Dear Family and Friends, Life really does have its ups and downs, just like a Merry-Go-Round. Neal and I have had our share of both ups and downs. We will be celebrating our 40th anniversary on April 17th and Neal has recently lost his job. It is because of some huge errors another person made with the company's finances and over 80% of the company had to be let go in order to try and save it. The transit center may or may not stay open and it is sad. Neal is doing o.k. He was very disappointed and upset at first but now is in Alaska with Michael and his family. They are expecting baby #6 (they have added 2 foster children to their family and are in the process of adoption). Michael has been blessed with pretty good health, though he is tired a lot. Esther is down waiting for #6. So, Neal is there helping to finish some projects, etc. I will join them in June for the birth of the baby. Meanwhile, Kaylee and I are doing an all girl thing at home. She slumbers with me every night. After all, she pointed out I have this huge bed and I was all alone. The good thing about it is we both go to bed at 8:00 and I am actually waking before the alarm every morning. Neal would call this a miracle. Neal and I are not sure what the future will bring. We are praying about it and staying busy. Both of us, apart, yet of one thought and mind. So, after a long first week without him I decided to take Kaylee out Friday night after work. She wanted to go to the Seaside Merry-Go-Round. After we got there she insisted I needed to go on the ride with her. Well, it has been awhile since I rode a Merry-Go-Round but I couldn't say no. I am here to tell you all that it was the best 3-5 minutes of my life. For those few minutes all of my concerns were gone as I looked at the 3 year old next to me enjoying the ride with pure joy. We threw our heads back laughing and enjoyed the ride. I started realizing that this is how life is. We ride so many things that are scary, sad special, and happy. We wish we could hold the happy and special moments in our hearts and spirits forever. But, then some hard thing happens and it washes away those happy thoughts. I know this is not original and it must sound pretty corny. But, I was so happy for that time, looking into her beautiful 3 year old smiling face of pure joy, that I didn't want to get off of the ride. I think that is why we hate to have to grow old and die. Because despite the trials, the ups and downs., the truth is that when we get to the end of life, as we know it here, we only remember the wonderful fun times. We just don't want to let go. I for one am going to try to keep in my heart every day the special moments I have had with Neal, my kids, my grandkids, and the family I grew up with because in the end, that is what really matters. I am posting some recent pictures. I love you all. Laura
