There's a link here that outlines how we feel in to opportunity after opportunity in 2014. I just realized that I might not have posted the video from opening day at Fenway, link here. You can see more 2014 pictures in the Photo Gallery at this site.
Madison tends to like it chilly in the house. A recent throwback: Nathan a BFF of Madison's spent last Thursday and Friday here. They were watching a movie on the couch and Nathan was wearing a down jacket that was zipped up to his neck. Madison asked "does it feel warm in here" to which dad replied "maybe a little... would you like me to open the sliding glass door"? "Yes, please". I think Nathan may have felt like it was a cruel practical joke... it was 67 degrees in the house before we opened the door.
Lesson learned: When you come visit, bring a jacket and consider a wool hat too. Also note that depending upon whether Madison is awake or up to a brief visit, she may or may not even be up to a pop-in to her room or if she's on the couch in the den, we may take you in the living room. Madison likes Jamba Juice and Our Friend Windi knows it. She brought Madi a Razmataz and hung out with us for a bit. She left a tad disappointed that she couldn't even visit briefly with Madi. Our friends Joni and Steven made a huge lasagna tray and garlic bread, which was awesome... better than any I've every had at a restaurant, nicely done and thank you so much! When Steven dropped it off, Madison was barely awake but just not feeling up for a brief visit with him... not even a kiss on the forehead. Later that night Windi and Steven saw the picture of Madison out and about in front of Joanne's house. To suggest they weren't jealous would be an understatement. Steven was quite colorful: he saw that pic and called saying "F***, I was there an hour". (Heh heh heh... good to see you too Estebon :-)
Later in the week Anne and Bob dropped of tamales, rice, beans and homemade salsa. These too better than I've had at any restaurant, thank you guys SO much! Madison was in her room mostly asleep, which gave us time to visit and catch up with Bob and Anne. We're open to discussing the elephant in the room, in fact welcomed it. That said we also like hearing about what's going on with their kids, their lives. We welcome happy, and no it's not shallow to share that!. If things might not be going well in your lives, don't minimize or hide that either. People may think compared to Madison's scenario, they've got nothing to complain about. Incorrect. We care about you in good times and in bad.
I think some people might feel guilty visiting and being asked about happy things that are happening in their lives. Not the case, and no, don't stay away thinking we 'need space'. If you're bored one morning afternoon and looking for an excuse to visit, text dad and ask if Madi might want a Jamba Juice. Please understand that it's not the 'who' comes, it's the timing and several other factors that determines an 'if' and 'when' Madi's might be up for a pop-in or brief visit. When Madison was at Simi Adventist, the associate pastor stopped by. Within a minute he sensed that that 'now' wasn't a good time and promptly left. The next day there's a picture posted of a smiling Madi, Bailey on the bed, and Windi grinning in the background, link here. Pastor Alex may have thought... hmmm, what the heck? Again, it's not the who, it's the circumstances of the when. Let's be honest: Madison isn't necessarily fond of Windi but there she was anyway: it's all in the proper medication and timing... but mostly the medication.
Love,
The Joneses
Pssst Windi: you know she loves you dearly, from her core to yours. You too Estebon and SO many others. We were reminded yesterday by Pastor Simon that Jesus won't stop her loving no matter what, no matter when. I gotta tell ya I know Madison won't stop loving any of us simply because she leaves her mortal body. While there will be sadness, let's not forget to allow ourselves to also feel her love for each of us, which will be a beautiful 'always'... up until the point we're reunited, which will be glorious.
Madison tends to like it chilly in the house. A recent throwback: Nathan a BFF of Madison's spent last Thursday and Friday here. They were watching a movie on the couch and Nathan was wearing a down jacket that was zipped up to his neck. Madison asked "does it feel warm in here" to which dad replied "maybe a little... would you like me to open the sliding glass door"? "Yes, please". I think Nathan may have felt like it was a cruel practical joke... it was 67 degrees in the house before we opened the door.
Lesson learned: When you come visit, bring a jacket and consider a wool hat too. Also note that depending upon whether Madison is awake or up to a brief visit, she may or may not even be up to a pop-in to her room or if she's on the couch in the den, we may take you in the living room. Madison likes Jamba Juice and Our Friend Windi knows it. She brought Madi a Razmataz and hung out with us for a bit. She left a tad disappointed that she couldn't even visit briefly with Madi. Our friends Joni and Steven made a huge lasagna tray and garlic bread, which was awesome... better than any I've every had at a restaurant, nicely done and thank you so much! When Steven dropped it off, Madison was barely awake but just not feeling up for a brief visit with him... not even a kiss on the forehead. Later that night Windi and Steven saw the picture of Madison out and about in front of Joanne's house. To suggest they weren't jealous would be an understatement. Steven was quite colorful: he saw that pic and called saying "F***, I was there an hour". (Heh heh heh... good to see you too Estebon :-)
Later in the week Anne and Bob dropped of tamales, rice, beans and homemade salsa. These too better than I've had at any restaurant, thank you guys SO much! Madison was in her room mostly asleep, which gave us time to visit and catch up with Bob and Anne. We're open to discussing the elephant in the room, in fact welcomed it. That said we also like hearing about what's going on with their kids, their lives. We welcome happy, and no it's not shallow to share that!. If things might not be going well in your lives, don't minimize or hide that either. People may think compared to Madison's scenario, they've got nothing to complain about. Incorrect. We care about you in good times and in bad.
I think some people might feel guilty visiting and being asked about happy things that are happening in their lives. Not the case, and no, don't stay away thinking we 'need space'. If you're bored one morning afternoon and looking for an excuse to visit, text dad and ask if Madi might want a Jamba Juice. Please understand that it's not the 'who' comes, it's the timing and several other factors that determines an 'if' and 'when' Madi's might be up for a pop-in or brief visit. When Madison was at Simi Adventist, the associate pastor stopped by. Within a minute he sensed that that 'now' wasn't a good time and promptly left. The next day there's a picture posted of a smiling Madi, Bailey on the bed, and Windi grinning in the background, link here. Pastor Alex may have thought... hmmm, what the heck? Again, it's not the who, it's the circumstances of the when. Let's be honest: Madison isn't necessarily fond of Windi but there she was anyway: it's all in the proper medication and timing... but mostly the medication.
Love,
The Joneses
Pssst Windi: you know she loves you dearly, from her core to yours. You too Estebon and SO many others. We were reminded yesterday by Pastor Simon that Jesus won't stop her loving no matter what, no matter when. I gotta tell ya I know Madison won't stop loving any of us simply because she leaves her mortal body. While there will be sadness, let's not forget to allow ourselves to also feel her love for each of us, which will be a beautiful 'always'... up until the point we're reunited, which will be glorious.
