Therapeutic Ice Cream

Mrs. Beaver:

Our family has been going through a great deal of adjusting the past three weeks following the sudden death of my mother-in-law's single sister (see In the Blink of An Eye). Aunt Jean was beloved by all of us so a deep wound has been left in our hearts.

Mr. Beaver's mom, Jane, is wresting with even more grief than the rest of us. Returning to the care of the home and yard she shared with Aunt Jean was too much for the 82-year-old so she has been staying with us. Overall she's doing remarkably well, but, of course, she has waves of sadness sweep over her. Some of these waves are due to pure grief at the loss of her sister, best friend and roommate. Then there are also tsunamis of fear over what her living situation will be as time goes on. She lost her security, as well as her sister in mid January.

Tonight, my wise husband knew we could all use a bit of laughter. So he packed us into the 15-passenger and took us to the Blue Bunny Ice Cream Parlor. A great time was had by all!

And we did laugh!

Grandma joined in the fun, first looking a bit leery over the size of her sundae...

...but then a quick change of heart left her ready to enjoy every scrumptious bite.

Perhaps her guilt was assuaged by forgoing the whipped cream!

Oksana enjoyed a Root Beer Float, as did several of the other kids.

As our kiddos finished their ice cream, I gathered them on the parlor's sweeping staircase...

Judging by the smiles, I'd say that laughter had been good medicine!