The Boys of Summer Meet the Field of Dreams

If there's one thing my father-in-law and his brother Joe loved (besides their wives and kids, that is) it was baseball! Uncle Joe coached baseball for decades. And I have more than a handful of pictures like this where the brothers are at Witter Field to "watch" an Assumption High School baseball game. Surely not there to supervise my hubby and his coaching skills, right?

Today, when I saw Uncle Joe was dressed in that same red Rapids baseball jacket as he lay in his coffin, I lost it. Another boy of summer has moved on to the Field of Dreams.

It was surreal to have almost a repeat of 2 weeks ago when we laid his wife – Aunt Janice – to rest. At her funeral it was nice to see dozens of Austin relatives we hadn't seen for quite some time. Today it was more of a "this is not how we should be getting together again" vibe. Lots of tears.

Still it was a nice service. Jim did the readings again and both he and Clay were pallbearers. Casey drove over from Minneapolis as well (Carter had sleet going on down in Dubuque to prevent his travels).

So after the sad stuff, we were blessed with some smiling time with our big sweetie grandpup Rey – and the humans Casey and Clay too.

I unfortunately had to finish my work day with some meetings. But I could hear three of the four brown-eyed bandits talking and laughing down the hall in the livingroom.

That, my friends, are the moments we need to cherish. Those are the memories that make us one day say, like today, "Remember that time we did this with Uncle Joe..."

I might just have to step and tell November "Move over, Gratitude Month. There are things happening every month that make us grateful."

Hug your loved ones!

Take the Darn Trip!

Not sure how Merriam-Webster defines regret. But I define it as that "was gonna" pain in your heart and low in your gut.

As in, I "was gonna" call that friend. I "was gonna" make time to meet up for coffee. I "was gonna" take a trip to see that friend or family member. But suddenly they're gone. And I didn't. 

I'm here to tell you. Take the damn trip!

This spring, I traveled with three of my sisters down to St. Louis to celebrate Easter and, more importantly, our Uncle Charlie's 90th birthday. Our dad's last living sibling. 

Just a great time with him, Aunt Sally, and our fun-loving cousins. They've lived there for decades and often came "up north" for family events, but I hadn't ever made it down there. So glad I did.

When I heard the news yesterday morning that Uncle Charlie passed away (yes, the same type of news Jim and I have gotten 3 out of the past 4 Tuesday mornings!), my heartache was sadness. Not regret. 

Because I took the trip!

I am sure Grandma Minnie was rejoicing as she welcomed her baby boy to heaven so her family of 9 kids was complete. But on earth, we are facing the end of an era with sadness. We still have 3 amazing aunts married to those crazy but caring Hedberg men, but that's it. The OG Hedbergs on my family tree are gone.

This has become quite the tough and emotional holiday season.

But I am so glad I took the trip. I can say with relief, "I'm so glad I got to see him this year and spend time with him on his birthday."

So if you're thinking about someone you want to re-connect with, visit in person, or just call. Do it. There's no guarantee you can do it tomorrow.

Another Dinner and a Show?

My sisters Up North were texting photos of the Northern Lights a little bit ago. So I thought I'd better head out to the front deck, point my phone up, and click.

OMG! Spectacular! That is... until I realized I forgot to shut off the porch lights with the those Viking purple bulbs. Whoops. And dang.

It's possible we have a little action going on down here. But it's nothing like we've been treated to before.

Still, it did not ruin our evening. We met up with a dozen cousins, aunts, and an uncle on Jim's mom's side of the family for dinner at PJ's – SentryWorld. Due to some work meetings this week, tonight was the third time this week eating there. So I got the fish fry and it was delish!

So nice catching up with family we just don't get together with unless it's a wedding or a funeral. Sort of like me and my adult cousins. There is one surviving sister of my mother-in-law and she's coming up on 90 years old. That was nice she could be there, too.

Don't wait for a special occasion to see family. Make the occasion – and it will be special!

Friends and Family Time

What a full and fulfilling couple of days.

I took Friday off just to get some errands done - including waiting in a forever line just save $25 on my oil change. Good thing I shut my car off or I might have gone through $25 worth of gas!

