I didn’t plan on going radio-silent for this long, and I hope I didn’t cause anyone concern (thanks for reaching out, RACHEL!). Most of you knew that I was going to Germany for a few weeks, but I didn’t anticipate not checking in here at all. Well, now I am back and trying to catch up on life. If you’ve seen my Weekly Run Downs pop up in Feedly, know that I posted them retroactively (just for completeness’ sake).
* * *
Sadly, I have to share that Jon’s mom passed away while I was in Germany. Jon called me the day after I arrived at my parents’ house. We weren’t completely surprised, but still caught off guard when it happened. The transition to her home had been successful; she had a group of lovely women caring for her, and it looked like she was finally improving, slowly but surely, and then she passed away when we least expected it. After the initial shock, Jon seemed pretty calm and composed and insisted that I stay in Germany and not cut my visit short. He probably had an inkling all along that she might not improve and was grateful that her passing was quick and painless when it happened. The last thing he wanted was for her to linger in an incapacitated state.
* * *
On a lighter note, I really had a wonderful time in Germany seeing family and friends. I hope to post a more in-depth recap (if I ever get around to catching up), but I want to share a few glimpses right now. My cousin’s wedding was one of the most fun celebrations of love I have witnessed. I met up with a friend from College, I finally got to spend time with my dear friend Kim again, and I paid a surprise visit to Tanja (who had no clue I was coming). I loved spending time with my sister’s family, and the time with my parents has been precious and wonderful. I will never get tired of feeling like a “kid” again for a little while when I am at my childhood home. I also spent time with my best friend from high school. Sadly, her health has continued to decline, and it’s been very hard to witness that. It was especially hard to say goodbye this time, as I am not sure if I will get to see her again.
* * *
On a completely unrelated and silly note, the hydrangea for my patio that I bought in April and then completely neglected for a few weeks while traveling between Sacramento, Southern California, and Germany, and which I thought had died, proved its resilience with new growth. I am thrilled that something in my life is thriving!
* * *
As so often lately, I continue to feel behind on everything… blogging, reading blogs, a routine… but this time to unplug was precious and important to me. I am glad to have had the opportunity to travel. I am hoping that things might slow down around here a little bit so I can finally catch a breath.
Tell me: how have you been?
Lindsay
June 20, 2025 at 9:26 amYou and Jon have been in my thoughts these past few weeks. I’m sorry for your loss. I’m also so glad you got to spend time with your family and friends in Germany and fill up that “cup” after a hard set of months. Here’s hoping things slow down and so lovely to “hear” your voice here!
Suzanne
June 20, 2025 at 10:54 amOh San. My deepest condolences to you and Jon on the loss of your mother-in-law. What a hard, heartbreaking few months. I’m glad you got to have a nice time with family in Germany, and I do hope that life slows down and takes a more positive direction from here on out. Sending you all warm thoughts.
Kim
June 20, 2025 at 1:45 pmI’m so so sorry about Jon’s mom. Sending you both so much love. I’m glad you still had a wonderful time in Germany <3
Stephany
June 20, 2025 at 4:24 pmOh, I am so very sorry to hear about Jon’s mom and to know it happened while you were in Germany. :( You guys are in my thoughts! What a terrible year this has been for you.
I am SO glad you were able to soak up the family time in Germany, even knowing what Jon was dealing with back home. <3
Lisa’s Yarns
June 20, 2025 at 4:39 pmI am so very sorry to hear about the passing of Jon’s mom. I know she has not been doing well but it sounds like her passing was fairly swift. That can be a blessing versus watching down on slowly decline but it’s just all so hard.
I am glad you had a great trip home to Germany though. It is so nice to have that feeling of being a kid and being taken care of by your parents. I am glad you got to attend a fun wedding and see friends. But I am sorry to hear your friend’s health is declining. Gah the world can feel quite heavy. :(
I’m doing well and enjoying a break from work travel. We did a brief camping trip this week and next week I have a short trip to Chicago with Will to do some sight seeing and see family.
Kristen
June 20, 2025 at 5:28 pmWelcome back!
So so sorry to hear about Jon’s mom. Even when it’s expected, it’s still hard! Death is an enemy.
Birchie
June 20, 2025 at 6:28 pmI’m sorry for your loss. I know that it wasn’t a complete surprise, but it wasn’t welcome. And I’m so happy that you had the time in Germany with your family and friends. Hopefully you will have many more visits with your friend.
The only time that I am good with plants is when I come across one that thrives on neglect. The only way to know that is of course to neglect the plant and then have it result in a good outcome…both my mother and husband are great with plants and I am not.
I am overwhelmed with work and life, but also doing a lot of traveling which meansa lot of good times along with the overwhelm. It also means that I am very behind on blogging…I’ll catch up someday.
