Diary Entry: February 26, 2024
At 3:50 a.m., the alarm jolts me awake. I rise, unlock the door, and await the arrival of Dustin, my daughter Loretta, and their two sons. After settling them in for a nap, Dustin heads off to work at the RV factory. Meanwhile, my son Joseph also gets up early today for his concrete work.
Joseph and I prepare his lunch together, and I craft a breakfast sandwich for him, consisting of a grilled cheese with an egg and sausage patty.
By 4:30 a.m., Joseph departs, and my husband Joe emerges. While he tends to refueling the coal stove in the basement, I take charge of preparing his breakfast and packing his lunch. Our nineteen-month-old grandson Denzel, not quite asleep, eagerly beckons Joe. Unable to resist his charm, Joe joins Denzel, who sits beside him, sharing breakfast.
As Joe leaves for work at 5:15 a.m., Denzel, unhappy about his departure, cries and yearns to accompany him. After comforting Denzel, I settle him back in his crib, lulling him back to sleep. I seize the quiet moment to recline and steal a quick nap.
At 7:45 a.m., Denzel awakens, prompting me to rise. The additional two hours of sleep prove rejuvenating. I swiftly prepare breakfast for Denzel, who lacks the patience to wait for everyone else.
With son Benjamin’s work canceled for the day, he tends to the morning chores and refuels the coal stove in the pole building. Before that, he playfully engages with Denzel and cradles six-month-old Byron, who radiates constant smiles.
By 8:30 a.m., everyone gathers for a simple breakfast of grilled cheese, eggs, and cereal.
The unseasonably warm February weather prompts me to hang the laundry outside to dry, a task made livelier with Denzel’s enthusiastic assistance. We utilize a cold air return vent as a makeshift laundry chute, ensuring to secure it promptly to prevent unintended items from descending down. Denzel’s playful antics keep us entertained throughout the chore.
By 1 p.m., the laundry flutters on the lines, basking in the sunlight.
Daughter Susan arrives to take daughter Verena to their house, where Verena will help care for Ervin and Susan’s five eldest children while they visit the hospital to see Ervin’s father, Perry. Perry, aged 55, suffered a sudden seizure on Sunday morning, rendering him unresponsive since. He remains in the ICU, undergoing extensive tests to diagnose the issue. Thoughts and prayers are extended to Perry, his wife Esther, and their family during this challenging time.
Ervin and Susan gear up to host upcoming church services, intensifying their current responsibilities. I plan to lend a helping hand later in the week.
As the day progresses, the household bustles with activity, from errands to household tasks, culminating in a moment of gratitude for the blessings received. The day concludes with a shared meal and reflections on the day’s events, expressing gratitude for another day’s journey. Good night, and may each of you be blessed abundantly!