Papa Greg had his big back surgery on August 7, and the whole month of August became a blur. Ahhh, what an adventure that was! I took Mom and Dad over to Seattle, Katie came to take a turn over the weekend, I went back to bring Dad back to Spokane for rehab, he was here for two weeks while Mom stayed here with us. The surgery was successful, but such an endeavor. Looking back at these pictures I'm reminded of the little mercies that helped us through: staying with Daryl & Linda and their furry child, recounting the days over a glass of beer, Dr. Tanya and all of our favorite nurses, pictures that were sent through family text chains and all of their support, Jeff holding down the fort with the kids so well and the family memories we made in between Seattle trips, fires at Vantage that gave us (safe!) traveling stories, Alea &Abby & Megan traipsing off to sophomore/freshman years of college, busting Dad out of the hospital and stopping with him at the rest stop to stretch in 100+ degree weather (gown flowing in the hot wind!), Micah and Jeff completing the chess board, family haircuts for school, Jeff & Josh getting to go to Spalding for the day with Hope Squad, Grace's driving permit coming in the mail, and nights with G'ma Joan under our roof. Months later I'm looking back at these pictures wondering how we got through all of this...and am so grateful that we did!
