It is the events of this past 1.5 weeks that caused me to set up a blog in the first place. So much happened-joyous events- that, in all humbleness, took super-human tactics and strength from the "Invisible Mom" (with the positive help of Dad) to pull off! As I reflected on all that had happened, I didn't want to loose it in what I am starting to recognize as the fading of memory! 
May 16, 2009 marked the graduation Stephen (25) from William Jessup University with a BA-Cum Laude-in counseling psychology, Bible and Theology. When he married Michelle, one of his promises to her parents is that he would finish his education. Being man of integrity, he did just that as a married man, holding down a full-time job and is looking forward to getting a Psy-D in marriage and family counseling. He does and will touch and positively impact so many families with his insight, wisdom and guidance.
May 16, 2009 marked the graduation Stephen (25) from William Jessup University with a BA-Cum Laude-in counseling psychology, Bible and Theology. When he married Michelle, one of his promises to her parents is that he would finish his education. Being man of integrity, he did just that as a married man, holding down a full-time job and is looking forward to getting a Psy-D in marriage and family counseling. He does and will touch and positively impact so many families with his insight, wisdom and guidance. Back to the story--3 days before Carleen and Grandma Janet arrived from So Ca, the next day Michelle's parents arrived from New York and the next day we flew Deven in as a graduation surprise for Stephen. In the meantime, Mary Rose was finishing up her sophomore year at WJU and moving home! As one big happy family, we attended Stephen's Baccalaureate service on Friday night and graduation on Saturday morning and returned home for a typical Simonson celebration with friends, family and LOTS of food. We had worked WEEKS (and Rick through back pain from a recent car accident) to beautify our back yard only to be greeted with 100 degree weather and the neccessity to stay inside in our one air conditioned room! But celebrate we did!
The next day, Sunday, as we were returning from the airport and dropping off our house guests, we got a call from Sarah and Ryan. Due to concern for the new baby yet to be born (low amniotic fluid, high blood pressure, low fetal movement), it was decided Sarah should be induced that day. So home to pack for Mary Rose and I and off to SLO to help with the events of birth (mostly as Hattie's support). We arrived in SLO at 1am on Monday and Hattie woke up the Grandma and Auntie Rose at home and Mom and Dad in the hospital (a change from the homebirth plan). At 9:30am we got the call that contractions were increasing and at noon we got the call to be stand-by and by 2pm we were in the hospital parking lot at the ready and by 3:30pm Tilly Jane Miller came into the world in her very own unique way (I'll save that for another blog!) with Dad, Hattie Rose, Auntie Rose, and Grandma in attendance! A truly BEAUTIFUL little girl with dimples charmed us all from the very beginning!
The next day, Sunday, as we were returning from the airport and dropping off our house guests, we got a call from Sarah and Ryan. Due to concern for the new baby yet to be born (low amniotic fluid, high blood pressure, low fetal movement), it was decided Sarah should be induced that day. So home to pack for Mary Rose and I and off to SLO to help with the events of birth (mostly as Hattie's support). We arrived in SLO at 1am on Monday and Hattie woke up the Grandma and Auntie Rose at home and Mom and Dad in the hospital (a change from the homebirth plan). At 9:30am we got the call that contractions were increasing and at noon we got the call to be stand-by and by 2pm we were in the hospital parking lot at the ready and by 3:30pm Tilly Jane Miller came into the world in her very own unique way (I'll save that for another blog!) with Dad, Hattie Rose, Auntie Rose, and Grandma in attendance! A truly BEAUTIFUL little girl with dimples charmed us all from the very beginning!
The next couple of days were spent cleaning and preparing until Grandpa Rick came on Thursday and it was off to So Ca to prepare for Deven's college graduation!
Arriving at Aunt Bunny's, who generously opened her home to us, around midnight on Thursday and Friday was entirely shopping for the grad party and restocking all the decorations I had left in Sac in me rush to leave for the birth! Deven graduated from Cal State Fullerton with a BA in Theater Arts for which he gave his hear and soul and became a stronger man for it. Saturday was the event with another Simonson celebration with LOTS of food,m family and friends back at Aunt Bunny's (she is a bit sainted to allow us to invade her home). What a delight to see family we haven't seen in years and some we hadn't even met! What a celebration of Deven's accomplishments and each one was rewarded with one, or several, of Deven's infamous hugs!
Arriving at Aunt Bunny's, who generously opened her home to us, around midnight on Thursday and Friday was entirely shopping for the grad party and restocking all the decorations I had left in Sac in me rush to leave for the birth! Deven graduated from Cal State Fullerton with a BA in Theater Arts for which he gave his hear and soul and became a stronger man for it. Saturday was the event with another Simonson celebration with LOTS of food,m family and friends back at Aunt Bunny's (she is a bit sainted to allow us to invade her home). What a delight to see family we haven't seen in years and some we hadn't even met! What a celebration of Deven's accomplishments and each one was rewarded with one, or several, of Deven's infamous hugs!
But wait...there's more! 
The next morning-early- we gathered at Michael C's home- just a small group- Kelly, Brittany, Mike, Dee Dee, Aunt Bunny, Stephen and Michelle, Rick , Deven and Mary Rose and me- as Mike and I were baptized in acknowledgement of our love and commitment to our Lord, Jesus Christ. We were profoundly honored to be baptized by Stephen. Having been a Christian myself since I was 18, I had never made the decision to be re-baptized as an adult who accepted Christ as my Savior. I knew this was the moment-this is what I had waited for-to be baptized with my brother and by my son. It was deeply meaningful, joyous and inspiring.
So- in a week and one half- my two son's graduated from college, my second granddaughter was born and I was baptized with my brother- each with celebrations of their own! That 1.5 weeks seemed like months - I am exhausted but profoundly grateful and humbled, and like Mary of the Bible, I will long ponder these things in my heart.
The next morning-early- we gathered at Michael C's home- just a small group- Kelly, Brittany, Mike, Dee Dee, Aunt Bunny, Stephen and Michelle, Rick , Deven and Mary Rose and me- as Mike and I were baptized in acknowledgement of our love and commitment to our Lord, Jesus Christ. We were profoundly honored to be baptized by Stephen. Having been a Christian myself since I was 18, I had never made the decision to be re-baptized as an adult who accepted Christ as my Savior. I knew this was the moment-this is what I had waited for-to be baptized with my brother and by my son. It was deeply meaningful, joyous and inspiring.
So- in a week and one half- my two son's graduated from college, my second granddaughter was born and I was baptized with my brother- each with celebrations of their own! That 1.5 weeks seemed like months - I am exhausted but profoundly grateful and humbled, and like Mary of the Bible, I will long ponder these things in my heart.
Sue,
ReplyDeleteGreat job. Very well done.
What is your e-mail?.
If you go to YouTube find Stephen's Grad. Post it. It is only a minute and 1/2 long. Thanks for inviting us to your party on Saturday.
Jim
Please erase one of my follower pictures. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteJim