Back from Atlanta and TN

We're back from ATL and TN, made it home about midnight last night. WHEW! But it is nice to be home, especially since it's our anniversary. Happy Anniversary Isaac! You are the best husband ever... and I'm so grateful God sent you to me.

We had a nice couple days in Greenville, SC/Atlanta. Isaac worked and Mark and I hung out. After work on Friday, we headed to Deer Lodge, TN to visit Isaac's mom and Nana. We got to eat dinner with Isaac's sister Anna on the way, and that was so nice. It was nice to have a shorter trip since we left later in the day. Isaac went to work with his mom on Friday so he could have internet and phone access (no cell phone service up there!). And I got to stay back at the house and spend the morning/day on the porch with Nana and Mark. It was such a beautiful day, and I just soaked up the time with Nana. She actually sleeps out on their screened in porch overlooking their farm. It's absolutely gorgeous.

Saturday was a harder day for Nana physically. The cancer has spread to her liver and she has very little time left. It's hard to believe it sometimes when you hear how animated she is. She is determined to live out the last of her days with joy, purpose, and love. She has an amazing sense of humor about it all, and I'm completely inspired by her (as usual). She talks about how she can't be sad about this journey because it will take her to see God face to face. And she knows that she has lived out her days to the best of her ability and can feel peace about that. Seriously, Nana is one amazing woman!

Fortunately for all of us, Nana was feeling better on Sunday. She was up and talking up a storm. She went over her funeral service with us and shared the passages she wants read. She has carefully planned the whole thing out, and wants the service and day to be a celebration of her life. We will celebrate, but it will be so, so hard to say goodbye to her. She is planning a trip to the ABC store to stock up for the gathering afterward--drinks on her. She's been extra thoughtful about trying to face this with humor and laughter, and I hope I can do the same one day.

We said goodbye and I told her how much I loved her. I thanked her for her unconditional love for me, and told her I feel like I've known her my whole life... even though it's been less than 3 years. It was a really hard thing... and I've been praying whenever I think about her ever since. If you think of it, say a little prayer for Laura Pemberton. We love her so, so much.

Now, I need to go prepare for our anniversary meal. Not sure what I'm going to make--but I'm going to try to make it special!