Yay! Nolan starts day care next Thursday! Of course, weekends will still be a challenge because the day care is not open on weekends and my son often has to work weekends. And I need to work Saturdays from 12 to 6. We are going to work on securing weekend care next.

The highlight of the past week was attending a grandparents (and other relatives) raising children support group meeting at Sandersville Elementary School. Sadly, most were there because of drug and alcohol abuse by the parents of the children. I was in awe of the love and sacrifice they exhibited by caring for their grandchildren. One woman was caring for 8 children (from various parents) and another had raised 15 children from various relatives through the years. These special people need all the support and self-care they can get. The Health Club for Seniors is going to offer them a free massage once a month as a modest gesture of appreciation for the work they do to benefit society. Where would we be as a culture without grandparents? I realize some grandparents are not as good as others, but I for one would not be the person I am today if not for my wonderful grandmother, Gladys Gwendolyn Reasor Linton. Grandparents provide a feeling of security and continuity for the younger generations. I believe grandparents are the bulwarks of society.

My husband is an ideal grandfather. He is now in his perfect stage of life. He has always been an old soul, and now his body has caught up to his spirit. He is so kindly and patient with the little ones, and tries to make them laugh. He is a little crabby about  inconveniences, but his crabbiness is tolerable and not the least bit scary for the children. He reminds Jack of Squidward (from Sponge Bob Squarepants) when he is complaining.

I am cooking much more than I was previously, and so we are probably getting better nutrition now, although I have lost five pounds. I do not look too skinny though, and feel good until Nolan’s naptime (2:00ish) and then I feel like I need a nap too. I am still walking everyday for at least 40 minutes; sometimes with Nolan in the stroller, and sometimes by myself. I read recently that it is good to run for at least five minutes each day, so I am working up to that. I sprained my ankle badly as a teenager and had some arthritis there that kept me from running since I was 52, but lately it has been feeling better and I am hoping I can run again—at least five minutes worth.

Obtaining a place in which to open Grace Place still poses a problem to be solved. I met with a real estate agent on Thursday and he agreed to help us find something. The other real estate agent I talked to a couple of months ago has not produced anything. We are holding out hope that we find financing or some other arrangement to occupy 110 Ferndale Pass, however.

Prayers are appreciated, as always. May you have a blessed week.