For real fun, I caught part of birthday lunch with my golf partner. I missed the golf part thanks to that stupid long line!

For fake fun, I also vacuumed my car after removing all the golf stuff and photo shoot ladders. I needed the space for some precious cargo to take Up North today.

If you want to know what love looks like, it's something like this. A car filled with 11 raffle baskets for my sister's benefit next month. It worked out conveniently to drop them off at Rachel's today (Side note: She's getting around great with a walker now!!) while we picked her up to go to our Uncle Hartley's funeral. 

On the way there, we stopped at the cemetery to visit what I always called "Dad's grave." It's so weird to think Mom's there now, too. Just hasn't sunk in. 😢

Then it was onto the funeral... The first hard part was that mere days after Uncle Hartley died, his son (and our cousin) Jeff died of cancer. So much loss!

The second hard part was that the funeral was held in the same church in Grantsburg where we just had Mom's service. Just too soon. 😭

The good part, though, was seeing so much family again. Some people I didn't get a chance to talk to at Mom's funeral. And of course, the 8 R's hadn't all been together since Mom's funeral either.

Lots of love and hugs.

Jim and I drove back tonight since we both have church obligations in the morning – he's reading at his and I'm singing at mine. Top photo was our pretty sunset drive home before two detours, darkness, then 90 minutes of intermittent fog on Deer Alley (that whole route from Osseo to Neillsville to Rapids). Grateful to be home safely!

And grateful for special times with people we care about. Hug your loved ones!

Sometimes Life Takes a Big Dip

It was cool to capture the Big Dipper in a photo this week, but not so great to deal with some big dips in life.

Today we went to the pre-funeral visitation for our friends' mom. And when I say friends, I mean 5 kids and their spouses plus all those grandkids and great-grandkids. Sending out biggest hugs to the Smits family.

Meanwhile, I learned my second to last uncle on my Dad's side died. And late this evening learned a friend of ours died unexpectedly with heart issues. Oh, Lord. You do not have to do these things in threes!

Not really in the mood for anything uplifting. Just remember to hug your loved ones – even the ones who irritate you now and then – while you got 'em.

Be careful out there – count your blessings!

Family Time in Tiger Town

It's possible I was having withdrawals from graduation cake after 5 whole days without it. Good thing hubby's cousin came to the rescue.

His cousin's son Hunter graduated from Stratford last weekend and they had the party today. Thankfully the morning rain shoved off to the east in time for the party.

It was a nice gathering of the Austin side of the family, who all grew up by Stratford. Some of us married into it, including cousin Dave's wife Diane – who created that cake masterpiece! She does such a great job! And it not only looked good but it tasted pretty good for Stratford Tigers cake!

Of course, we had to get a picture of the remaining Austin brothers (Uncle Frank died last year). From left are "Jug," my father-in-law John, Dick, and Joe. For those who've fallen victim to the Austin charm, you know this is like the Fantastic Four – 4 times the charm AND sass! Love these guys!

Didn't do much else today after we got home from the party in late afternoon. Pulled some weeds, got a few flowers from Home Depot, then somehow got sucked into watching the Brewers game. It was extra innings. And then some. They won in 13 and will be my excuse for not getting 10,000 steps today.

Certainly couldn't be because I was too busy shoveling cake in my face. Nah.

Morning Glories

I should have realized that the glorious sunrise yesterday was a sign of good things to come. Of course, snapping a photo while driving isn't going to do the magical color scheme justice. But I had to keep my eyes on the road, not the side view.

Turns out is was almost sunset when good news traveled through Wisconsin faster than any speed limit could handle. Jayme Closs was found. And she's still alive.

In our state, I wouldn't be surprised if 8 out of 10 people knew the name and what this 13-year-old girl looked like. Her picture has been plastered everywhere and as often as possible for the 88 days she's been missing. Everyone has been praying for her safe return. And we all know God eventually answer prayers. On His time schedule.

But what a miracle for the girl from a small town in my "back home" neck of the woods!

