Traditions and Curveballs Back Home

Abigail and I recently drove up to McGregor for a weekend that brought a mix of special traditions and unexpected family worries. We originally planned the trip to attend a beloved 41-year-old community event before Abigail moves out of state for at least three years, but life threw us a curveball just before we arrived. The photos below will tell the story of our weekend filled with both community heritage and hospital bedside visits.

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At the heart of rural North Dakota are traditions like the annual creamy baked chicken supper at Zion Lutheran Church in McGregor. Returning always feels like coming home--especially now that my sister Sandy has taken our late mother's place in the kitchen to keep this four-decade legacy alive. Abigail wanted to experience it again before moving to Norfolk, Virginia, for her three-year pediatric residency; and my sister Cathy even traveled in from Belgrade, Montana, to share the meal with us! (Susan had to be in Bismarck to judge a competitive speech event for school.)

Our original plan was to bring Dad with us to the supper, but he was admitted to the hospital in Tioga several days before we arrived after experiencing some sudden weakness, mobility issues, and confusion. Abigail, my sisters, and I split our weekend between the farm and his bedside. While it wasn't the trip we planned, we were grateful to be there to support him as he waits for possible answers from the doctors.

The Plan of Care board in Dad's hospital room wasn't updated over the weekend, so I thought I would be helpful and recommend some care activities for the nursing staff to do with Dad. I'll have to ask him if they followed up with him!

Easter on the Farm

For Easter this year, Susan, Abigail, and I made the drive up to Tioga for a wonderful, relaxing long weekend with family. We slept over at my dad's, and my sister Sandy joined us there Thursday evening and Friday. Then we spent most of Saturday and today with her at the family farm, where she now lives and where we grew up with our sister and parents.

(Click on any photo to enlarge it.)

Most Friday nights, Susan and I go out to eat at our favorite restaurant in Dickinson, El Sombrero Mexican Restaurant, for tasty food and margaritas. Since we were in Tioga this Friday, we went to Mi Ranchito Taco Shop instead. Dad tags along whenever we go there but doesn't really understand the appeal, saying, "Mexican food doesn't give me a thrill."

On Saturday, we all had a relaxing day hanging out with Sandy and her cats, playing games, and snacking. I even got some company (her indoor cat, Simon) for an afternoon snooze in the quiet of her living room.

This morning we joined Sandy for church at Zion Lutheran, just a few miles west of the farm in McGregor. Being there is always nostalgic since it was my childhood church. However, it's also special to see Sandy playing organ for services there because our mom used to be the church organist at this church!

After our delicious Easter meal, we posed for the obligatory family photo in our Easter outfits: Sandy, Abigail, I, and Susan with Dad in the front.

Our other two daughters were not home for Easter this year, but I have to share this cute photo that Hillary had taken of her dog, Dodger, to celebrate the holiday. He is so cute!