08/14/2026
The summer ended for us as quickly as it began. Our trip to Hawaii will forever be an epic memory, and there were plenty of other fun trips, celebrations, fun events and memories to treasure as well. It was, on the other hand, both mentally and emotionally challenging. I don't speak often of the on-going struggle John and I have of trying to balance a demanding e-commerce business, a farm, the needs of a close knit family and everything in between.
For years, my 91 year-old mother-in-law has suffered with COPD and breathing issues. She has been in and out of the hospital more times than I can count. Fighting for independence, with an exception of hospital stays and rehab facilities, she still lived at home. But when she entered the hospital this past Monday, I don't think she'll be going home. Not her earthly home, anyway. Life as of lately has been nothing short of a roller coaster. Emotions are all over the place. And the struggle to keep work, farm and kids' schedules as normal as possible, all the while advocating for the care and comfort for my Mother-in-Law is taking its toll.
I have had this photo on my camera roll for days. I have wrestled with when to tell friends that her time is coming to a close. She's a fighter. And I didn't want to rush the process. It didn't seem real at first. Even for Shirley. But she's accepting that her body just doesn't have the strength to fight like it once did. Friends, thank you for praying. Thank you for being in the trenches with us. And thank you for supporting us. The end is closer than it was, but we are taking it a day at a time...some days, hour by hour.
We love each one of you. Please pray for Shirley as she suffers. And remember my John. This hits hard for him. ❤️
Thankful that because Jesus lives, we can face tomorrow!