A miracle yes, but I can't imagine how the trauma of her abduction and the murder of her parents will impact this middle-schooler. So don't stop praying for her!

Although I don't know her or her family or anyone in Barron (which is much closer to Rice Lake and Cumberland than to Luck), I treated it as good news. As any parent would!

It sort of balanced some tough news this week that one of my cousins lost his battle with cancer. I've been praying for him, too. But I knew when I was praying for God to comfort him and relieve his pain, death would pretty much be the answer. But like Jayme's case, there is still more praying to do!

Please pray for my Aunt Barb especially. She lost her husband (my Uncle Ray) this summer and now just 6 months later, she's saying goodbye to her firstborn. The last few days I've almost pleaded with God on her behalf. "That's so much heartbreak for a person. Please wrap your loving arms around her and comfort her! Help her feel our love."

Nothing is in our control. No matter how much we pray, it's still God's will. Just ask him to give strength to those who have to cope with the outcome of that will. That's all we can do.

That and keep our eyes open. Like this beautiful sunrise, miracles happen every day. You don't need to take a picture to prove it happened. The person who needs it will already know.

Beneath the Surface

Things aren't always what they seem.

While we watched the nice, fluffy snowflakes fall yesterday afternoon and evening, it didn't seem like they warranted the nasty Winter Weather Advisory from the forecasters. But once in awhile they know better than we do.

I quickly learned on my morning commute that it was really a travel advisory. Underneath the surface of the fluff was a slippery mess.

Even on plowed, well-treated highways, it required tentative and attentive driving. Saw two cars in the ditch in the first 15 minutes. After getting through Plover and onto the interstate, they were doing "traffic reports" and indicated some traffic jams on the interstate by Stevens Point. I had no idea how that could happen. Oh, but it did.

The morning commute was pretty much at a standstill. Not sure why. Granted, I did see another 3 vehicles in the ditches, but nothing near this police car that was sitting by the exit. Still, we were down to one lane and just inched along for a mile. Then I could exit for work.

Scary stuff. I wouldn't be surprised if the cops were sitting there just so we all would slow down. Prevent more cars from zig-zagging off the road. Sometimes it's best to listen to the people who know.

A few days ago, we were quite grateful we did.

In early December, hubby's uncle and godfather learned he had cancer of the spine. All these different health issues this year and there was cancer, lurking undetected beneath the surface – much like today's ice.

Frank has been in a nursing home much of the last month and declining fast. The caretakers were primarily managing his pain. Last week, though, they knew it was getting worse. And he was, too. They know these things. They've seen it. And, thankfully, when they pay attention they can warn the loved ones so they know they have one last time to say goodbye.

Jim and I went up to Marshfield last Wednesday night to do just that. Frank wasn't awake but we talked to him and he did squeeze our hands. We were able to express our love, pray for his comfort, and give him final hugs and kisses.

He died the next night.

It's a blessing when we who are left behind get the opportunity for final farewells. It was reminiscent of saying goodbye to my dad. On the way home, I again told Dad he was getting another good one Up There and to take good care of Frank for us.

I know he was listening because a trucking song suddenly came on the radio. Beneath the surface, that's The Lone Spruce telling me, "I got you, little buddy."

And "Drive with care."

Tidings of Comfort and Joy

After weeks, months actually, of preparation, our church choir performed our Christmas Cantata today at both services.

That fact that it was 7 songs, a good half hour of singing in light robes that got heavier by the measure, and a true test of my anxiety levels and ability to stave off coughing fits is not important.

What is important is the message of hope carried out in the appropriately arranged songs. We were reminded that hope has lifted the human heart. Hope is timeless. Hope perseveres. Hope is powerful. Hope is eternal. Hope is unfading, undying, and unbroken.

We could add that hope is needed. Today. It sometimes can be lost. But it is here.

Do we believe that? How do convince others to believe that?

I can think of a lot of people in my life who are struggling to find hope. Find something positive right now. The toughest ones to convince, understandably so, are friends and family who are facing their first Christmas without a loved one. How does one share tidings of comfort and joy at a time like this?

