April 1
Yesterday we took the grandkids to the Upside-down house in Pigeon Forge, actual name, Wonderworks. Norm spoke often of wanting to take the grands to this attraction. It seemed that it would be like an interactive museum, with optical illusions and other interesting scientific interactions.
There were some…we walked through a tunnel that had us all leaning to the right because of the appearance of spinning. We touched lightning with a gloved hand. Steve lay on a bed of nails. Sawyer and Sierra had a good time with giant bubbles, even ending up inside of one. They colored in dinosaurs that came to life on the screen. Sierra, Steve and I played laser tag.
It was more like an arcade…lots of games and crowded. Norm would not have enjoyed it…especially since Sierra and Sawyer were not willing to do a lot of the events. But Norm would have enjoyed spending time with them. They bless both of us, every time we spend time with them.
Grandchildren are the crown of old men. Proverbs 17:6a.
We drove along the Foothills Parkway to get home. Beautiful scenery greeted us at every turn, not fall beautiful, but beautiful all the same.
Yesterday and today, the tears stand at the edge of my eyes, ready to leak out down my cheeks. He loved time with the grands. We spent a lot of time on the Foothills Parkway. Norm and I went there for lunch during covid, enjoying the views.
The memories are mostly good, the sorrow over losing Norm, deep. But I can choose each day to take another step and rely on the Lord to guide me each step of the way.
Where’s the joy? Harder some days than others.
I am thankful for my children and grandchildren, they are truly are a blessing of the Lord.
I pray for strength and wisdom to walk in the ways of the Lord.
I rejoice that the Lord remains faithful.
Where’s the joy? I think that for awhile it will be found in family and friends.
TRICIA LATHROP 