Spring has arrived in Denver

Nearly two weeks have passed.  I have spent a lot of time just content to be at home trying my hand at painting.  I have found solace and peace as I have absorbed myself in trying to create something of merit.  I have been satisfied with the results, although I can see room for improvement and will repaint two paintings.  I had Chuck critique them yesterday, and I highly value his suggestions.

Mountain View. Inspired by our last trip through the Rockies!

Searching for Peace. The view from Mel & Andrew's verandah -  a first attempt at Gum Trees.

I have found myself to be an emotional crack case!!  I have periods, days of peace followed by moments of such grief that overwhelms me.  It's like waves that come and crash down on me.  I know this will take time to work through, and I have been reading, and studying about life, our purpose here on the earth, and life after death and have found solace and peace in the Temple.  I am surrounded by good people I have met here who are so kind.  I have had to explain a few times my absence, in particular at Art class where I missed two sessions.  I have a fellow artist friend, her name is Bette, and as it turns out, Bette experienced a very similar thing I did, as her husband died in a similar way to Andrew.  She has given me some very good advice and it has been so good talking to someone who really understands. Yesterday she even bought me a book she had ordered for me, to help me because it was a help to her... I really appreciate the kindness of others, especially when my own family are so far away.  I will remember these dear people long after I return to Australia.

Dawn at the beach.  Taken from a photo of Shane Goldberg's and used with his permission!  (I will re-paint this one to correct grasses and composition).

Ok, last week turned out to be quite busy despite my desire to have a quite week.
It started out with Rick & I going out to dinner in the city (Downtown) with Jeff & Donna Mercer.  They took us to the Cheesecake Factory, which doesn't just sell cheesecakes, although I did indulge in a massive slice of a Reese Peanut Butter & chocolate affair for dessert.  It was delicious, but so rich, after about 3 bites, it was packed up to go.  Sarah & Tom enjoyed it!! The menu is really extensive, so much so, it is presented in a spiral bound book!!  This was a lovely evening, and Jeff gave us a bit of a tour of the 16th St Mall and the city.  It lookes do different at night, and it was so nice being with friends who know their way around without fear of getting lost!  I think I will have to brave it, and come in on the 'light rail' (tram) and do some exploring of my own..

During last week, Rick & I took Sarah to an interview at John Casablancas Modeling & Career Centre.  She had clicked something on the computer and was called up.  So, Rick & I being the total sceptics, but at the same time wanting to support her, took her along.  Ever since she was a little girl, she has loved fashion and performing.  She of course performed a reading very well and did well in the interview and was called up for a second audition on Saturday.  John Casablancas is a modelling agency that also educates young people in Ramp, Business Casting, TV Acting, Photography, Make-Up, Interview skills..  This involves 20 sessions and Sarah would come away with a decent portfolio and a contract to enable her to use the agency for further education for 3 years at no further cost.   The cost of the initial education is a mere US$2395.00  Of course, Sarah was very impressed, and I warmed up to it.  It would be nice for Sarah to return to Australia with this experience, some interview skills and a portfolio, however the cost is something to consider.  We could do a fair bit of travelling with those funds.  Sarah was very practical fortunately, and instead is setting her sights on Cheerleading.

So, during the week, I also attended an information night on Cheerleading.  Wow! the woman directing this at Columbine HS reminded me of the coach from 'Glee'.  She was very straight forward, and no nonsense!!  The Varsity Squad trains for the national competition which sounds exactly like the movie 'Bring it On'. The cost is estimated at US$1,790.00 plus uniform costs.  Sarah is interested in the Junior Varsity Squad which doesn't have such a high expectation on skills (flips, gymnastics).  This squad costs about a thousand dollars less before fundraising.  Tryouts are in the week April 18th-21st.  There is a $20 fee to try out!  This is part of the Columbine High School experience we expected, so good luck with the try out Sarah, and we will be anxiously waiting to see how you get on!

Tom & Sarah!  Get a move on, you are late for school!!

Tom is part of the school diving squad and has been training a few nights a week.  On Wednesday night last week he misjudged a dive and landed flat on the water surface against the side of his head.  This resulted in a burst ear drum!! He was unable to get it seen to on Thursday, and on Friday he had his first interschool meet.  We went and watched him, and he did ok(with a plug in his ear)!! Not the best, but definitely not the worst, with plenty of time to improve as the season progresses. 

Caption from the Columbine Courier reads: COLUMBINE'S TOM BENNALLACK completes a flip during the diving event March 18 at the Ridge Rec Center.  (Nice work Tom!)

After the competition, we waited 2 hours for his ear to be seen to.  I also had a look at his ear drum through the 'torch thingy', and seriously, it looked like a bullet had been shot through it!  This has unfortunately put an end to his diving as he needs to stay out of the water for about 6 weeks until it heals.  Next, was the purchase of antibiotic ear drops.  3 drops twice a day, in a 10ml bottle.  The price without local health insurance was US$181.99 (ouch!) We have travel insurance and need to claim back all receipts in Australia.  We are doubtful this will be a full reimbursement..  The good news is, that Tom can hear again in his ear.  Please be careful Tom!!

