A Long and Stressful Season

This has been one of the worst Falls and Winters of our lives. The situation in the summer only  got worse, but certain persons' true colours came out but that didn't surprise us. You see, we all KNEW, but brushed things off to keep the peace. Eventually enough was enough , and we could no longer endure the hurts, the slights, or the lies. It has been hurtful beyond words, but life goes on .
  To make our lives even more stressful, in October, my son's partner decided to end their relationship.After her  1800 mile trip back to see her daughter whom she left 3 years previously, she decided to move back in with her ex, taking our grandson with her. Arrived home on October 22nd, and on October 23rd, wouldn't let my son back into their apartment or talk or see his son. She kept him from seeing him for 32 days. Fortunately he got a good Family Law  lawyer  and saw him on November 24th .The next day , a Monday, she asked if he would like him for the day and an overnight, Tuesday she brought over his bath toys and that was the last she was heard of till March 17th when she texted , wanting to speak to her son. ! Many Affadavits, many court orders and court appearances and much money later, my son officially has custody of his son.
    It has been an emotional roller coaster for the core of our family, but we have all worked together to ensure the stability and care of the littlest one.Sacrifices have been made by everyone but  oh, it has been worth it ! Grandson is thriving ! He has brought so much joy  into our lives.
    The last time I wrote, I was preparing to have a total knee replacement. I stayed awake during the operation; that was so interesting. The anesthetic and I did not get along and I had a rough, nauseous evening. There were a few  complications with my blood pressure [ too low] and my O2 levels, but the worst was the horrible food. I couldn't even force myself to eat ! Then came the physio ! and the twice daily exercises !!!   But after 3 months off, I went back to work. I didn't get a whole lot accomplished during those months. I finished a baby afghan and towards the end was able to start hand quilting the 5 quilt tops I had ready.I am on the 5th one now. It has been a hard slog, but I think it has kept me semi sane !
     The winter has been long and cold and snowy. We are so ready for spring. My daughter, who took the Master Organic Gardening course last year , has started the plants. Her dad made her a shelving units with grow lights  and I gave her a small greenhouse so hopefully we'll have an abundance of seedlings. The tulips  in the south facing garden have been up for about 3 weeks. I sometimes wonder how they survive as we've had 3 snowstorms to cover them up  repeatedly ! The areas without snow are sopping wet so it will be a while before I can get out and inspect what has survived. Then will come the job of dividing up some of the perennials  to transfer to EDs gardens.
      Life has thrown us some curve balls. We have learnt many lessons. We have love.