I’m not sure when I’ve wanted to write a Hayley life monthly wrap up less than I want to right now.
In 1992, Queen Elizabeth II marked her Ruby Anniversary by declaring it an “annus horribilis.” Given all of the events that impacted her family in 1992, the world understood exactly what she meant.
September 2021 will forever be known to us – and many who know us – as a “mensis horribilis.” A truly horrible month.
The month started innocently enough, with a week-long runcation to the Northwest, allowing us to see much of the trail Lewis and Clark explored, as well as pick up three new states in our “Marathon/Half Marathon the U.S.” quest.
It ended with three terrible weeks that started with Kelly’s parents’ COVID hospitalization and both of their deaths.
Glory has a week-long sleepover with her BFF, Magic. They had a great time!
Meanwhile, we took a dog-free flight to Spokane for our week of running, eating and exploring.
Our first race stop: Pendleton, Oregon.
While in town, I took a little field trip to the Pendleton Mills and had a wonderful time shopping and reminiscing of 4-H wool sewing competitions.
Our second race stop: Clarkston, Washington.
It was on the way to Clarkston that I realized the Lewis and Clark connection to the area. (Lewis=Lewiston, Clark=Clarkston)
Our final race stop in five days: Lewiston, Idaho.
Kelly had a monstrously fast race, coming close to his PR (he was just 7 minutes slower)! This, by the way, was when we first suspected something was happening back in Texas – no family members answered our text messages.
Within 36 hours of our arrival back home, Holiday went to the ER. He passed away 4.5 days later.
The day after Holiday passed away, Sandy transitioned from treatment to comfort care. She passed away 11 days later.
A “mensis horribilis,” indeed.
