Good-bye 2014!

I, for one, am not a bit sorry to see this year end! It's been a year filled with so many stressful, emotional and challenging events. On the other hand, as difficult as these different things were, I am truly grateful for the many blessings received along the way. I am very thankful for the healing of loved ones and for the strength to get me and my family through this entire year.

Of all the hard things to deal with in 2014, probably the one with the most emotional effect on me remains the changes with my parents. Thinking about having to move them from the farm in February and holding the final auction in October still can make my eyes fill with tears. So, I try not to let myself think too much about the drastic changes in their lives this year, because we are fortunate to still have them with us, and for that we are grateful. We all love them so much!

Here are a few pictures of their last walk around the farm the day before the auction.

So many memories ...

Dad making one of the last of many walks (89 years' worth!) from the barn to the house. 

Mother strolling across the front yard. She loved mowing this yard with her zero-turn riding mower,
which she did up until a little over a year ago!

Dad and Mother in front of the chicken house. The chickens have also found a new home.

Dad is demonstrating how the latch works and how he got it opened when Mother
accidentally locked him inside the chicken house. One of my favorites of the
many stories they have of their 66-year-marriage.

Dad surveying the "Kauffman estate" one last time.

Their porch swing was the source of much enjoyment
for them in recent years.

The porch was a great addition to the farmhouse and a good place
for visiting. Here they're having a conversation with Keith.

Happy New Year, Mother and Dad ...... and to all, happiness, prosperity and good health!