Heaven and Hope....

Yesterday I was finally able to see the final session of the normal GriefShare program.  This is the third year I have either attended or volunteered at GriefShare at the Parkesburg Mennonite Church but the first time I have been able to see the final session called 'Heaven'.  It was a very positive and uplifting session and very nicely brought the previous sessions to a close.  I think our participants enjoyed it.  And I pray that they have benefited from the counsel that the program provides for anyone who is struggling with grief from the loss of a loved one.

Now that it is finally over and even though spring has not really come, weather-wise, there is hope that a great adventure is afoot.  I have the van partially packed.  I am placing things in containers and bags and hope to have the van packed by tomorrow night, but no later than noon on Friday.  I have to leave enough time to go through the yard and pick up winter junk so that my yard guys can begin mowing while we are away.  I also need to get the gas on the deck stabilized and put away in the garage.  I also need to run the generator for a while and get some Stabil in the tank on it as well.  So much to do and time is getting short.

But come Saturday morning, ready or not, Marge Krumrine, Marji Lantz and I will be getting into the van and heading south to the area of Fancy Gap, VA.  We check into our house on Sunday for a 30 day "Awaycation" in the mountains of Virginia, overlooking the Piedmont of North Carolina.  We will be sewing, crafting, cooking, shopping, exploring and just relaxing as we get to know each other and become more centered after the extended winter and the emotional toll that I find happens after 14 weekly sessions of GriefShare.  Off and on all month, various ladies (and maybe a gentleman or two) will be coming for long weekends or a week.  It should be a hoot!

So, wish us luck and good fun.  I have the hope of lots of laughter and positive days.