Over the Mountain and Through the Woods...

🎝Over the mountain🎜 and through the woods 🎝🎜 to BJ’s house we go…is often the jingle Dillon and I would sing as we were heading out for a visit. I also work over there about once a year and this was that week. The last time I was at Riverhouse on the Deschutes was just before BJ died; in fact I left there just six days before his accident. I had been working there for two different weeks that October and we had talked and texted several times during that time trying to make a connection, but between his schedule and mine we couldn't seem to make it work.

I can't help but think of him every time I go to Central Oregon because of course that's where he lived his final years. Even though I was there for work; he was the center of my mind. Dillon traveled with me this week; not because he was out of school but because he has been struggling emotionally this past few weeks and he has been congested.  His birthday week is probably his most difficult week of the year. It is when he misses his dad the most and now his brother as well. He spent time with his Aunt Terrie while I worked and I think that did him a lot of good because he has been concerned about her health. They went to lunch and to see Black Panther. It was good for him to see she is doing really well right now!

I worked my schedule around so we could spend a few hours with Cheyenne. She must have been missing her Uncle Dillon because she really clung to him but he didn’t mind at all! In fact, he really loves that she wanted to snuggle with him instead of with Grandma. Her uncles are sure special to her.

She was happy to show me her beautiful necklace her mom had made for her with some of her daddy's ashes. She said she never takes it off. I asked her what about when she takes a shower and she replied nope. Even though I didn't make it up to the Cross this time (because time was a little bit tight), I felt it was more important to see Cheyenne and spend time with her and I know BJ would feel the same way. He would want his family to see her as much as they possibly can and we do. She seems to be doing pretty good and likes school.

It was a good week, beautiful weather, and time with family. We all miss BJ so much and things just aren’t the same without him…and neither are my trips over the mountain and through the woods.