Struggles

I have been struggling the last few weeks.  The struggles began when I asked my husband if we could replace the carpet.  It is 33 years old and has barely survived the kittens/puppies, geriatric cats/dogs that we've housed through the years.  All I wanted was new carpet.  However my husband said that if we replaced the carpet, we needed to replace some molding the animals scratched and paint the interior of the house. And if we painted the walls and trims, everyting had to be taken downstairs.  Of course we got more than we bargained for.  The painter suggested sealing any spots where the animals had accidents.  When we built the house we laid plywood and then nailed fiberboard over te plywood in the living room and dining room..  Moisture destroys fiberboard, so now we need to replace pieces of subfloor in the living room and dining room.  Hopefully, the subfloor work can be finished Monday and the carpet installed on Friday.  The carpet is down in the bedrooms.   I feel that I have dealt well with all this.  I concentrated on decorating the bushes and porch with lights, wrote Christmas cards, wrapped gifts.  Opening gifts on a fiberboard floor and enjoying the tree for 2 days before Christmas is only a minor inconvenience.  The struggle is with the naysaying of my husband.  I feel that no matter what I say my husband says no.  "No, we can't move the chair in preparation for the carpet people because we need it for Christmas.  No, we can't put down carpet remnants because the pieces might be slated for use. No, you can't buy a little runaway trailer, because we don't need two trailers and there is no storage space.  I can't think of any other examples because rather than dwell on them, I try to forget.  In his defense I feel that his heart medication has changed his personality making him more confrontational and impairing his memory.  We went on a date to a model train exhibit and out to dinner.  As long as I agree with everything he says and listen to his every word he thrives.

Anniversary

Early morning Saturday marks the 1st anniversary of my father.'s death. A very long year.  Bank accounts have been closed, bills have been paid, the house was sold, monies dispersed, probate closed.  I remember how very sick my father was, and how we prayed that he would be free to join his beautiful bride in Heaven.  So tomorrow, I will celebrate my Dad's life.

"It's lonely!'

Yesterday the owner of the flower shop came to the branch store.  He talked about the days when he had to work here because the other sales associate had broken a bone in her hand. He said that he gave both of us credit, being here all by ourselves, having no one to talk to.  He said he was ready to scream. He told me it was lonely!  I feel the loneliness too.  And it is compounded by the fact that my husband wears earphones so that he can hear the tv.  When he has his ears on, he can't hear me.  It is impossible to carry on a conversation.  So it's lonely at home too.

A Dog Guest

We are dogsitting for my sister's golden retriever.  Addie is 10 years old, the same age as Maui, our mini dachsund and Pudge the puggle.  Perhaps they met once years ago, but yesterday was the first time they had seen each other in a long while and Addie  has never stayed at our house.  She was whining when her family left her.  Calmed down after a half hour or so.  We have AJ a huge tabby and Mickey a skinny little cat that adopted us a few years ago.  He is young and an instigator. He decided to hop onto the table and stick his claws in Addie. This morning I heard Addie bark at Mickey.  I'm not sure what happened, but I put Mickey outside. When I get home I will take Pudge and Addie for a walk. 

Yoga

Although my blood pressure is under control with medication, I feel that I am not centered. I had a hard night the evening of my birthday.  I missed my dad--it was my first birthday without him.  I also feel that I need to get away and regroup.  I am hoping to have a couple days by myself in October and November when my daughter goes on maternity leave and is home with her babies.  In the meantime, I signed up for a yoga class.  It begins tomorrow.  I bought a new yoga mat and brick and some yoga pants. I haven't attended a yoga class in years.  I tried to find one more suitable for my age, but had a conflict.  So I enrolled with people 16 years old and older.  I feel in balance with work, babysitting my granddaughter, riding, training my mini horse, walking my two dogs, reading and yoga.  I fit household chores in between.

Tiny houses

Back in 2012, mother and dad, their dog Rosa, my brother and I went camping at a State Park.   I drove the van and pulled the popup.  My brother, who owns a popup, had it set up in 10 minutes.  I set it up as a tiny house--the dinette table up, windows open, sheets on the bed. The pantry of food was in the back of the van.  This trip became important because it started my fascination with tiny homes.  I was content in my neat little house!  I am interested to see how this fascination develops.  I have been researching small trailers--Runaways, Hikers, Little Guys, Sunrays and others. The idea was to purchase one and use it for my solo camping.  Not going to happen because my husband feels that there is no place to store it.

Bad Idea

Well I had one of those ideas that came back to bite me.  The pharmacy near my house is situated in a mall that has a terribly busy parking lot. So I thought to myself, why not call it in to the pharmacy by the flower shop.  Terrible idea.  First, the flower shop opens at 9 am; the pharmacy at 10 am.  And both close at 6. So I taped a sign on the door and  ran down the hill but the prescription wasn't ready.  I thought I had noted when the pharmacy was closed for lunch, but got there and discovered that it was closed.  And when I tried to unlock the flower shop door realized that I didn't have the keys; they were sitting on the desk as was my cell phone.  I headed to the muffler shop where my friend let me use her phone to call our delivery manager.  He had to drive across town in college football traffic.  First football game of the season.  While I was waiting, I tried again, but the prescription was still not ready. I discovered that the pharmacy was slammed because of a buy out of another area pharmacy!  Bad bad idea.

Celebrating My Birthday

I have much to be grateful for.  In March, I found I couldn't cope with the stress of unraveling my dad's house and selling  it without blood pressure meds. I also have a bit of a heart murmur due to narrowing of the the arterial valve. However, the nurse told me not to worry to keep moving.  I took lisinipril and am one of the few people who cough as a side effect.  I had just renewed the prescription and tried to tough it out, but with 14 tablets left called and asked for a different med.  I couldn't handle the violent cough that disturbed my sleep, my work and caused several other problems.  Now I am taking chlorthalidone and after 2 weeks the cough is mostly gone. And the chlorthalidone works better, my blood pressure is lower.   I enjoy working with Dory, the mini horse I lease and I ride Hope, my mare on Tuesday mornings.  I get together with friends on Wednesday for dinner.  My granddaughter is the sunshine of my life and we have happy adventures.  I like to walk my two dogs although they are ten years old and have slowed down.  I enjoy working at the flower shop.  I do need some time away by myself and am looking forward to a vacation in October and November (by myself).  I am celebrating my birthday with a cookout at the house.  My son, daughter and her family will be coming.  Happy happy birthday to me!

Need Some Alone Time

My daughter is expecting a baby boy in early October.  She will be on maternity leave but when she goes back to work, I will babysit my two year old granddaughter and my newborn grandson.  I have been working in his room to get it ready.  However, there are photos from my dad's house in the room, and I have yet to decide what to do with them.  Probably the best plan would be to digitally scan them, but then I have to figure out how to identify them.  I am storing photo equipment in the garage--a reel to reel projector, a movie screen, old film, and my grandmother's geneaology.  I hurried to remove these items from my dad's house, but now they are stuck in limbo at my house.  Trying to get an idea about my outside plants too.  My friend suggested to let them go and buy new next year.  Seriously considering this idea as the house has little winter sun and the plants will probably die anyway.  Perhaps a small greenhouse? Husband won't be too happy about a greenhouse killing his grass.  I seriously need a gramcation (a vacation for grammie).  It looks like I will take the Escape and sleep in the back.  I would like a small teardrop or box trailer that I can use without help.  My palomino pony popup is wonderful but I can't hitch it myself nor can I set it up easily.  Planning my vacations in October and November.

Vacation

Our family reunion was the last weekend in July. 14 of us--my husband, children, spouses, partners friends, granddaughter and granddog gathered at one of our state's beautiful parks.  Sadly, every time I plan a vacation, someone dies.  This year my mother's sister, our favorite aunt died.  Her funeral was Friday, the day we planned to arrive at the state park.  My husband and I hurry scurried to get packed and ready to leave Thursday after work.  Fortunately my aunt's funeral was in a city 200 miles north and on the way to the state park.  After my aunt's funeral, we enjoyed a delicious meal and visited with my uncle and cousins.  We then headed 60 miles north to the state park.  As I waited to check in, my son and two friends arrived from Chicago.  Rain poured on the tents the first evening, but a nice wind picked up Saturday, drying out clothes and sleeping bags.  We waded in Lake Huron and floated on inner tubes.  In the evening, we sat around a fire roasting hot dogs and marshmallows.  My son, daughter and I attended church on Sunday and were warmly welcomed.  Some family members left for home on Sunday.  The rest of us packed on Monday and headed for home.  A storm system made the drive unpleasant and we were glad to arrive home safely. We unloaded the pop up but had to dry it out on Tuesday.  After settling my dad's estate (mostly) and selling Dad's house, I really needed the time away.  I didn't realize it until I was driving around Tuesday and felt the difference.  I was so much more relaxed.

A Concert and a Storm

Last night my husband, sister and I attended a choral concert at my sister's church.  It kicked off the church festival this weekend.  A group of 50 male voices blended to sing 'Bridge Over Troubled Water', 'Battle Hymn of the Republic,' 'Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho,' "Come Down to the River to Pray,' 'Awakening' a medley of the songs from each branch of the armed forces and several other pieces.  I could see how much each singer enjoyed sharing his music.  While we were at the concert, a storm with pouring rain and winds blew through.   A tree blocked our road home so we rerouted.  In town, many traffic signals were out.  Once we arrived home had no power.  Fortunately even with the high heat index and no air conditioning the house stayed cool.  I got ready for work with a flashlight and hopefully when I get home, the power will be back on.  My daughter is pregnant with her second child.  The baby is a boy and she wants to celebrate him with a "sprinkle."  We decided on a date in three weeks.  She will invite the same guests who attended my granddaughter's second birthday party in June.  We will have meatballs, pizza, chicken wings, salad, fruit, brownies, cake and cookies.

Organizing my thoughts

Since my dad died in September, organization of my thoughts has been an issue.  I am growing older but I suspect that my brain is overloaded.  My husband, adult children and their spouses or partners, my baby granddaughter are planning a camping reunion next weekend.  The house needs to be cleaned, pets accounted for, camping equipment gathered, clothes packed, some food stowed away.  Not difficult, but  these chores have to be done conscientiously.  Then there is the issue of Dory the mini horse.  To date her skills consist of targeting, walking, trotting, jumping the old standards at the barn.  However I have to teach her to use the standards used at the show.  She is also becoming familiar with a driving bridle and harness.  I was chatting with the owner of a 30 year old horse who can walk and do some trotting.  We both would like to utilize the skills of our horses to the best of the horses' ability.  So, how do we do this?  I've been reading and watching videos and racking my brain.  Finally, I have some financial business I've been trying to deal with.  I am so indecisive. The prolonged period of analysis makes me miss my dad and then I feel the intense grief of his loss.

Show Day!

The sun shone with a few puffs of white in the blue sky. I drove to the horse show and used the time before the arrival of the horses to register for five classes--halter, showmanship, trail, jumps and barrel racing.  Soon after the horses arrived, it was time to walk the three minis--Dory, Deacon and Maple over to the ring.  My horse Dory was anxious and ready to trot.  I walked her in circles.  We walked into the arena and then were told to trot.  I started a third line of mini horses. While we waited for the judge, I walked her in more circles.  She tried to roll in the soft sand, so I pulled her up.  I accidentally unhooked the lead strap with my thumb.  She wandered over to another mini and the shower held her halter while I reattached the lead.  Another mini, a two year old, had enough and reared. Finally, the mini was under control.  Dory did receive an honorable mention!  I wasn't confident to try the showmanship class so Dory and I watched.  After the class, we took the horses back to the trailer so that they could eat and drnk until their classes after lunch.  Trail was interesting--open and close a gate, trot across several poles, walk across a tarp, back up, sidestep, turn a 360 in a box, trot to a cone and exit.  Dory completed the course.  She doesn't know how to sidestep, and I didn't align her neck and body when she backed..  Then we tried jumping.  At the farm we jump with the minis.  These were metal standards.  Dory loves to jump but wasn't used to the different standards.  Of the six jumps, Dory jumped one!  She jumped so high!  Everyone relaxed for the barrel racing.  Dory and I cheered and neighed for the other competitors.  Dory and I were last.  She did awesome but I need some serious sprinting experience!  And I lost my hat on the run back.  All in all a fabulous day!

Flower beds

1. 

Because it rained a lot in early spring, grass and flower beds are thriving.  Poinsettias love the hot, humid weather.  I actually considered throwing away my smaller poinsettia plant but it had one leaf.  Since it fought so valiantly for its sole leaf, I put it outdoors next to the larger poinsettia.  It has grown many green leaves.  I thought I would summer the orchids outside also.  The very day I put the orchids outside, we got hail which damaged and pock marked the leaves. Even so, I know they are happier out in the hot humid weather.  My daughter brought the hosta plants from her home 500 miles away.  I planted them and they are shooting out flowers.  I planted impatiens in the front of the house and placed a combo pot that my children gave me for Mom's Day.  I think I need a greenhouse. I was looking at them online along with she sheds (man cave for women).  I am driving out to the farm after work for one more practice with Dorie before the Sunday show.  I will practice barrel racing and backing, trotting in for show.

