Dub and Mase arrive home from school just after I finish inviting Mo and Stef to practice rock climbing. I head outside to meet the guys as Mase and Dub settle down to begin their homework. There’s a threat of rain, which would render the climbing treadmill unusable. So I start us off, hoping we…
Dub is dropped off at school as the family returns home from Newcrest. He immediately spots his cousin, Bri, after she steps off the school bus. He hurries up to her. Wade: Bri! You’re here. Brianna: Hey, Dub. Yep, my first day. Good to see you. They hug. Dub is glad to have an instant…
It’s cold outside, so we bundle up, and Me-Me shows me a few of her favorite places in Newcrest. Melisa: This is Founder’s Park. My parents used to bring us here a lot. It’s where my mom chose my dad during the costumed dating challenge. It’s also where they had their first solo date during…
We pull up to a townhome in Newcrest. Me-Me walks up the steps to her childhood home, knocks, and then we step inside. Melisa: Make sure to leave your shoes down here. As we remove our shoes, Me-Me climbs the stairs, where her mother is waiting and greets her with a big hug. Jalisa greets…
I wake up dreading what this day brings with it. We’re all supposed to meet Uncle M and his family in Willow Creek to lay ma to rest. I sometimes can’t even believe that she’s gone – or maybe I just don’t want to believe it. Either way, this day will be challenging for all…
The time has come to say goodbye to beloved Prosperity “Peri” Banks (Day 40 – Day 53.3). Peri lived a vibrant life, both literally and figuratively. At a young age, she described her emotions in shades and tints rather than the usual adjectives. While that ability began to fade as Peri grew older, she still…
As soon as I see Uncle Merit, I know that visiting him and his family is a good idea. He and his wife, Roni, are the only ones left of ma’s generation, so they are a great reminder to give as much love as possible to the family members that are still around. Kai: I’m…
Mase takes his mom’s advice to ‘be there’ for his daddy, literally. So he goes upstairs into his parent’s bedroom and finds his daddy asleep on the bed. Even with his eyes closed, he looks so sad. Mase wants to be there with him if he wakes up, so he sits on the side of…
It’s time. Peri can feel death approaching as sure as she can feel the floor below her. She gets up to greet it, although fear threatens to paralyze her in place. If only she could see her family one more time. But it’s too late. She doesn’t even reach the door before collapsing to the…
Me-Me approaches me after she arrives home from work. Melisa: Can we talk? Kai: Of course. Is everything okay? Melisa: Yes. I wanted to talk about Dubbie. I think it’s time to let him have the spare bedroom. Kai: Do you think he’s ready? Melisa: I do. He’s been very responsible, and he’s doing well…
