One for the History Books

The school year has come to a close.  All three kids achieve outstanding grades and created lasting memories.  I am so proud of all three for what they accomplished this year.  Here is a blurry picture of Trisha as she leaves middle school for the last time as an 8th grader.  I can't believe she is going to be in high school!!

Unfortunately the kids have had to learn some very hard life lessons.  About 2 weeks ago, one of the star football players from the high school drowned.  Kristin knew him pretty well since he briefly dated one of her friends, was in the class ahead of hers, and was friends with the guy that took her to prom.  His death brought back all the pain and sorrow from the tragic death of another friend back in December.  Then, two nights before school was to let out for the summer, Trisha learned that one of her classmates had taken his own life.  That tragedy has left me stunned.  Trisha and I have talked.  She's asked 'Why?' and I've told her that there will never be a way to understand what all was going through his head to make him feel that that was the only solution.  The accidental deaths are no less tragic, but they are easier to understand 'Why'.  All we can do is pray for them and their families.  And hug and kiss our own kids as often as we can.

The summer is already packed with activities.  Blake and Trisha have camps to head off to.  Kristin has volleyball conditioning and a 3-day-a-week babysitting job.  I have Knitters Connection and a girls' weekend away. Ed has his 6th Ironman Triathlon.  Together we have a week at the beach.  We may not be able to fit in a trip to Tennessee this year.  The kids are going to be disappointed about that, but I'm not sure when we'd be able to fit it in.

On the knitting front, I finished the baby blanket for my friend, but forgot to take a photo of it before gifting it.  I'll see if I can get my friend to forward a picture to post.  I'm now trying to get Decimal finished.  I have another summer sweater waiting in the queue, but have vowed not to start it until Decimal is off the needles.