Spring is officially here.  The day temperatures have been very mild and have even been as high as 70+F (20C)  The overnight temps are still cold, and often, like this morning, the temperature was -2C.  Daylight Savings kicked in last week, so the kids are starting school in the morning before the sun is up again.  We did have a little difficulty adjusting to the earlier hour, but this week has been better.  Last week it did snow one day.  We awoke to a healthy layer, but because the roads were reasonably 'warm',  the snow had melted off the roads and footpaths.  Snow truely makes the world look different, it's a very beautiful sight.  Spring snow is wetter and heavier, and because the days are milder, it was all melted off completely by 2pm.  It's hard to believe looking at it first thing in the morning.  Locals tell us, that the worst blizzards and snow storms usually happen in March and April.  This has apparently been an unually mild year, so we will wait and see!! We have also had a sprinkle or two of rain!
Meanwhile, there are bulbs popping up through the earth, flowers are appearing and the grass has  a noticeable green tinge to it.  It's very nice to see green grass after so long.  The only problem it seems has been the 'wild fires' that have broken out over the past fortnight.  The grass and undergrowth is so very dry, and it's been very windy as well.  This is something we usually never are concerned about during early Spring in Australia, so it's very different to see.

This is really beautiful, just before the sun came up about 7am

By mid morning, the snow is melting fast..

...and by about 2pm, the snow mostly all gone.  One little patch in the corner of the yard.

At the moment College Basketball is happening!  This is such a big competition, and seems to be bigger than Pro Basketball.  This current competition is called 'March Madness' and Rick especially is enjoying watching it.  The comp starts off with 64 teams, and currently we are up to the third round labelled 'sweet 16'.  We are of coursed interested in Brigham Young University (BYU), and this is the first time they have made it to 'sweet 16'.   It's hard not to get caught up in it!! They have this star player Jimmer Fredette who has an amazing accuracy in shooting.  He seems to get shots in from anywhere and is currently leading the stats board.

This coming Saturday, Sarah & I are attending the General Young Women Meeting in Salt Lake.  We have secured tickets each, and are very excited to be able to go to this. So we will be leaving very early on Saturday morning to drive once again to Utah for Spring Break.  We will be there for over a week taking in General Conference as well.  I am especially looking forward to this, and am hoping it will help my emotional rollercoaster!  Hopefully, we will be able to get tickets to most sessions.  We will be staying with our good friends Pam & Ross Welch who lived in Adelaide 11 years ago.  It will be really good to catch up with them again.  We are also staying a few nights with the Jensen's who were in Adelaide last year on a Service Mission.  This will also give us a chance to explore Northern Utah a bit more thoroughly.  I have spent some time this week poring over maps and information books researching all the different places there are to see.  We have a busy time ahead!!

Japan is still forefront in the news with concern over the nuclear plants leaking radiation.  There is such a huge clean up job there in Japan, and our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the people there as they recover from this intense disaster.

View of the distant snow capped mountains.  Driving home towards Littleton from Sarah's audition, depicting typical Denver at this time of year.

Andrew..

It has been over 3 weeks since I last wrote. 

Even now, I am having difficulty starting.

Flowers from Enfield PS

On Thursday 17 Feb 2011, Sarah's 16th birthday, at about 9am just as I was about to leave and take Tom to school, I received a call from my sister Debbie.  It was 3.30am in Adelaide.  She was ringing to tell me that our brother Andrew 'died tonight'.  It's been 3 weeks now since I received that news, and I cannot begin to describe the depths of pain and anguish this brings without crying.  I guess this will go on for a while longer.  Suffice to say, my boys were at home with me at the time, and Michael in particular has been a rock.

Despite this devastating news, we were able to still celebrate Sarah's birthday, and she was able to attend a concert that evening which included her favourite Australian band Parkway Drive.

Banana Cake baked by Tom!!

Happy Birthday Sarah!!

 I flew to Adelaide on Saturday evening and arrived in Adelaide Monday afternoon after a 29 hour journey.  It sure was good to be in Australia again, there has been so much rain that everywhere is very lush and green.  There is no place like home, especially at a time like this. 




Chloe and Zayla meeting me at Adelaide Airport

  As it turns out, in Sydney I met up unexpectedly with my brother John coming from New Zealand and we flew to Adelaide on the same flight.  It sure was wonderful to meet up with my entire family and spend the next days together.  Grief is a very strong emotion, and over this time my entire family felt it as we mourned the loss of our brother together.

