April 10th
     Alan has asked that I now IDENTIFY MYSELF when writing so you can all tell the difference between us. Of course, as the self proclaimed "funny one" I am certain you will be able to tell who is who but he is concerned... so it's ME!
     I am blown away by how things in our life can shift on a dime, even when you were so sure footed a moment ago. Of course, people who have lost someone they love unexpectedly or had a fire or natural disaster are well versed in this. But for the majority of us, we live our days "knowing" where the safe footfalls are and not thinking too much more on the subject.
     We are getting a taste of that uncertainty. There is no doubt about it, the sand has shifted here at Chez Hamilton and things are slippery! Boxes in each room, all labeled, taped, and in various states of packing. New rules like, "Garbage in white bags, donate in Black bags, store in Rubbermaids" being shouted across the house. Unexpected reminders of what we are going to miss keep cropping up. Emotional inventory taken every few hours..."Am I okay with missing our yearly baseball game and fireworks with friends???? Is this worth it?" So far some painful but clear yes, it's worth it.      Taking the emotional temperature of the kids on a daily basis as well. Watching them for subtle facial hints when we say "So, this is apple T.V. it's what you can watch on the road instead of regular T.V." Or "You can use our You Tube channel to make and publish videos for friends back home." So far, the only response has been "Cool!" There have been some late night, pitter patter feet by the bed, "Mom, I'm going to miss having sleep overs with friends..."
     We will figure it all out, together, team Hamilton.  I have some of the same feelings I did that day in the hospital nearly 10 years ago when Jacob came into the world We welcomed him to "Team Hamilton" and knew that the sand had shifted, things were never going to be the same and we would make it work as a family. We know now, as we did then, there are tears, and laughter ahead, and a whole world of learning for all of us in our own way.
Count your blessings friends...
L.