Missing Man Formation

This is a tough post to write, and the story belongs to others more than me, but I couldn't NOT write about something so significant to our family.

My brother-in-law Scott was diagnosed with stomach cancer in January.  We knew it was very serious, but we didn't think our time together was so short.  And though due to Covid, his kids had extra time with him, the rest of us were keeping our distance for his safety, so the time seemed even shorter.  Scott told us all at a family meeting that he wanted the time to be "sweet, " not "sad."  

The times we did share together were indeed very sweet.  He was feeling good enough to come over for the Super Bowl and even enjoyed some of the party food like he hadn't in weeks.

Scott had a birthday on May 1st and was in the hospital with some respiratory issues.  We were able to gather outside the hospital and sing and pray for him.   I didn't know that it would be the last time I would see him smile on this earth.

Scott went to be with the Lord on May 20th.  I will always remember how we ALL got to be in his ICU with him (in spite of all Covid rules and even regular rules!).  It was a very tough but sweet goodbye.  

Then we were very blessed when Scott's skiing friends put together a "missing man ceremony" for him.  We gathered at the dock as the ski boats went by in formation.  

Here are some special videos of the event:

Carol's 50th

 My little sister celebrated a milestone birthday this May.  Since the school year had ended early, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to show up and surprise her.  It was a little tricky due to Covid, but I quarantined before I came, and we had a great visit.  

I arrived in time to join a parade of well-wishers driving by her house.  Boy, was she surprised when I drove by!  

It was also my nephew's birthday, so he was suprised as well!  

Since we couldn't go anywhere, we enjoyed several days of just sitting and visiting or taking walks around the neighborhood.