Friday, July 12, 2013

July 8, 2013

Dear Tatum,

So dad and I were sitting in Grandma's living room with the door open and I heard a strange scream. I looked out the door and a seagull was swooping out of the neighbors tree with something in its... feet? I don't think seagulls have talons? But this one acted like it did because it had plucked something out of the tree--maybe a squirrel or a bird--and landed in another neighbor's yard with it. I walked toward the yard and the seagull flew off with its prey. I had never seen or heard anything quite like it (and I don't think I need to again). On further reflection, maybe it wasn't a seagull, but it was a big, vicious bird.


I've been spending a lot of time at the French Prairie with Grandma trying to figure out how to break her free, but at the same time I can see the value in her being there. I still think the place is horrible, but it's becoming more obvious that Grandma can't take care of herself. I spend my time contemplating what's best for her. While she is coherent, her memory is starting to fail her, and today as we drove to a doctor's appointment she tried to roll the window up by grabbing for the door handle. She just about opened the car door while we were driving. It was scary. 

I bought presents today for you and Rice. I hope to get it in the mail soon. I was looking through some old pictures and saw the one of your head in my lap and missed you terribly.  

Love,

Gin

July 7, 2013

Dear Tatum,

Do you miss me as much as I miss you? Dad came to town and we went out for Mexican food at Luis's. It was surprisingly better than expected. Woodburn is like Little Mexico, but in this case it doesn't mean it is filled with good Mexican food, just Mexicans and bad Mexican food. There was a diverse crowd but this woman was my favorite: 



She was on her way to the rodeo. Maybe we can go to the rodeo some day?

Love,

Gin