Life is settling back to normal after a tumultuous couple of weeks. But it doesn't feel quite "normal". I'm calling it the new normal. The new normal consists of worrying a bit more about my daughter's diabetes cuz we got a glimpse of what the future may entail with her disease. It consists of not being able to call my Dad when I need advice on anything mechanical, technical, or just because I need my Dad. The new normal involves getting teary-eyed at little things that remind me of Dad... like Dr. Pepper and school buses. It consists of a "refined" outlook on life. I feel like my priorities are where they should be, but I've refined them. For example, I've always known how important family is, but now I know that they're essential. That it's the every day, day in, day out moments in life that define who we are... and the things we miss the most when a loved one is gone. The new normal is filled with the love of dear friends. It was always there, I just recognize it more now.

So I guess I'll settle in to this new normal... until something happens to once again, redefine what "normal" is.

Life definitely tilted this last week. Last Saturday my Dad was killed in a motorcycle accident. The next day, my daughter was admitted to the ICU in DKA ( a life-threatening illness related to her type 1 Diabetes). I spent the week camping out in ICU, and keeping in touch with my family through phone calls as they planned the funeral.

While it was an incredibly stressful and emotional week, I learned some important life lessons. I learned how vital family is. I absolutely would not have made it through without the loving support of my family. I learned that love is eternal, and can be felt just as strong even when your loved one has returned home. I learned that friends are your strength and your joy in life. Their love, prayers, and encouragement were like rays of sunshine during a stormy week. I learned to not sweat the small stuff, because most of it is just small stuff. And most importantly, I learned how incredibly blessed I am because I have family, love, faith, and friends in abundance in my life!

My daughter starts school in about one week. My son starts school in about two weeks. What mixed emotions those thoughts bring. I love my kids! I love being with them! I love their spontaneity! I love their larger than life personalities!

But I also love a clean house, a bit of a routine, and yes... dare I say it? sometimes Quiet! Summer vacation does not lend itself to any of these things.

When the school year is winding to a close, I yearn for summer vacation. When summer vacation is winding to a close, I'm ready for school to start. I guess I'm glad I get to experience both... the crazyness and lazyness of summer, and the routine and regimen of school.

The constant in all this is my kids. I love spending summers with them, and I love watching them head off to school, and even more, walking through the door at the end of the school day. And one day, I'll even miss the mess and chaos... I think.