Holiday

 June seems to fly by!  Probably because I so look forward to the hot humid days of summer and am happy when they finally arrive.  Such a pleasure to head out without a jacket!  I met with two friends yesterday for dinner and we talked about our holiday plans.  No work today, no babysitting!  I am free to do what I want!  This kind of day comes once in a blue moon! So I got up late this morning, watered my flowerbeds, made an omelette, checked facebook and a blog that I am following and now am writing this blog.  Later, if it is cool enough I will walk the dogs.  Pudge is a pug/beagle with a squished nose so I carry water and walk when it is cool. Otherwise he chugs like a freight train with his rib cage moving heavily.  Pudge and Maui, along with me, are on diets.  Maui is a mini dachsund with a long back and sausaged up when I fed our humungous cat in the dark of night.  I hope to drive out to the farm and work with my mini horse.  I drove out Tuesday morning into a fierce looking storm.  I don't know if she was afraid but when I let her loose in the arena she ran around like a wild thing.  My teacher and I are trying to desensitize her to a driving bridle and harness so that she can pull a cart.  I wasn't holding her securely enough and she took off and ran around the arena for 5 minutes before my teacher could catch her.  I've never shown a mini horse and she has never shown so the show on July 14 will be most interesting.  (The May 5 show was canceled because the grounds were saturated and boggy.)  I hope to show her in halter class, trail class, hurdles and possibly barrel racing. I hear my new wind chimes.  I got them from my children because yesterday was my dad's 93rd birthday in Heaven.  My dad's house is sold, I am almost done executing is estate.  I am so not motivated to put away the twenty or so items I brought from my Dad's house.

A Memorial Service and a Graduation Party

This morning we drove to the retirement center to attend a memorial service for my aunt.  My aunt and uncle had eight children, two by my uncle's first marriage, three by my aunt's first marriage and three children together. At my uncle's funeral many years ago his children talked about how there was no half children or step children, they were all my uncle's children.  Likewise today, a family unit blended together.  I so enjoyed hearing the memories of my aunt shared by a son and her granddaughter.  My aunt had a sense of humor, she created wedding dressings and summerwear, she baked cinnamon muffins.  She had a terrific sense of humor. The chapel had standing room only.  Seeing the overcrowded lunch room, my cousins, brother, sister and I left to eat at a restaurant.  I then drove to work where I lament that I mistook one cousin for another, commented a thought on hair color aloud and just felt that I was socially inept.  And now my coworker wants me to drop by to her great granddaughter's graduation party.  I hope all goes well with my social skills.

Plants and Flowers

At the front of the house, I planted three pots with impatiens.  I also have a combo pot that my children gave me as a gift.  In one of the beds in front of the deck I have lemon balm and a mum.  On the other side, I planted a hosta, several kalanchoe, and a hydrangea.  I wintered two poinsettia in the house from previous years and they are in full bloom. And way in the backyard by the fence, I planted several hosta, azalea and a hydrangea.  In early spring the garden is full of tulips, hyacinth and daffodils.  It has rained a lot this spring, and the plants are thriving.   I am so pleased and delighted with the flower beds.

A member of a U, not a circle

 I read an article today, which corresponds to my thinking of late.  I work with a woman who forever talks about herself as a victim.  I am absolutely not going to be like her.  I recognize that my situation in life is my own doing.  Consequently I can change my life circumstances and this brings me joy and hope. Now a circle of friends, because it is closed, excludes people. A horseshoe, and I so enjoy working with horses, or the letter U is open-ending, in process, growing... Everyone is welcome, differences are appreciated.  Difference is the spice of life.

