Seems only a few months ago that everyone was writing about and talking about how bad things were going to be when our computer programs failed in the year 2000. Of course, we all worried about something that didn’t happen. In fact, as I reflected today, the year 2000 was a great year for us — I retired after 32 years of teaching, we went to Europe with 8 other wonderful friends for three weeks, and our grandchildren (with their parents) moved much closer to us.

All of these thoughts came to me as I drove in a wonderful August rain to pick up our grandkids about 25 minutes away from our house. Since school starts next Monday, it’s great to have them with us a few more days whenever possible. On the way back to our house, I told them to be on the “lookout” for some big rocks on the side of the road — to be put upon the top of each grandchild’s head to stop their growth! They always heave a BIG sigh when I tell them this.

Where have these past five years gone? Many events have occurred in our family — mostly blessings. Just a few:

• Terry also retired — for the second time
• Randy and Kelby received teacher certifications and taught
• Melissa finished classes and received her registered nursing license
• Keegan starts fifth grade next week
• Brielle starts third grade next week
• McKenna starts K next week
• Kelby became an Austin firefighter–after a decade of trying
• Daddy passed away, peacefully, after months of struggle trying to breathe
• Terry’s Mom settled in with his sister in Illinois
• Randy, Melissa, and her family went on an Alaskan cruise
• Aunt Mary passed away — my hero
• Five more years of continued good friendship, travels, and fun times with Ann, Nick, Paula, and Tom
• A business was formed (Samtiques) from our hobbies and interests
• Several surgeries and followup treatment for skin cancer has been effective
• Terry’s Aunt Macky passed away in Illinois.
• Purchased a small RV and have traveled West to Arizona, East to New England area, North to Niagara Falls and Canada, and South to San Antonio.
• Quilting has entered my life of leisure
• Did I mention I retired?

Yes, life after Y2K has been very good, except for the loss of our loved ones.