We're currently in Missouri. Yes, we did go to Cuba. If you want to know details you can ask when we see you. I've been in Missouri about three weeks and Dane about two. When we got back from Cuba we found out that my Mammaw had fallen and broken her shoulder and hip. We were planning on visiting them in July anyway, so we just decided to make it a little early.

Our visit here hasn't been exciting or sensational, but it's been good. This is the longest amount of time I've ever spent with my Mammaw and Pappaw. I've gotten to know them better and gotten to know what their day to day life is like.

Mammaw has had rheumatoid arthritis since she was 28 years old. Over the years it has been crippling. There was a nurse at the house the other day to assess Mammaw and she asked if she needed assistance with dressing. "For 20 years!" was Mammaw's response. Their life is not easy, but they face it head on. Mammaw with her dry humor and Pappaw with his jokes. There are times of frustration, but they keep on living the life they've been given.

Now I know...Trash day is on Thursday. Misty (their overweight dog) loves to go for walks with Pappaw. Mammaw likes Catalina salad dressing. Pappaw just plain loves food (like me!). Amy, their sweet home care assistant comes twice a week. Ola is their good friend and neighbor and giver of garden produce and is ready and willing to come sit with Mammaw at a moments notice. The tiger lily in their front flower bed blooms in early July. Pappaw is the chef and goes to the grocery store once a day on average. The Jackson farmers market is on Tuesday evenings.

We've been able to live life with them. Wake up, breakfast, wash up time, spend the morning working around the house or talking. Mammaw and I have read a book together (Dane has also been sucked into the story). We've heard Mammaw and Pappaw's stories from long ago. Mammaw likes a nap in the afternoons, but joins us in the kitchen while we cook supper. We usually end the day with some scripture reading and prayer. Not to mention Pappaw reminiscing like crazy and Mammaw telling him at least 100 times that it's time for bed before she joins in the reminiscing too.

It's all been normal stuff, but a very good time together.