A Sweet, Precious Visit

Aunt Debbie Cuddling Pádraig

Cheek to cheek, heart to heart, many miles between us but never far apart

Aunt Debbie's Niece Jen, Great Nephew Pádraig and Great Niece Emma Marie

I waited so long for this visit, Aunt Debbie just happens to be my Sister! I feel very comfortable in saying that FEW sisters in the world have such a special bond and relationship as Debbie and I share. My sister is 2 years older than me. In spite of the age difference, it was and has always been as if we were twins. We grew up as best friends and remain the same today. Debbie was never blessed with any children of her own, so, as she always told me "Sis, your children are my children", it's been that way since their birth. Now that Emma Marie and Pádraig Henry have been born, my Grandchildren are "her" grandchildren! Should it be any different, the answer is no! My sister loves with no boundaries. Our family has witnessed that throughout her entire lifetime in how she selflessly gives of herself to her family, fiends and others. My sister, our sister, my children's Aunt Debbie is One-of-a-Kind. Debbie traveled from Kentucky to visit me. We went to my daughter's house and spent 5 nights. Jen, Pádraig's Mom and Ryan his Daddy were allowed 5 good nights of uninterrupted sleep while Debbie and I took turns caring for Pádraig throughout the night. We laughed, helped each other change dirty diapers, gave the baby a bath, reminisced of times past, cried together, laughed a lot more, enjoyed immensely watching Jen mothering her first baby; it was a sweet, sweet, precious week which passed much too quickly. Thank you sis for coming and sharing such a joyous time with Jen and me. Oh how I love you.

My Joy and Pleasure

Padraig, Woody and friends.

Emma Hribovsek, who has been rejoicing in Heaven for many years, was my Mother-in-law. She was a wonderful, remarkable woman, kindhearted, compassionate and giving. After Jen was born we called her Mama the rest of her days. Mama always treated me as if I was her very on daughter. Next to my own Mother, Mama was the most selfless person I have ever met. After I gave birth to Jen (Padraig's Mother), Mama spent the first week at home with me to help take care of the house and help with the baby. She was outstanding. I didn't have to lift my finger to do anything, unless I chose to do so. All through the years of having the privilege of being the recipient of her tireless acts of love and kindness, when I would attempt to thank her; she would stop me before I could finish my sentence. In a soft sweet tone, Mama's response would always be: "It's my joy and pleasure".

Only since Padraig's birth have I truly completely understood why Mama always cut me short when I tried to thank her. There really was no need to say thank you. That may sound strange or even rude to some who read this. Everything Mama did for me and my family came from the depths of her heart and soul, not because she felt it was her duty or obligation. Her actions were an outward reflection of an inward emotion of love with endless depth, as far as the east is from the west. Mama loved with all she had to give. Padraig was born March 24th. I have spent several days with Jen, Ryan and Padraig with the intention of being a help to them. Hopefully I have accompished just that, I believe I have. My heart is so swollen with love and happiness with the birth of this precious gift from God, I am so thankful. I did not come expecting any grand thank you speeches, when I leave in a few days to return home I do not want any thank yous as I leave, none are necessary! I will not consider it rude or ill mannered on the part of my children Jen, and Ryan. You may be wondering why, the answer is simple.......it has been "MY JOY AND PLEASURE".