Bittersweet weekend

This Saturday, John and I started our day with a visit to his dad, Jack at the care center. Jack is doing as well as can be expected considering his wife of 60 years passed away just a week ago. His biggest concern yesterday was that someone at the care center had stolen $40.00 which he lovingly had put into envelopes for some of his favorite care givers as a "Thank you" for their attentive care during MaryAnn's passing. It is sad enough to have to leave your home for a nursing home, not only does one lose dignity, but to have to worry about theft of personal items is so heartbreaking. Beside that, the visit was a good one. Jack is as sharp as a tack and his sense of humor is still intact although a bit hidden under some expected sadness.

After the visit we met Alissa and had lunch at Wendy's. Then we headed over to John's mom and dad's condo to do some treasure hunting and cleaning. We spent about four hours just going down memory lane. Each item seemed to invoke a long lost memory. Alissa and I took quite some time with MaryAnn's jewelry which was all perfectly organized according to color. We found a few treasures that we will take and keep as a precious remembrance.
After the jewelry we worked on the kitchen, again perfectly organized with a full stocked pantry and spice area. We split up all the food and will take them to our homes and hopefully recreate some of her tasty recipes.
John looked through his dad's Legion mementos and other items his dad had collected over the years from sporting events and his work with the telephone company. I know these things all brought back some bittersweet memories for John. His dad told John to find his lifetime membership to the Packer Hall of Fame, since they both share the same name, John now has a lifetime membership to the Hall. Thanks, Jack!

We found more treasures in the basement and attic. Alissa took a paint pallet clock that has been in all of their houses over the years. She also found a photo or two of Jack and MaryAnn at legion events. These finds are priceless.

It was indeed a bittersweet day but as we packed up our cars and drove away, we felt good. The three of us ended our day at Colonel Hart's with a few beers and some good bar food.

Today I will be reorganizing here to find room for all our newly aquired treasures. We (mostly John) will also be putting away all the yard decor that we so lovingly put out in the spring. This is always bittersweet for me as it means that the winter snow and cold is not far off. So, we will pack away the swing and bird bath for another season just as we packed away the things from MaryAnn as she entered another season.
Bittersweet, but a necessary part of life.