The Rohde Family

We're still here!!!

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Almost a year!


Well, here we are! It's June, the flowers are in full bloom, the summer rain storms have begun and the house gets a little hotter everyday. The good news about the heat is that our landlord is putting central air in our apartment. The vents are already cut out and in the ceiling and the unit is in place. We are now just waiting for the electrician to hook everything up. We are praying that this will happen soon.

As I was at work today, I couldn't help but think about what I was doing last year at this time. It was the week before the wedding and Mike and I still didn't have a place to live. My family was getting ready to put the house on the market and I was trying to not get cold feet. As much fun as the wedding was, and as amazing as it all turned out, I'm glad I'm not doing it this year. Planning a wedding is fun and exciting. Planning your own wedding? Not so much. There are way too many factors you have to consider and too many people to please. But the day turned out perfect, accept for a little heat sickness after the pictures at the temple, and almost forgetting the marriage license at home.

If someone would have told me what this first year of marriage was going to be like, I think I would have laughed. Luckily, we've been able to laugh through most of it and cry during the rest. There have been a lot of prayers said in our behalf, and a lot of family support. We would not have made it through all of this with them.

On a slightly sadder note, my grandma, also known to the ladies I work with as Rehab Grandma, passed away on May 23rd. She was trying to fight cancer and her body, and mind, gave up and she let go. M. Elizabeth Gates was only 77 years old, but she had fought through a lot to get there. Before I was born, she had a brain aneurysm that should have killed her. A few years ago, she tried and almost succeeded at overdosing on pain medication. Then there was the anorexia, the bulimia, and, oh yes, the cancer. She was a tough cookie who was always right and she made sure that you knew it.

The funeral was very nice and well done by good old Pastor Bill from my grandma's church. I was able to see family that I haven't seen in years! I am hoping that the next time I see them, it will not be at a funeral. There was also a feeling of relief in the room that she was at peace and not suffering anymore. She was buried next to my grandpa and Aunt Maxine. Now they are together, and maybe Grandma will realize that we weren't as crazy as she thought...(Long story to be told at a later date)