We had a really nice Thanksgiving celebration in Los Angeles with our family on Thursday. Gwendolyn looked so cute in her new pretty lavender dress selected especially for her by cousin William, two new purple bows given to her by Gramma, and I was thrilled it was cold enough to get to put her long legs in tights. We had a wonderful day. Gwendolyn loved the attention, managed to take a nap in the middle of much talking and laughing, and even warmed up to Gramma's dog — a little. It was nice to be surrounded by so much love and support. After a beautiful prayer said by GrandPa, a delicious meal prepared mainly by Gramma and Aunt Kristen, and memories and stories shared by us all, we loaded up the GVan and headed home. It was a very quiet drive as all three of us were exhausted from the BIG day and perhaps a bit sad and frustrated that our life encompasses so much medical necessity that even on such a wonderful day we can't escape the treatment routine…the medical equipment…the medical needs…the medical emergency what if planning while away from home. Perhaps, the dichotomy between the joy and the sorrow left us a little melancholy.
GrandPa extended the festivities by coming up to Santa Barbara for an additional night and it was just what we needed. Gwendolyn was so excited to see him the next morning and to know the party was continuing. We went for a nice walk on a gorgeous day and even had breakfast at a new place in town we've been looking forward to trying. Then GrandPa and Gwendolyn read stories, sang songs, and played a new game of “Make GrandPa Catch the Balloon” — What fun!