L-R in age order: John, Michelle, Debbie, Andrew, Brigid, Jennifer & Daniel

A beautiful view from Andrew and Melissa's veranda

Andrew is number four in the order of siblings in our family, this put him right in the middle of everyone. His sudden death, has put a hole right in the middle of our family for now, but we will remember him with a great love.  He had a mischieveous character, was smart, intelligent with a keen sense of integrity.  He was kind and would do anything for you.  We were able to laugh as we remembered some of his antics as we composed the eulogy.  Andrew was an active serving Captain in the Australian Army and as such, the Army took care of the funeral arrangements befitting an officer.  His funeral was large and very dignified with enormous respect shown to Andrew, to Melissa, Charlotte & Olivia and to us as his family.  This included a marching band, 40 escorting soldiers, Andrew being carried on a gun carriage, two cohorts of pall bearers, a gun salute and John piping him in and out of the chapel on the bagpipes and as a final farewell at the gravesite.  A Brigadiere gave the military eulogy and the Army Padre conducted the service and gave the personal eulogy for us.  My brother Daniel read from the New Testament the account of Lazarus, from which the Padre elaborated.  He essentially was endeavouring to console us and encourage us to turn to Christ as our brother had also died.. I found his message very comforting.

The process of a funeral is very emotional, but also very healing.  I will greatly miss not having Andrew around, and still find it hard to believe, it just wasn't supposed to happen. But I do know, that although we have farewelled him, one day we will all see him again.  I am so grateful for this faith and this belief that families can be together forever.  My prayers continue to be with Melissa, Charlotte and Olivia, that they will be able to find a measure of peace and comfort.



John, piping a final farewell as some of us gathered to witness the dedication of the grave..
 Until we all see you again Andrew..

 

                                                             ---ooooOoooo---


During my time in Adelaide, I stayed with Karlie & Nathan and enjoyed the attentions of my georgous two granddaughters.  They have both grown in the two and half months that I have been gone, with Zayla attempting so many words now.  She in particular loves stories and would often bring me a book to read to her.  She would run to the couch, as the favourite 'reading spot' yelling out "Yaay!  a dory!"  Chloe also loves books and playing.  She loves to dress up as a fairy or princess and still hates having her lovely hair brushed.  I had fun being with them, they sure lift your spirits!  It was so nice spending time with Karlie, when I wasn't ducking out to be with family or friends.  She and Nathan have a lovely home, and made me feel at home.  It was so nice being able to do some 'Gramma' things!

The girls cheering up Grandma, we are of course playing under the umbrella!!

Princess Chloe

This is what fun is, sitting in a bath full of balls first thing in the morning and throwing them all out!!!

At the park with Grandma

  

I cut this clip a second too short as Chloe counted up to 60-10!!!!

Zayla on the rocking horse, sorry a side-ways clip!

A self portrait of Gramma and Chloe on the swing

Last Saturday morning, I was telling Chloe that I would be going back to America on Thursday morning.  I told her that I would miss her to which she replied "I will miss you too." I said I would ring her on the phone and talk to her.  "Will you talk to me?" I said.  She replied " Oh!! I might be too busy!"  (I had to laugh, I consider myself warned!)

It was really nice to catch up with friends as well. I was able to have lunch with Robyn and went for a lovely walk with Judy along part of Linear Park. The creek was really swollen from all the rains, in fact we got caught in a shower! Life keeps going on, sometimes throwing us curve balls that try us and refine us.  I can't say I love these challenges, but I hope I learn from them to become a better person.

Mum, Deb, Me & Karlie at Carrisbrooke Park

It was good to see John & Dan and I particularly enjoyed spending time with my 3 sisters Jennifer, Brigid & Deb.  We enjoyed many long talks together.  We have all gone our separate ways again now, but there is a bond that ties us together and that is what families are all about.  John has returned to NZ, my parents to Perth and I arrived back here in Denver last night.  It is so nice to be with Rick, Tom & Sarah again and to know that Michael, Karlie & her family, and Jonathon are all safe and doing well in their lives.

Jen & Brigy

While I was in Australia, Thomas picked up some employment at the local tanning place where he was going.  He has been offered about 30 hours a week!  This will give him something to do thats for sure, juggling school as well.  At present, it looks like Friday attendance is in jeopardy.  Rick has processed his work permit and Tom already has an interview with Homeland Security at the end of the month to enable him to work for the rest of the year here.

Sarah has an interview next week to try some modelling/drama! In a couple of weeks there is an info night about Cheerleading and Poms, then Spring Break will be upon us followed by the 'Prom'.  So, there is much to look forward to in the immediate calendar!!

A walk with Dad at Carisbrooke Park, Creek & Gum trees...

 

... and a cliff face.  Beautiful Australia!













Finally, as I am writing this, I am listening to the account of the 8.9 earthquake and tsunami that has hit Japan.  A few weeks ago, there was the devastating earthquake that flattened Christchurch NZ.  These events puts things into perspective and make my trials seem very small indeed.

Goodbye my beautiful girls!!

...and my beautiful Karlie!  See you again at Christmas!



Coming home.. above the clouds, this is a different world.



Nearly home.. flying over the Rockies



Post Script:  Today, I went to pick up Rick from school and didn't realise I was driving on the left hand side of the road until I met another car!!   Oops!  Think! Think!