Mather Blather: Bittersweet: Florida Family Time and Graduations

About 2 months ago now, I got a call from my big brother, Eric, that he has started palliative care. His will to fight continues but his treatment options have become more limited, off book at this point. (https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/ericbiegansky2023). Soon after that call, I got myself to Florida to live in a house with my sister and parents near my brother for 2 weeks. We were all together again under such shitty circumstances. We love him and we wanted to be there with him, Jill, Ryan, and Emma. In between the intense sadness, frustration, pain, and silence that fills much of Eric's days, there was much beauty to be found too. For me, it was listening to a lot of music on car rides to appointments with him and Sonya, giving each other a good amount of shit because it's what we do, and talking about whatever. Just the fact that Sonya and I made him laugh as hard as one can over something so random is staying put in my memory bank as a go to smile. The love is fierce and the love is strong within Eric for his family and from Jill with how she takes charge so admirably caring for Eric and her kids.

Mother's Day in Florida

Lily turned 14 in Florida. Here she is realizing she got Beats headphones that'll come in handy for her flight to Florida

Lily wanted to try Chick Fil-A for the first time on her Birthday. She enjoys playing lots of volleyball again, chatting and spending time with friends, and being fashion/skin care/make up savvy. She's also Lolo's height now.

Shortly after returning to Portland, the school year was starting to wrap up. This year's end of school marked a couple of significant milestones for our family. Lily is now a high schooler, starting at Lincoln in the Fall. Paul and Elise are now middle schoolers officially bringing our almost 10 years at Chapman Elementary to an end. Our hearts are full and we are out of breath by how quickly it all goes. No question we are excited for each of their next chapters. I know I still need a little time to process and that's ok.

Our summer is somewhat light but something special for each of them is scheduled. Elise is about to do a week long camping trip with her girl scout troop. Lily is flying to Chicago alone to be with Lolo, Oma, and Opa for a week, and Paul is going to Nebraska with his Dad and baseball team for a tournament and catch some of the College World Series.

Pau and Elise's first day of Kindergarten at Chapman