Nelson Family Blog: Spring Update

It's been 3 months since I last blogged. Sometimes I fall behind on blogging, but this time it's gotten a little out of control. However, these past couple of months have been pretty crazy, and life changing. My dad died unexpectedly about 6 weeks ago, so that has been quite the journey. I'll try to catch you up on everything that has been happening around here.

The rest of February and the beginning of March consisted of finishing up the basketball season. Bethel played Good Shepherd a couple more times, but wasn't able to beat them either time. However, for the GPLHS basketball tournament, Bethel beat Good Shepherd by 2 points, thanks in part to Emma's 2 free throws she made with 57 seconds left in the game. They ended up winning that game, and man it was fun to watch. I was one proud mamma. The next day, Bethel lost both basketball games, but by only 2-3 points each time, so they were right there.

Mom and Dad made the trip to Watertown to see the games, and stayed in the hotel with us as well. We had a really good evening at the hotel visiting with everyone, playing hearts, having some drinks and just enjoying ourselves. On Saturday, after the games, we went to Dempsey's with mom and dad and had a great meal, some drinks, and dad insisted on paying. That was the last time I saw my dad in person. I'm glad we have such a great last memory, but I still can't believe he's not here anymore.

In March, we had Jen Aaberg's Wedding, which was really fun. The wedding was at Bethel and the reception was in Viborg. It was a really fun day, and the kids really enjoyed themselves, especially at the dance. We also had the GPLHS Honor Choir and the Michigan Seminary Choir (on different Sundays) come to Bethel and perform for us. They were great concerts, but required meals and we even hosted 4 Seminary men at our house overnight. It was actually pretty fun and not as stressful as I thought it would be.

We also purchased a new furnace and ac unit in March. We were living on borrowed time with our 20 year old furnace and air conditioner, so we finally bought a new one. That was one full day of strange men in my house and an expensive bill, but it feels really good to have it taken care of, and both operate very well and much quieter and more efficiently than our old one.

April brought in a new month of cool, windy weather, working in the greenhouse, dyeing Easter eggs, soccer practice, and then the news that stopped everything. April 2nd, 2025 changed all of our lives. I had a day off of work. and spent the day cleaning, running errands, and then taking the kids and myself to the dentist after school. We were dressed and on our way to church for choir practice and then a Lenten service when my mom called me and told me that dad had passed away unexpectedly. I didn't even know what to do or say, Needless to say, I didn't go to church, and I headed to Minnesota the next morning to grieve, be with family, and help plan my dad's funeral. It was a crazy, devastating couple of weeks.

We did have some good family time. I spent so much time with immediate family and extended family. There were neighbors and friends who stopped by, dropped off food, drinks, paper goods. It was so nice to see so many people come together. The wake and the funeral were really difficult, but also very supportive from family and friends. We all leaned on each other, prayed, cried, laughed and got through it. We still miss dad a lot, especially mom, but we are creating new memories and continuing to move forward, just as dad would want.

After the funeral, we went back to work, soccer practice and games, softball practice and games, Bethel softball games, school plays, graduation, other school events. Life continued to move forward, so we moved forward with it. We stay pretty busy in general, so that helps to keep my mind busy and focused. I do call mom about every other day, and she is having a harder time keeping busy and not feeling lonely.

On Mother's Day weekend (last weekend) I went to Minnesota by myself to spend time with mom and the rest of the family. On Saturday evening, we met at Ryan's to have supper and a bonfire. It was a really nice time. Julie and Todd stopped by. So did Mark Clobes and Michelle. It was really nice to visit with people and just enjoy a beautiful evening outside.

On Mother's Day we went to church, then a brunch at Squirrel's, and finally to Babe's Blossoms to pick out some plants to plant in memory of dad from a gift card we got from the funeral. Overall, it was a nice weekend. Mom was still feeling down for a lot of the weekend, but we tried to pick her up and help her feel a little better.

Thursday was dad's birthday, so it was another tough day. Mom and some friends and family went out to eat to honor dad's birthday. That was nice to see. I just worked a normal day and then had Lily's 8th grade graduation to help decorate for and then attend. It was a nice evening, and another event out of the way so we can finally relax.

This weekend, we have some soccer games and then we are going to Round Lake Winery on Saturday to meet up with mom, Ryan, Emily and Rachel for supper and drinks. Hopefully it will be a good time. Sunday is Confirmation Sunday with some parties to follow. After that, we are officially in summer mode and hopefully not quite as busy as we have been. And we leave for Seattle in 2 weeks. Yay!

There's a synopsis of the past 3 months. They have been challenging, exhausting, fun, sad, beautiful, and just about every other adjective you can think of. I'm hoping more normal days are ahead.