Rachel
June 20, 2025 at 8:52 pmI am sorry to hear about Jon’s mom. I can’t imagine how complicated all the feelings must have been while you were away but I am also glad you got to spend time at home. Your trip sounds so restorative, filled with family and friends. I am also glad you posted 3 weeks of recap rundowns for me to explore – I am glad to see you back in the blog world again!
Nicole MacPherson
June 21, 2025 at 7:16 amOh no, I’m so sorry to hear about Jon’s mom. I know she was quite ill, but I didn’t realize she was that ill! Sending love and condolences to you both.
I love that you had such a good trip to Germany. I’m so happy you were able to have that, I know life has been crazy for you lately.
I thought our hydrangea was dead too and here it is, thriving! No flowers yet but I thought it was dead, so yay.
Michelle G.
June 21, 2025 at 3:41 pmI’m so sorry to hear about your mother-in-law. That’s a tough thing to go through, and I’m glad to know that she didn’t suffer. I’m also glad that you had a good trip to Germany and some downtime. No pressure on the blogging – you definitely need some space – but I appreciate the update. Sending you hugs!
Grateful Kae
June 22, 2025 at 4:43 amI’m so sorry to hear about your mother-in-law! Sending sympathy to you and Jon. 💗
Anne
June 22, 2025 at 6:15 amI sent you a delayed text this morning, so you will get that, but also wanted to chime in here. I am so, so sorry to hear about Jon’s mom. I hope that Jon, and you, and the rest of his family, are doing okay.
I am glad you were able to spend so long in Germany, soaking up the love and joy of being with family and friends. I’m sorry, though, to hear about your friend. I know you’ve written about her long-standing health issues, and I hope for both your sakes that you are able to see her again. )
Hugs to you, my friend. Life has been so heavy for you for so long, it seems. I hope you are hanging in there as you re-enter life on this side of the pond. We will be here – always, always, always – when you want to and are ready to share more. <3
J
June 22, 2025 at 4:50 pmI’m so sorry about Jon’s mom, and that it happened when you were not here to support him. I am glad that you stayed in Germany though, and that you had such a wonderful visit with your family and friends. Life is a lot sometimes, and it’s important to take time to care for yourself and your relationships.
I haven’t been blogging in the last 2 weeks either, which I didn’t really expect. Need to check everything out and see what everyone has been up to, and then I will write about my adventures on a family cruise to Mexico. :-)
Elisabeth
June 23, 2025 at 12:09 amOh friend. What a hard, heavy year for you and your loved ones. Holding you in my heart right now <3 I am so sorry for your loss.
I'm also so glad that you were able to get back to see your family in Germany and enjoy some restorative time with those you love and so desperately miss. I hope the second half of 2025 is much lighter and happier.
Things are going well in our world. Belle is almost set to graduate Grade 8, Indy is loving soccer, and John is currently in Rwanda on a humanitarian trip. School ends for us this week, so then it's summer mode. I think I'm ready???
Melissa
June 23, 2025 at 9:13 pmI’m so sorry to hear about Jon’s mother, my condolences to both of you. I’m glad you got back to Germany and had a good time there. I’m sure you needed it after the incredibly difficult year it’s been.
Jenny
June 24, 2025 at 6:12 amOh no- I’m so sorry about Jon’s mom. Even if it’s not totally unexpected, and you can look at it as a “blessing” (she didn’t suffer, etc.) it’s still hard. Losing a parent is one of the hardest things in life.
I’m glad you had such a good trip though! And I bet it feels good to be home again.
NGS
June 25, 2025 at 7:34 pmWelcome back! I am sorry about Jon’s mom – I know how hard it can be to deal with aging and ill parents and the aftermath. I hope he’s doing okay and I’m glad you’re back to support him.
I am happy to hear that you were able to enjoy your trip, though. What a gift to be able to spend time with your family and friends.
Daria
June 27, 2025 at 4:53 amI am sorry for your loss. Please share my condolences with Jon.
I am dealing with an aging parent now, too. I am in Russia as we speak, I visit my dad every day, and every evening I come from there, exhausted. Often I just sit with him, but I am so tired. I helped him walk to the kitchen and he was so tired. His left hand is useless. So, exercises, spike balls, grains to pick up and play with – to regain motor skills. Almost as if he were a kid. I bought him some paper and pencils- he loves to draw, so will bring them to him tomorrow.
Happy to hear you had a lovely time in Germany!
Tanja
July 2, 2025 at 2:57 amThis was the best surprise one could have given me! Thank you for making the short trip to come see me – I just wish we would be able to spend time together more often. However, I’m grateful for every minute (or 17 hours).
xo