We've had a stretch of weather here in Minnesota that makes us wonder why we choose to live here. Mother Nature has alternated between snow events and below freezing temperatures. I know we've got great health care and good schools, but man, couldn't we find that in a more temperate climate? I guess I hold on to the immortal words of Kelly Clarkson, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger...
February does mean longer days and when the sun chooses to come out, it's got some heat to it. February also bring to a close another year of Shannon O'Hara Foundation events. We enjoyed a successful Shannon Cup weekend with the youth hockey teams and then awarded this year's Shannon Memorial scholarships as well. We've now given $45,000 to 22 kids to use for higher education. I have to remind myself that that's why we do what we do. I can get a little grumpy when we're hauling boxes of t-shirts into Graham Arena in sub zero temps, but it's a means to and end. And the end is rewarding. Our supporters have helped us raise a quarter of a million dollars since 2012.
The years can blur together sometimes, and I need to remember to stop and appreciate how long we've been at it and how far we've come.
On the home front, we've adjusted to life without Sunny. Gus is growing up... but the puppy in him needs to come out sometimes and he just can't help it. Don't leave your shoes... or your underwear... unattended.
Erin is now halfway through her freshman year of college, having reached the second half of winter quarter. Drexel's 10 week quarters seem to fly by, packed with exams and papers and a week of finals. She makes time for some club volleyball, socializing and seems to be managing to do her laundry without my help.
Erin is exploring her new city when she gets a chance. Drexel is just across the Schuykill River from the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Erin sent us a text on Friday that she was off for a run. She arrived at the museum and sent Dan and I a picture, saying she was going to run the museum stairs for exercise, doing her best Rocky impersonation ..."Cue the music" she said...
I love that she's happy and that makes our empty nest less sad. She's doing exactly what she's supposed to be doing at this point in life. We raise them to fly...
Erin and her friends have made plans for spring break, which means she won't return to Rochester until June. She really doesn't live here anymore, I guess... I haven't fully admitted that to myself until now. We will get her home this summer, but after that, there are no guarantees.
Since I certainly can't go from January until June without seeing her, Dan and I have made plans to visit Philly together in April. We will spend a few days in the city and be there to celebrate Erin's 18th birthday. Yes, she will finally be an adult!
This momma already feels better now that I have a visit scheduled. 49 days and counting...