Quality, not quantity

I  feel relief when a stressful situation is resolved.  I sing the old Easter song, "The strife is o'er, the battle done."  When my Dad's life consisted of constant visits to the hospital for infusions, blood counts, lung aspirations, he told me, "It's about the quality of life, not the quantity."  So many young mothers have died recently.  A young mother with three children the youngest only a few months old.  Another mother with a 5 year old son passed of breast cancer.  A customer came to the store yesterday to purchase funeral flowers for his 42 year old wife.  These families are grieving, trying to adjust to a life without their loved one.  Two friends that I work with are going through  traumatic times.  One friend has a toddler niece with DIPG.  The other is dealing with her husband's pancreatic cancer.  A time to be born, a time to die.  Some at 2 years of age, others at 42, my father at 92.  Should I die tomorrow, I have no regrets.  Celebrate my life.

Mother's advice

In my growing up years, I longed to have friends.  I envied fictional character Nancy Drew's friendship with Bess and George and Trixie Belden's close relationship with her adopted brother Jim and her friend Honey.  I was awkward and introverted and never knew the proper thing to say. I lived outside the city.  Today I eat dinner with two friends every Wednesday. My husband and I visited a store yesterday and enjoyed ourselves.  He has a hearing impairment so conversing is difficult.  I am making more effort to nurture friendships.  I reach out with text messages.  I discovered that I can gather more information if I listen to someone, even though I know what they are going to tell me.  I compliment people so that they feel special.  The challenge is that  I work alone at a store so I am by myself.  When I go out for a walk, I am by myself with two dog companions.  I realized today that when I have the opportunity to reach out that I am following my mother's advice from long ago. "In order to have friends, you have to be a friend."

Good bye sweet friend

Theresa and I went to school together although she was a few years older.  We sang in folk group and I celebrated with her on the happy day that she married.  She and I had baby daughters the same year. And our daughters became best friends.  Perhaps two years ago, I ran into Theresa's sister and she told me that Theresa had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's probably caused by a head injuy she had sustained in the past.  In January, I discovered that Theresa's husband and primary caregiver had died of a heart attack.  And a couple months ago I saw a photo of Theresa and her children.  The photo of Theresa with her eyes shut and a napkin tucked into her blouse made me cry. And a few weeks ago, Theresa was admitted into hospice care.  I sent her a big blue teddy.  I doubt it made a difference to her, but it made me feel better.  Last Sunday Theresa passed away.  I will miss her.


Rest in peace my dear dear friend.  1949-2019

Training

I practiced with Dory the mini horse today. We trotted in, slowed and then halted, attempting to square Dory's feet.  We asked a "judge" to walk around Dory to get her accustomed to that and for me to know when to move to the other side--when the judge is by her tail.  Dory did a fine job of jumping a hurdle.  It was hunter jumper class so we didn't want to get in the way.  We might try barrel racing.  I have a strategy.  Have Dory between the barrel and me on the first barrel so that she will be on the outside on the other two barrels.  Then bring her home.  No idea what kind of obstacles will be in the trail class.  Dory cooperated beautifully today and enjoyed a walk around the farm.  Photos;  Dory and my stand in barrel partners Pudge and Maui

Mini Horse Show

Showtime!  The Tri County Horse Association show is this Sunday May 5th.  I will be showing the mini horse that I have been leasing Dory.  It is her first show.  She should be fine in halter class because her paddock mate Deacon will be there.  We have been practicing transitions--trotting, walking, halting.  We don't know ahead what the obstacle course will be like.  So we don't waste the judge's time, I have a "3 strikes and you're out" rule.  Dress code is western--jeans, western shirt, belt with buckle, hat or helmet, paddock boots.  I drove to the store to buy a buckle, but the store did not have one. No worries--they did have a belt and buckle combo in my size.  The extra bonus was that when I checked out the belt was on clearance!  Photo of Dory and Deacon.

