my chaplain position at the University of Michigan Hospital System. Mike continues to work at finding a job here in Michigan. Mike has been awesome. This is the third move where he has not had a job when we have moved. I love you honey!!

We made the trek to New York for Christmas. We had a great time with family and I got to reconnect with an old friend from high school. The funny part was Caitlin and I lived in the Central Florida area for a year and only reconnected after I moved back to Michigan.

I have the best nephews and niece. Mike and I had a great time with Jacob and Evan. Mike put together train tracks and we danced to songs in movies. Mason and Ben have gotten so TALL and I can't believe they are thirteen! It was great to send time with them and Abby as well. Abby is as beautiful as ever.

During the Johnville Christmas my sister Kathy and I had a boxing match by playing Wii sports. If you are on facebook Sandi Johnville posted a great picture of us. We had a lot of fun playing games with the whole family and even convinced my mom to play.

New Years was spent in Chicago with our good friends Jon and Liz. This has been eight years in the making and we were so thankful to be there. In the spirit of gaming we played Rock Band almost all night and had a great time. Jon went to the Winter Classic (Go Red Wings!!!) and we watched from the warmth of Jon and Liz's house.

I hope this new year will be the start of many good things. I hope to run at least two 5Ks in the spring. In doing some research I have found a few that may be fun. I will keep you updated. I also hope that Mike and I will buy a house.

We will see what 2009 has in store for us.

May you be blessed in this new year!