Summer 2023

Year 25 for me…Dylan will be a senior. He was also accepted into the JACC program which is a more specialized program for transitioning into life beyond school. He will encounter life skills and employment opportunities. He will receive these services at a different high school but he will be able to participate in his his home school senior activities. Austin will be a freshman next year. Both boys ended school well and are ready for summer. This summer I plan to take a couple of summer classes, declutter and organize/simply, paint some rooms, revamp the boys bathroom and downstairs powder room, visit my sister and Ashleigh and Sam and go on a cruise with family. I also hope to be able to establish some time to workout, go to the beach, and spend time with the boys. Yesterday,Ashleigh and Sam celebrated their first wedding anniversary. Today also marks 20 year that my mom passed away and went to heaven. Wow - how time flies. 

Twenty years ago my mom, Gwyn Merkison, passed away in the morning at the time when she was usual to awake. This year is a little different as I am quite close to the same age she was when the c word crept into /her/our life. However, she lives on through my sister and me. She taught us about the ups and downs of life and love as teens and young moms, but also embraced us in our childhood. She and my dad taught us about Jesus and his love and grace for us. What I would give to talk to her face to face or on the phone (which was everyday); I know someday we will meet again in heaven where there is no pain or c word. I love you mom!

Broken wrist saga

 Austin broke his wrist on April 1. This was also the first soccer game and the beginning of the second half. We took him to the local urgent care where it was splinted. 

A couple of days later, it was casted. When we went back to check the break after the cast was placed on, we learned that the bone had actually moved and he would need surgery. He was a good sport even though during Spring Break he couldn’t ride go carts or swim. 

Finally on April 27, Austin had wrist surgery and thankfully he was able to get pins instead of a plate. The surgery went well and little to no pain. However, the day after surgery he had to go back to ER because his fingers weee turning purple and he could barely move his fingers. Contraption—- not a fun word. He had his cast cut and thankfully was able to gain color and circulation, but this meant pain. He was intense pain for a couple hours but after pain meds he was able to tolerate and within hours pain had subsided. 

Lastly, he was able to have his post op visit and have the cast completely removed! He will wear a splint if high traffic areas. The doctor said he should be on “dishwashing” duty. 

Now to healing and strengthening! 

WWE

 Chris took Dylan for their father/ son date to WWE (ironically it was Mother’s Day but it was also only time in CHS this year). Jim went along too! Dylan always has a great time and this year was not 

Austin is promoted

 Congratulations to Austin on your accomplishments and 8th grace promotion ceremony! We are so proud of you! We are excited for the next chapter…high school! Go Cobras! 💙🐍🖤

I wasn’t able to get pictures with the Class of 2027 sign until Sunday since we have church at the school. 

Mother’s Day

 Having a wonderful Mother’s Day- began the weekend with a day for myself at the beach. I was also able to talk to Ashleigh a little bit and just catch up and reminisce. I miss her big everyday in many ways. Mothering is forever so I do get to see as she grows in adulthood in her marriage (which she and Sam will be celebrating one year on the 30th) , her nursing career, her friendships, her walk with Christ, and just life as my daughter. My hair got a color update (roots).. Yes!I also shopped for myself . I even tried on several swimsuits, dresses, shirt, shirts, and pants, and yes I got some clothes for me (that weren’t online)! I had special time with Austin because he went with me to the grocery store while Chris, Dylan, and Jim went to WWE. Austin and I got several snacks for after school. He will be my hang out buddy over the next couple days (school, post op appt, and amusement park) and in future times and moments.  Dylan gave me lots of hugs and thanks for being his mom as well as teenage arguments (☺️😊🤪). He will also hang out with me in a couple days (school, trip to Ga). We were able to take Helen to enjoy a yummy dinner on Saturday evening. 

Prom 2023

Dylan went to Prom tonight! He was so excited. He was able to wear his tux from Ashleigh’s wedding with a different tie! He loved it.  Handsome guy!

He said he danced one time and he told his teacher that it was too loud. Looks like he was able to wear noise canceling headphones and he ended up being there for about 2 hours. Love this kid!

Our Graduate!

Today our graduate made her stride across the stage to receive her BSN in Nursing. She also received a minor in Christian Studies. She graduated receiving Summa Cum Laude and was in the Honor Program. 

The ceremony was filled with laughter, shouts of joy, and loads of graduates that have endured hurricanes, a pandemic era of Covid 19, many hours of e-learning, hours of studying, writing many essays, and taking many tests and through it all God has proven His love-Our God is an Awesome God! 

Ashleigh finished classes in December 2022. Today is not only graduation for her , but also her first National Nurses Day. She works and enjoys her job at the children’s hospital in her hometown. She works in the ED. We are so proud of her.