Ten years. Sometimes, it doesn't sound like a lot. But then others, it feels like a lifetime. Ten years of check-ins with information you probably already know, but it helps to get it out and review. So let's start with the kids.
JACK - When you left us, he was 9. Now, he's 19. When you went away, he was three weeks out from taking TAKS. His nerves were sky high, he worried about everything, and learned that the Mayans weren't as fatalistic as everyone said they were.
Now, he's a young man who is in the midst of realizing a goal he set for himself. You taught the kids about goal setting, and they've taken it to heart. He is finishing his first year of college at home. Schools shut down, and we moved him home earlier than planned. We were going to go this coming Saturday, but ended up going this past Saturday because the University is having to shut down completely. Everything has moved off campus. His first season of football had its ups and downs. Of course, the level of play was WAY higher than what he was used to, but I think he adjusted well. He was able to visit different states, which was nice considering we didn't have a chance to travel like you'd wanted us to (darn cancer). He ended up on the Dean's List at the end of his first semester. I know that you and I always knew he had it in him, he just took a while to realize it too. Coming home was a bit of an adjustment. You know how he gets when he worries. He worries about getting sick, or worse, his sister getting sick. He changed back to wanting to be a math major. Thank goodness! His English skills were about on par with yours (sorry, but true). Luckily, he realized several things: 1) he could make the classes fit with football (he was told by the university he couldn't, so they changed him to English), 2) He's much better at math than writing english papers, 3) It's what he truly enjoys. So he'll start taking classes to fit his major beginning next semester. Jack has your smile, when he truly smiles. He started getting your sense of humor as well. It's been a bumpy ten years, but he's coming out on the other side an awesome human being. You'd be proud.
CAROLINE - We always knew she'd be a wonderful young woman.
When you left us, she was 6. A month away from graduating kindergarten. Now, she's 16, two years from graduating high school. She's been driving for awhile now. I know that you wanted to teach them how to drive, but they're doing okay.
She too is doing school by distance. She's really good about getting her work done, setting a schedule, and sticking to it. She's still that spunky, sassy, spitfire she was at 6, but there have been some adjustments. She's older, "Teenage Girl" is different than "Teenage Boy". She's doing great at volleyball. She also has school goals that she's working towards. She puts a ton of pressure on herself, but is learning how to balance that. She loves to bake, draw, and yes, she still sings (just not as loud or in front of anyone).
She's been doing volleyball at school and in club. She really enjoys it, and works hard to get better. She wants to be a Wildlife Biologist or an Environmental Engineer in the military. I know, right? Some have suggested she become a teacher, but I kind of liked the answer she gave to me once when I asked. She said, "I'd rather work with primates than kids. What does that tell you?" She's definitely her own person. She is mature beyond her years (as we knew when she was little), she doesn't take anything from anyone, she's very matter of fact, and no nonsense. She reminds me a lot of Kirsten and Dana. She's grown into such a beautiful young lady, and I know you'd be proud of her. I am.
She's also loving the home improvement things that we are having to do. She is really into FFA (believe it or not). She's raising chickens. I know, right? We are having to do some work in the hall bathroom, and she's enjoyed having Kevin show her how to tear things up. She's also very frugal. Because we are having to fix some things in the bathroom, I decided to let her update it to her style. Jack is, of course, helping. They both have your sense of decor and styling. It's awesome to watch. However, she's looking at ways to save money and fix up the things we already have. Because she's artistic, she, Kevin, and Jack talk colors, and I just sit there like, "I'll just be the money-man."
You'd be proud of the young woman she's becoming, I know I am.
Everything else - I'm sure you've had a couple of poker nights with John these last few months. Hopefully, my mom is doing better now that she doesn't have to deal with Alzheimer's. Have you hung out with Uncle Joe?
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