Mom's Corner

June was a really difficult month for both Mom and me. I don't know if it was the passage of initial shock, or the effort expended in taking care of Jolene's possessions. But it's been tough, from beginning to end. We're glad to see the calendar page turn.

So tough, in fact, that on Sunday Mom announced, "When people ask me how I'm doing, I'm going to give them an honest answer--it's been a hard week."

She wrote the following to a friend in Maine: We are still grieving. I was looking for a card for Jaran's stepdaughter. The one I found said, "To a dear granddaughter" Inside: "Even though you are far away, Every time I think of you, my heart gives you a hug." At first I thought, "I don't feel that way about Shannon.".Then I thought of Jolene, and started to cry.


(Shannon's birthday is next week.)

Jolene, you are far away, where we cannot see or hear or touch you. But in whatever way you can receive it, our hearts give you a hug. We miss you, dear girl.