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Life doesn't always go as expected, does it?
If you feel like we've been MIA for awhile, you're correct. It's been over a week since our last post and the days since have been pretty crazy ones for Scott and me.
We left last Thursday evening on a trip to London, super excited about a visit with our daughter Cait, and her family. We intended to return this coming Friday and had a few new recipes tucked away to share while we were gone. We'd also planned to share photos and experiences from our time in London.
Sometimes the best-laid plans just don't work out though. On Friday, Scott's 94-year-old father, who we assist in taking care of, was rushed to the ER via EMS for breathing difficulties. He was hospitalized for several days, then released on Monday. Scott's brother from California flew in to pinch hit for us in the midst of this emergency situation, and it seemed like things were beginning to calm down when we got another call. This time it was about his mom.
Nanny (as we've called her ever since our children were born), left this world on Monday, very unexpectedly. Although she would have celebrated her 93rd birthday in April, she was unbelievably healthy. Every time we took her for a physical, the doctors would remark how fit she was for her age. In the end, her heart just wore out. We aren't made for this world, are we?
We have lots of great memories of "Nanny". She loved to garden and had an incredible green thumb. In fact, I chose the picture at the top of this post because it reminded me of her beautiful backyard flower gardens that amazed me when Scott and I first met. She had a whole bed of cyclamens that looked like it should have won a home and garden award! Houseplants also would thrive under her loving attention and she had a few of them for more than 3o years!
She also loved music and and all things "arts". Scott often tells the story that, if there was an arts event; drama, music, dance or art show anywhere near where they lived growing up, he and his mom would be in attendance. She was the one who passed that wonderful gift down to Scott, who taught music, drama, photography and video production for years, before retiring. Yet, even now his "artistic bent" graces the pages of The Café. Thanks, Nanny!
Scott and I were able to change our flight and we're actually high in the sky right now, winging our way home. We're still in a bit of a state of shock and just wanted to let you know that we'll be taking a short blogging break. We'll be back, but right now, we have lots of details to attend to and will need some time to help Scott's dad adjust. Thanks for reading and helping us remember Nanny!
Eva says
I was very sorry to hear about the loss of your mother Scott. My prayers are with you and your family through this diffcult time. Am going to miss your postings but understand completely that you need your own time to help your father.
Betsy says
Prayers for you and your family! As you said, we are not made for this world, and it is a such a comfort to know that Nanny (and all the loved ones who have blazed the trail for us), are in the place we are made for!
Darles says
I am so sorry. It is so hard to lose a loved one, especially a parent. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Wendy says
My heartfelt condolences, Scott and Chris! There is never a good time for an emergency, but emergencies while traveling far from home add a whole new level of stress. Wishing your hearts the healing that comes from faith, love, and cherished memories.
Janet Fruechtl says
I am so sorry to hear of your loss, I pray the love of God would comfort and give you and your family peace during this time.
Catherine Pappas says
Dear Chris, I am sorry for your loss and will keep you and your family in my prayers. xo Catherine
Ginny and Bob says
So sorry to hear of your loss! Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love you, Bob and Ginny
Ginny and Bob says
So sorry to hear about your loss! Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love you, Bob and Ginny
Abbe@This is How I Cook says
So, so sorry Chris and Scott. It sounds like you were both blessed to have Nanny in your lives and for such a good long time. Take care of yourselves during this difficult transition and my condolences to Scott's dad also.
Paula says
Thank you for sharing yourselves with us, your world-family. It's really warming to let us share your treasured memories.
Carol Walkins says
My heart goes out to you. My father was 93 and he also passed away on Monday. As you, we were so blessed to have him in our lives for all the years God allowed us to have. He is now with our mom and our Lord and I know very happy. I pray for God's peace and comfort for you and your family in the difficult days, months and years ahead.
Karo says
My heart goes out to you. So much has happened to you in such a short time. I am so sorry and will keep you in my prayers.
Sandra Garth says
So sorry for your loss and I pray that you'll be comforted by the dear memories you hold. Thank you for keeping us informed and take all the time you need. We'll be here when you get back.
Susan says
My deepest condolences to both Scott, his father and you, Chris! What a sad way to end such a happy trip. We just lost my mother-in-law last year right after I broke my wrist. Things do have a way of piling up so please take care of yourselves and take all the time you need.
Kelly says
So very sorry for your loss! Sending big hugs and enjoying your warm remembrances.
Alexis says
SO very sorry for your loss. Angels watch over all of you, all my thoughts and prayers❤️
Judi says
So sorry for your loss. It's a challenge to care for loved ones and yet have time for self care. I can see that Nanny will be truly missed and celebrated. Take care, hope your visit was relaxing.
Linda Jean says
Oh my goodness, I am so very sorry. Thank you for sharing your memories with us - Nanny certainly raised a talented and wonderful son. I hope you are able to rest and make sense out of this new "normal". I know you'll be busy helping everyone in the family adjust. We'll all be here, when it's the right time for you to come back. Sending hugs and prayers.
Kathy Dumont says
I am so sorry for your loss!
Angie@Angie's Recipes says
So very sorry to hear about your loss, Scott and Chris. My deepest condolences to your family!
Melanie | Melanie Makes says
Keeping the two of you and your sweet family in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Teri Giese says
So sorry for your loss.What a beautiful legacy your loved one left.How wonderful for her to teach her son such an appreciation for the arts.It is so often seen in the photos you all share of your journeys.Which is why I began following this blog.I LOVE gardening!But,I became too ill too attend to my ,"babies".That was in Wisconsin.Am much healthier now,but live in Arizona.Not quite the same for gardening.So,best wishes to you both,and may she keep on gardening up there with the angels!!
Kymber says
Chris & Scott, I want to say Thank you for sharing. I wish I knew you in person so that I could give you a hug. I feel such a connection to you. You folks are the most lovely couple. When I find myself grieving, I always turn to Psalm 23. My very good friend reminded me just yesterday, (in her broken English), "God didn't create us to live forever". I lost my dear Mother In Law a few years ago just a month before she turned 93. A rainbow appeared over the facility that she was in moments before she passed & I just know that she sent that for her loving family as sign to remind us it to grieve, but to cherish every day we had together. Love & hugs.
Jo Anne says
Praying for all of you that the Lord will take your sadness and fill your hearts with His peace that passes all understanding.
Milinh says
I am so sorry for your loss. When our life journey ends,God calls us home to Him. I am praying for you and your family. God bless you all.
Carol Ann says
So sorry to hear about Scott's Mom& his Dad's health scare. It is never easy to lose a loved one.
God bless all of you.
Barb says
Thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.