When a Spreadsheet Makes You Cry

I have been slow to plan dipnetting this year. The reservation was made before we left camp last year, but by this time I have usually updated the spreadsheet. This spreadsheet contains a list of everyone coming, when they arrive and leave, where they will be sleeping, and which meal they will be providing.  From this I shop for groceries and snacks, prep the RV, and clear out the small freezer and move it to the RV. While I do this Mike, and Josiah, usually repair nets, check all the equipment and do essential guy stuff. 

It's true I have been busy with a ton of paperwork in the past weeks. It's also true it's been raining. We simply haven't embraced the planning with our usual gusto.

Arielle and the kids came over today with the express purpose of helping me prepare for dipnetting. We pulled up the 2023 spreadsheet to update for 2024. Staring me in the face was a reminder of joy and sorrow. I had to remove Josiah's name. I cried. The hallmark of 2024 are moments of joy graced with grief. We are so blessed to have loved this boy/man. We are blessed to be Josiah's parents. It does slap one in the face from time to time and hurts in this season. 

I now have a clear picture of who is coming, what I need to buy and what I need to prep.  Unfortunately, I will be screaming busy until Monday, but I will be ready to execute the plan come Monday. We leave to dipnet on Thursday. 

This will be Josi and Ellie's first year at fish camp. 

Ellie Rae 

Benny ate strawberries to his heart's content and then picked a few to take home.

GRACE NOTES 

SWEET extra hours of solitude with Jesus this morning.

Fun visit with Arielle and kids.

Dinner and an episode with Jenni.