My poem- "Lent this Year" by: Chris Ann Schultz

This picture is from the annual garden I plant for our 3 children, who are in Heaven: Blessing, Patience, and Joy Schultz..... Now, it also has meaning for remembering my parents as well.... We are going to add a new flower type display... to think of them... Note my poem below....


"Lent This Year"

by: Chris Ann Schultz

Lent this year is different....
My focus seems so blurred...
My desire is for Easter, now...
My feelings are so different, like
I'm finishing Lent and moving on.....

Since July 2010, my life has changed so much.
Losing my dad, at age 37....
Going through a surgery and realizing that expanding
Our family has been delayed again.

Then, my focus was on caring for my mom,
Paying her bills and keeping her spirits up.
I didn't feel like I could discuss how I felt
about losing my dad with her, without really being
upset.
Instead, we made her feel comfortable and
Showed our love to her.

Then, in December 2010, when I was age 37, she died.
It again was a time of sadness, shock, and relief
Of the burden of her care, all at the same time.
I watched Chantel bond with her grandmother,
These past few months like I never could with my
grandmother, who was in a wheelchair as well.

Now, I'm focusing on all the major things...
That have been sold, trying to spend time as a family.
And the thing for Lent- doing things for others
Who are hurting- cards, facebook comments, e-mails,
Gift cards, and prayers sent their way....
Letting them know, they are not alone.

Oh, and waiting for school, phone calls, and work to
End and for the healing to begin.
Still trying to get through many special Anniversaries-
Mother's Day, Father's Day, the day my dad died,
And the day my mom died.
Also, trying to do things on the holidays, so I don't
miss them, so much!

That's my Lenten experience this year,
As I read a book about Heaven, and
Long to be there with everyone I love...

Visiting My Mom's, Dad's and Grandparents Graves

This weekend was a mixture of memories made with Chantel, doing Estate things, and visiting the graves of my parents and my Grammy Moyer and her husband- My grandfather, who I've never met. It started with me picking Chantel up at school, going to the bank, which is typical- to enjoy a cookie, and Estate related.

Next, I promised Chantel an icy treat at Rita's and received a buy-one-get one free coupon in an e-mail, which made it a cost efficient and fun treat. She also completed her homework as we traveled. We enjoyed the warm weather and sunshine, while spending time together.

Third, we stopped at the Lawyer's office, more estate related questions and paperwork, but not a lot was accomplished. At least I tried.... Next, a stop at Staples- recycling and paper restock purchase..... estate stuff again.

Fourth, we stopped at the Pansy Shop to buy a special gift/flower arrangement for our memory garden, which you will see in a later post I'm sure... It was so beautiful, to go in the memory garden at our house, for my parents. We are also adding some veggies in our garden this year, that we will miss, which they grew and Chantel helped Grandpa with this past year.

Fifth, we entered Giant and purchased flowers and water for the grave. You may wonder why water, how will they stay alive for long, without water to mix the "stay alive" powder, to keep the flowers alive longer. Not sure if they will stay nice for long this week, with the weather we will be having. (At least we saw them Sat. too.) We found what you see above a beautiful mix of color. It reminds me of the summer flowers from my dad's funeral and the winter colors and different flowers my mom would enjoy.

Finally, Chantel and I drove to the graveyard at St. Andrews Cemetery in Perkasie, PA, the side/newer entrance from Main St., not the Walnut Street (main church entrance). Well, we took pictures and stood and cried for a few moments, then decided to walk to find my Grammy's grave as well, see that photo too. We came prepared with boots, which Chantel wore, but I didn't, since the ground can be mushy this time of year. The person who installed the year, on my mom's bronze grave stone, had to change their clothing in late February, so we came prepared.

The real reason we picked this weekend, is my Mom's birthday is Tues., March 22nd and she would have been 70 years old this year. We also wanted to see that the year was in place. The base and the bronze plate were in place since just before my dad's b-day, in October. So, God worked out the timing of both of these things to be ready for us to remember both of my parents, on these special occasions. The funeral was even the day before their 40th wedding anniversary, too.

So, that was our weekend of reflection. We spent some time Sat. enjoying a meal after taking Ralph with us to the graves quickly as well. Now, I'm just reflecting on it all.

My Girl .... A Proud Mom

Here is my most recent photo taken. It was a picture of a picture. Chantel was at school for the book fair, at night. We decided to take a picture, since she just received a certificate which we have framed and color copied. It is on my wall and in Chantel's room. She received a "RESPECT" award. The students voted for the most respectful child in the classroom and they chose her. She was so happy, and so were we. The same day she received the award, one week ago, we saw her current teacher and her kindergarten teacher, who were both extremely proud of her as well.

Way to go, Chantel!