Saturday: TODAY, I had the happiest hours I have had in many months. I just don't get any happier than when I am with Jesse, Emma, and Kaity all at one time, in one vehicle, heading to a football game to honor Chris!
Today was SENIOR DAY at Olivet. Somehow, the "time" of this honors event was miscommunicated, or "discombobulated" ... anyway, we missed it. For reasons unknown exactly, we thought half time was going to be the occasion for the senior football players to be escorted on the field by two important people in their lives. Chris designated these two as: Diana and Ella. Jesse was not offended about this! However, all of us misunderstood when this small ceremony was happening--it turned out that it was at 11:30.
The kickoff for the game against Albion was at noon today, and we arrived at 12:02. It actually looked like Olivet might do okay against Albion ... they are ranked rather equal with Olivet ... but the final score was Olivet 42, Albion 58. This was the last home game of Chris's college football career--it would have been really nice to have had a win for this occasion. All of us felt sad for him--and what is really true is this: Olivet has a LOT of talented players! I think they just have a lousy coach ... who doesn't call very smart plays. Plus, I don't think he talks very nicely to his team.
It was in the 40's (and medium windy) throughout the game. We dressed in layers (thankfully) and had warm coats ... but still ... IT WAS COLD!!!
I love this picture of Jesse and Kaitlynn. How is it possible that Jesse is 45?
Jesse. First born. Kind. Mechanical+. Veteran. Sensitive. Too many times brokenhearted. Right now, going through a trial of grief and loss (which I will not share in this blog). You mean the world to me, dear son.
Ella and Emma. I am only beginning to know Ella. She has a lot going on right now with being newly engaged, working full-time, living on her own, being separated (geographically) from Chris for one more year. And my Emma. Yes, dear, you are MY Emma. I don't say that with any thought of possessing her, or controlling her life, or even being much a part of her life anymore. But she stole my heart as a little girl, my first grandchild, and so ... she is mine. She is! I love her in a way I can't put words to ... no words.
And my Kaity-Girl. 13 going on 35. I feel in so many ways that I have lost her and she will not come back. I have deep sadness about this. She knows I love her, though. That's important to me. Kaity has been in a hard place for years, 50% at Jesse's, 50% at Diana's. That's really hard to pull off.
And here is Christopher! #15. Look at how buff he is. Chris is my oldest grandson. He was a rascal as a little guy--I called him my "Spanky" (from the Little Rascals) when he was young. He has done really well at Olivet (on a football scholarship), maintaining his grades, working really hard with his football team, being faithful to Ella ... that's a lot !! ... and I am proud of him. He is looking to go into physical training, coaching, and has some opportunities to do those things in the future.
I am hoping Chris will agree to have breakfast with an acquaintance of mine from church--he is the former coach (40 years!) of high school football at Kenowa and a big-deal guy in the organization called, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and has contacts all over the country. Contacts are good. Plus, this man is a truly decent human being who I think Chris would enjoy knowing. I'm praying about this.
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