By a very sad coincidence, I learned right after our performances today that my cousin's husband was killed in a car accident yesterday. Devastating news for our family living in the St. Louis area. What could any of us possibly say that could give Pam and the family hope?

Then, from church, hubby and I went to visit his uncle (and godfather) who was just last week diagnosed with cancer. We aren't sure how far it's progressed, but they are already in the "managing pain" phase. So hard to see this bigger-than-life man so fragile.

I held it together during the visit until his wife arrived. When she reminds us that "He was my life. He IS my life," what can you say in response? We just cried in each other's arms a minute and she said, "You don't have to say anything." Well that's good because I was at a loss for words.

Anything I could say to either of these women isn't strong enough to mend their breaking hearts. But all of us who love them are trying to find those magical words. Let us not lose hope. Not now.

I know hope can bring light to the darkness in our lives. I just pray God will find a way to show that through both comfort and joy this Christmas season.

Continued prayers of comfort and hope are welcomed and appreciated.

Sunset Years

If you have family or loved ones in their "sunset years," it's always a good priority to call or visit them regularly. You can't take their presence for granted.

When we realized we hadn't seen them since March, hubby and I traveled up to Marshfield tonight to visit his uncle and aunt, who are 85 and 92, respectively. Though still fit and feisty as always, they admittedly are slowing down. (Even though they spent the day canning gallons of strawberries!)

Their chief complaints these days are running to appointments, keeping up with all the flowers they planted – and figuring out their Netflix account.

Yup. Pretty "with it" for octogenarians-plus.

And based on the sweet sunset we witnessed on the way home, we were reminded the sunset years can be a beautiful thing.

Family Day at the Ballpark

OK, a bit of a spoiler alert here. It was a long game and it was a good game (through 5 innings for the Royals, anyway). And it was a nice family day at the ballpark.

Anytime Stratford is in the house, Austins are sure to follow. My father-in-law and his family grew up there and graduated from high school there. Since some of his sibling stayed in the area, there is usually an Austin on one of their teams.

This time, it was a Jim's cousin's son Hunter, who plays JV but was called up to be on hand if they needed him.

So Jim's Uncle Jug and Aunt Pat made the trip down to watch the game, in case their grandson got to play.

Then there was the usual baseball brain trust of Uncle Joe and my father-in-law John. 

Assumption did have a lead through 5 innings. Then the Tigers rallied on some of our mistakes and pulled off a victory. Thus the big smile from Hunter Austin.

OK, that makes 5 Austins. Wait, we almost forgot my favorite: Coach Austin.

He likely smiled more about seeing family there than the final score. There were some great hits and nice plays by our guys, though. When I realized I took hundreds of photos, I figured I better at least acknowledge family first, Royals later.

Now it's bedtime so we can hit the road early and see my side of the family tomorrow. There will be games, too, but nothing requiring sliding into second or wearing extra layers for warmth.

I hope.

His Last Chores

The animals are fed, he's baled the hay, the chores are complete, it's the end of the day. My Uncle Allan finished his chores and hung up his pitchfork on April 11 at the age of 87.

It was strange irony that the night before, I posted a picture – for National Siblings Day – of my 7 siblings and me from my baptism day, when Uncle Allan and Aunt Betty became godparents to 5 of us. In the photo above, I am sitting on Uncle Allan's lap, my twin Raylene is on Aunt Betty's lap and the other godchildren seated in front of the pretty curtains are (from left) RoAnn, Ron and Rachel.

Our Aunt Betty (my dad's sister) died 18 years ago, just after Carter's first birthday.

Farming was their life. They milked cows, raised is, chickens and beef cattle, plus planted and other crops. It was always an adventure to visit their "century" farm in east-central Minnesota (Harris). We especially liked visiting after they adopted one of our dog's puppies!

My mom and all 8 of us kids made it to the funeral today. I got to see some cousins on my dad's side of the family that I haven't seen in quite awhile. It's unfortunate to only see relatives at funerals. Thankfully, there's at least one family wedding this summer that should bring many of us together on a happier note.

In the meantime, hug your parents, family and other loved ones. Treasure each day you have with them.

And each day you are able to do those chores.