It was a difficult weekend

for many reasons. Happy and sad, marking anniversaries and goodbyes, "my" kids embarking on adventures that will take them away from us at home. Friday morning Asha was commissioned in to the Air Force. This has been her goal for several years - at least three, I think - and with passing her nursing boards a week ago it was finally official. The Air Force personnel were invited to the Wyatt farm for a wonderful brunch and ceremony where Asha took the oath, gave the salutes and signed the final papers. Her church family as well as friends were there to witness this great event in her life and also pray over her as she begins this journey. Tears were shed by her moms as we face days, months and at least four years without her close by. We are very proud of her.

Andrew, Britta, Emily and Asha

Friday also marked the one year anniversary of our return trip home from an incredible trip to New York. Unfortunately we lost a fellow traveler and very beloved English teacher the day after we got back. It was hard to remember the one year mark of returning home and remembering where we were and how we found out she had suddenly passed away without warning. Thinking of conversations and moments shared on the trip and wondering why this happened to someone who should still be here to raise her daughter and enjoy many more years with her husband and family. Saturday would have been my father-in-law's 81st birthday. Still miss him - still need him around - still hear his pick up drive up the driveway at 7:15 every morning.

Saturday was the graduation party/going away party for Macy's good friend, James. He will be on his way to basic training in Missouri on Monday and I will miss my surrogate son as much as she misses her "Rat". It will be a very hard summer without him. Saturday was the wedding day for Emily's friend and one of my surrogate daughters, Brooke. So happy for Brooke and Joe to have ended the engagement phase of their relationship and to begin life as husband and wife. I remember being that in love and so very happy to move into the next phase of our lives together. I wish them the best and enjoyed their wedding and reception. The dance was awesome and did a great job of taking my mind off of sad things. So this weekend was spent celebrating with these wonderful and special people in my life and looking forward to the next chapters that they are going to write in their lives. It was also spent looking back with fond memories of wonderful and special people that live in my heart and shedding tears of joy and sadness. It was a wild rollercoaster ride of emotions.