Mixed Feelings

I think we all know it is possible to be happy and sad at the same time.

This is one such time for me. Starting with the happy, last weekend was Parent’s Weekend at W&L. We were able to meet more of Catherine’s friends, including one particular boy (!), see her sorority house and room, and simply revel in a beautiful fall weekend in Lexington. Saying goodbye on Sunday was not too hard, because Fall Break started just three days later.

Her time at home has been relaxing for all of us. I don’t know how it has happened, but she has gotten very serious about cooking, and our meals this week have been gourmet and indulgent. (I’m not even going to mention that perhaps she could be a little more efficient with the number of pots, pans, and cooking implements she uses that then need cleaning.) So far, the showstoppers have been pumpkin cupcakes with brown-butter cream cheese frosting. Decadent!

I mentioned being sad, though. On Thursday afternoon, Sam called me to tell me his friend’s mom had died that morning. The school brought the 8^th grade class into the chapel before dismissal to share the tragic news. Respecting their privacy, I won’t use their full names, but E’s mom, M, had been a consistent presence since kindergarten at birthday parties, field days, and sporting events. She was a devoted mother, wife, and friend. Only a small handful of moms knew she was sick, so this has left our school community in shock. Many of the boys are devastated and very emotional about her passing.

So yes, today I am happy, and I am sad. It is times like this that I fall back on my faith to guide me in showing gratitude for my blessings and comfort in my grief. My prayers, of course, continue to include the victims of the recent hurricanes, as well as my friends, like E’s family, closer to home.

God Bless,

Margaret