Anniversary

Today marks 14 weeks since Kent's death. In so many ways the time has gone quickly, and yet so much has happened. We miss him so much . . . . he loved the summer and time together as a family. I have a new found appreciation for all his hard work on the yard now that I am trying to keep it up by myself! Wonderful neighbors and friends have helped with all the details, I know a friend is just a phone call away if I need help with anything. Last Friday would have been our 33 rd anniversary, and I was touched by those of you who remembered and sent a note---I did my best to keep busy that day with a teachers meeting in Waukee, and volunteering at the DM Art Fair in the afternoon. Dear friends, Pam and Mark Young took me to a movie that night. I have many fond memories of anniversary celebrations to remember. Each of you squeeze your spouse a little tighter for me---you must cherish every moment you have together.

At this writing, the Brittens are all adventuring! I will be leaving for a two week trip to Europe with my sister and brother-in-law to Holland and Latvia. Drew, Katie and Fiona are packing to move to Seattle for a wonderful job opportunity in mid July. Sarah and I will fly out to help unpack and celebrate Fiona's first birthday in early August. Sarah is considering a move to Portland, OR in the near future. Rebecca is a guide for white water rafting in Colorado for the summer. Rachel is learning to tango, belly dance and yoga while attending classes in Argentina. She will be moving in August to another host family--maybe the southern part of the country.
There is never a dull moment! A time of change and adjustment for all of us, thank you so much for your calls and prayers---we do FEEL the continued support and love from all of you.

Colorado Adventure

Friends and family that check this site regularly will be anxious to hear more about our Colorado Adventure. We just returned Friday from our trip to Colorado to distribute Kent's ashes over the beautiful lakes and mountains he loved. WE had a wonderful time as a family, healing from the loss, remembering favorite times . . . tears were shed, but just as much laughter . . . . being there without him makes the loss so much more painful, we are all realizing that it doesn't get easier to be without him, but know he would expect us to go on . . . . I know he would be so proud of our sense of adventure in accomplishing this part of the memorial. Rebecca will distribute ashes down the Arkansas River at Sidell Suckhole, one of his favorite rapids. She took her siblings on a wild ride down the river while Fiona and I hiked down the stream to watch. They all loved the adventure! WE left ashes at Bear Lake in Rocky Mt. National Park and also camped at one of our favorite campgrounds in the Park . . . I think we found the tall pine tree (30' now) that Drew climbed to the top when he was about 10 and scared his mom! We then headed to Blue Lake up the Poudre Canyon and camped at a small campground just below the Blue Lake trailhead. We saw several moose, one just a few feet from our RV. On Wednesday, June 9 we all headed up the Blue Lake trail early in the a.m. It was a 5.7 mile hike of 1500 ' elevation change for you mountaineers. Katie, Fiona and I headed back at the first big roaring stream over the path with the baby, the siblings forged ahead, making great time without us :) They encountered snow fields of 4-6' deep snow, but were able to find the path made by previous hikers and after hours in the snow, Rebecca was able to make it all the way to the lake and distribute Kent's ashes on the ice that will become a beautiful lake in another month. She remarked that she certainly understood why her Dad wanted his ashes left there, it was incredibly beautiful. I told them I have decided that's where I want mine left as well---this will become a familiar trail to the Britten's. Drew interviewed in Denver for a job, but decided to take the offer in Seattle, so they will be moving in mid July. the rest of us may follow soon . . . Many changes for all of us . . . its great to know that God is in control! We will never forget the memories of this trip . . . the only thing that would have made it better is if Kent had been with us . . .
The Relay for LIfe event on June 11 in Indianola was dedicated to Kent's memory, another wonderful tribute to an amazing man. We walked the track with the Britten's banking buddies team, and had a great time with his friends and colleagues. I was so happy that his brother, Jerry and his wife Lee, could join us for the day, as well as my sister Margie and her son JEff.
They raised $56.000 this year , exceeding their goal of $45, ooo . . . Kent would be so proud!