Valentines 2020 was one for the books. Greg and I learned a big lesson in parenting sorrows for our children and dragging them through life. I prepared our annual chicken cordon bleu dinner complete with candles. No one caught on fire this year, again. Though the girls try as they might swishing their hair dangerously close to the open flames we managed to get through the 20 minutes or so with no singed locks. The evening was definitely muted though when just before sitting down to dinner Anna announced she had not made the deadline with her State officer application and would not be running for state office. This was not good news. Although she did not cry we were all aware of the heartbreak and disappointment this was. Greg was mad, I was sad and sick to my stomach. We questioned and reached out to those who might be able to comfort and or counsel on how to deal with this unwelcome news.
After the solemn dinner we resistantly changed our clothes and prepared to attend the local Valentines dance. Three or Four kids desperately wanted to go and were ready and in the car lickety split. The other 8 or 9 kids adamantly voiced their protest and disgust at having to go with us. I reminded Greg it was fun to go places just the two of us in the LONG LONG ago time before all the focus on the family. Nonetheless being the iron-willed parents we are we enforced the family togetherness rule and loaded the car. We were surprised to find a lot of people at the dance. This made fro a truly memorable night. The music, friendships, unique couplings and novel opportunity raised our spirits and literally rescued our very sour Valentine's Day.
Livy and Greg. He was a busy guy with so many daughters to take around the dance floor.
Anna and Darrin. He's 12 he says he danced with all the pretty girls!
John with a good friend Lia, who was not hesitant to get her turn with him.
Bruce was a pretty popular partner too. He danced in his big bog boots with more than just sisters.
Aliza begrudgingly dancing one time with her father, hoping it might be her ticket out of the torturous waiting and watching. She is so teenager some days.
Bruce with Addie's friend. He loves to go and do.
Lia even found a friend. This is Jethro Hiatt he is a month or so older than Lia. She is taller of course. She enjoyed chasing him around.
And my Valentine for so many years now. I'm amazed at his patience and ability to forgive. He is suborn which is great trait for a dad. He is strong and he has way more energy than I. He also loves me unconditionally which I so appreciate. Life is good, although sometimes heartbreaking.
This was a first to be on the sideline watching and wondering as one of our children's hopes and dreams was crushed. There was nothing we could really do, well except text and ask for help, wonder if this was just an "act of God" and how to comfort our daughter. I spent the night texting with local FFA people, Anna got many texts from leader friends around the state. Lesson 1. She has some kind encouraging friends from many places in Oregon.
The next morning I woke up remembering a friend of Anna's was a postmaster, she reached out and spoke with him and he gave her a glimmer of hope. Our local post office demanded a receipt hard copy. Anna searched through all her bags and clothes, and the car. I hunted through piles of paper So Greg started and I finished digging through all our garbage sacks for the week, it's only collected weekly at the shop in town. I found some treasures like a missing teaspoon, I've been wondering where they are all going. Alas no receipt.
We counseled and encouraged Anna, more kind texts came from concerned friends and community persons. They all meant a lot. She worked on scholarships, and homework. From now on she will be missing a lot of school due to FFA. And we all came to gradually accept this was just one door closed.
Well all of us except Greg. He is his fathers son and does not quit, EVER.
But that will be the next post because I'm waiting to see how a new turn will play out. I think his determination is becoming the defining trait of our family.
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