Dear friends, ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................Advent 2009
The year started like the ones before, New Year's day in Reno with hiking in the desert, Ben's Birthday in Pismo Beach, visiting the parents, and spring school in Ettal.
April and Chris's wedding in June was a dream. April is a kindergarten friend of Ben's. Ruth was one of the brides maids and Ben was the best man. April's mom had their garden in picture perfect shape.
And the week end after the wedding, it was graduation time. Ben graduated from Santa Clara University with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering. Since Ben was already working part time at VW in Palo Alto during school, he just moved on to a full time schedule. Both the kids work long hours, and seem to enjoy their work.
Diether's Birthday party followed, bringing together old friends. Jutta stayed for 4th of July in Reno and then left for a 2 weeks visit to see the parents. Our cousin's visit Reno was to follow in August. But shortly before Jutta left, her cousin broke her collar bone, and her visit had to be postponed.
And then after Jutta's arrival, her mother admitted to her that she has breast cancer. The 89 year old opted for a full mastectomy. Surgery went well, mother picked herself up like the strong lady, she really is, and with Jutta there she could be released from to the hospital after 5 days.
Jutta's dad had to be moved to a retirement home, and after a few days of adjusting, he seemed happy, but the first night in which he slept well, he passed away.
So the freshly operated on mother had to bury her husband of 65 years, with a great big funeral, with many friends and relatives, from close and far, and many phone calls and letters of support.
Jutta stayed with her mother, until she had regained some strength. Mother is staying in the house, by herself, and still manages the daily chores, with some help for cleaning and the heavier yard work. Amazing!
Ben changed his schedule to visit grandma and mom, and we visited Diether's parents, and other relatives in the Pfalz. Diether visited a little later, and then spoke at the 20th anniversary of Miltenyi Biotech, Stefan's company, who had demonstrated his first commercial system as an intern in Diether's Diether worked for Stefan's company years later to develop the clinical system. The party was great with so many old friends.
Jutta did go to her retreat, she had signed up for a year ago: 51 women in the wilderness ( beds, indoor plumbing, never ending hot water for showers, 3 hot meals, prepared by a fabulous chef). Jutta had a great time, learning all kinds of things, that are useful for survival in the great outdoors.
And in early October, on their 10th anniversary of meeting each other, Marin and Ryan had their wedding. Ruth and Ben were in the wedding party, the garden was perfect, the weather cleared up, there were no jets flying overhead, and the entire wedding was lovely.
Our cousin's collar bone had healed and we spend a couple of fun weeks between the Bay Area, Reno, and the Toiyabe Mountains.
Jutta traveled back to Germany to visit her mom, who seems to be doing well.
And now, it is almost Christmas again, and we do wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Love,
Jutta and Diether
Website: http://home.att.net/~Diether Email: jutta@recktenwald.com