Where we are now, a house update

As you know, my dad passed away the day after Thanksgiving, November 23, 2018. He was 92 years old, smart as a tack, but he missed my mother, his wife of 69 years, his high school sweetheart, and his body was giving out. As he told my mother during one of her hospital stays, "It's like a car. The parts wear out!" We decorated my Dad's house for Christmas, putting up his small silver Christmas tree, hung some presents on the front door, set up 4 or 5 Nativity sets and after our individual family Christmases, we gathered at my Dad's house for dinner and Christmas preents, 30 of us. On a later date, my sister and I wrapped china, knic knacs, glasses, everyday dishes and boxed them for donation to Purple Heart. Towels and sheets got folded and put in garbage bags. We brought up old clothes that had been stored in garment bags. Had to sort through them because my Dad's basement is damp and some of the clothes were ruined by mildew. I carried boxes of photos up from downstairs and gifts of wine glasses, and a punch bowl and a complete set of Renaissance Green dishes by J & G Meiken of England. My brother cleaned and cleaned Dad's workroom. He did a fantastic job and the room sparkles in the sun. Or at least it will once the casement window is washed this weekend. So we had 4 upholstered chairs, a double dresser, a chest of drawers, a lift chair and 4 sets of mattresses and box springs. What to do? Fill the landfill? Fortunately, I posted on Craigslist and found a home for every item. And truly, without the help of these pickers, I couldn't have managed to carry the things out of the house. I feel close to my Grandparents and my parents when I handle items they used--my maternal grandmother's cookbook, photo albums that my paternal grandmother made or paint by number pictures she created. I shredded receipts and remember my mother as an astute shopper. And of course, I see my Dad everywhere. After all he built the house where he lived for 56 years. I see his projects. He replaced a toilet upstairs so made a new bathroom downstairs. We still have a to-do list. Clean out the ashes in the wood fireplace, hide the cleaning supplies in the garage, take some photos home, take care of some brush in the side yard, clean the new basement bathroom, make the windows sparkle like new. On Monday, the photographer is coming. We will list with a realtor next weekend. Memories have been made of family dinners at birthdays and holidays, of laughter and fun. And my dream is that a family will buy this house and continue of eat and laugh together.

Motivation

Last week, my doctor detected a heart murmur. Yesterday I had an echocardiagram. The results showed some thickening of the aortic valve, a bit of regurgitation. So it is extremely important that I lose weight, keep my blood pressure under control and exercise. My husband and I are already eating the Nutri System diet. We will have been on it one week on Saturday. And today I walked 10,000 steps and took my blood pressure meds. I'm thinking there is no way to reverse the thickening, but I can stop further damage. Also will try to eat more foods with good cholesterol. I read of a study where doctors are using a compound of good cholesterol to help thickened aortic valves.

Bad choices by famous people

Well boo...what is this scandal that involves my favorite actresses? Does a prestigious college really mean so much that lieing is necessary on a college application? What horribly bad choices these people made! Not to say that I haven't made bad choices. I'm lucky Othat my bad choices haven't been exposed on the internet for all to see.

Three generations of cookbooks

My brother, sister and I continue to get my Dad's house ready to sell. We recycled and donated items--household items to Purple Heart, a few pieces of furniture to Salvation Army, linoleum, floor tile and other building supplies to the Reuse Center. I had contacted my brother about 3 twin sets of bedsprings and mattresses, 3 upholstered chairs and a lift chair. I was afraid that we'd have to haul these items to the dump or have a big bonfire. It's funny how thought processess evolve. I thought, "what would it hurt to list these items on craigslist in the freebie section." Amazingly, every last item was taken. Someone picked up Dad's favorite chair to reupholster. A young single mom took the matching twin beds. Another couple took my mother's lift chair and Dad's 2nd favorite chair. A woman needed an upholstered chair for her apartment. A Dad picked up a beautiful double dresser for his daughter. I am so happy that the contents of my Dad's house have been repurposed! I am meeting with a realtor on Monday, and then hopefully we will get the house in pristine condition for the new owners--clean curtains and drapes, clean carpet, wiped down shelves, sparkling bathrooms. I want the house to go to a family and that happy memories will be made once again. And proudly on a bookshelf in my living room are three generations of cookbooks, my Grandmother's, my mother's and my own. In another corner, is my favorite collage of a picture, barometer and pllaque from Mackinac City about "A mother thinks her work is done until she becomes a grandmother."

Remarkable rescue

On the afternoon of Thursday, January 9, 2019, Jeanne Nutter and her dog Henry arrived at their cabin in Gordon, Wisconsin. Henry wanted to go for a walk so Jeanne clipped on the leash and they headed down the rural road. Not far away 13 year old Jayme Kloss made a break for freedom from another cabin. She had been abducted by 21 year old Jake Thomas Patterson, her parents killed during the kidnapping, held captive for 88 days. Patterson had left the cabin. Jeanne and Henry walked, Jayme ran through the woods and came out by Jeanne and Henry. And now Jayme is home with her aunt, her dog, and other extended family. Truly amazng! Wonder why Jake chose Jayme to kidnap. What was he thinking? And young Jayme...praying for your healing.