2021 in Review

Best Laid Plans (of Rick and Anita)

We’ve heard it said that the best way to get God to laugh is to tell him your plans. We’re not sure if it was an outright belly roll or just a chuckle, but he must have at least smiled a bit reviewing how we’re finishing the year. What we do or don’t get done this year or next does not define who we are, it’s just a reflection of what we did (or did not do) and can always be adjusted with a willingness to be the best versions of ourselves each and every day. We’re free, healthy, enjoy our lives together and comforts many in the world would sell an organ to have. So, from that perspective we’ve got absolutely nothing to complain about. As we age we’re finding our parts don’t perform exactly as they used to (e.g. eyes, hands, knees), we just don’t have the stamina or resilience we once enjoyed (without a few sore parts here and there) and that we can have a thought one second, forget it the next and have to leave and re-enter the room for it to return only to decide it wasn’t such a great idea to begin with.

Year of the Family

We’ve made an effort to get the Barron family together every year since 2004. Enjoying time together to live, love and laugh as we experience the beach, the mountains, the desert, a river or a lake. We’ve missed a few faces over the years as the kids aged because it became increasingly difficult to accommodate everyone’s schedule, so we enjoyed those who were able to attend. Even as we struggled to find a new sense of normal in 2021 “post”-pandemic, we were able to record some memorable family experiences.

The first was an impromptu Buffalo Reunion in which Rick and Kevin joined Sally and 3 of her siblings for a Schwegler reunion. We ate our way through town from hot dogs to wings, combed through cemeteries to find our paternal great grand parents, re-lived Sally’s late Uncle Bob’s life with a journey through his slide collection and re-connected in ways that remind us that blood is thicker than the miles that separate us. If you really want the full story, ask Kevin or Rick about their Air BnB experience. No doubt, the hardest they’ve laughed in a VERY LONG TIME!

Next, Mia and Anna visited Cincinnati as a farewell visit for their Dad, Rick Krueger. Rick was recently diagnosed with ALS and will soon be restricted to a wheel chair and wanted to experience the sights, sounds and tastes of Cincinnati before being unable to travel. Our Rick joined everyone at the Reds game where the Reds STOMPED the St. Louis Cardinals in a home-run derby and had breakfast with the ladies and their guys before they departed. Rebekah (the girls Mom) hosted the family at an Air BnB at the base of Mt. Adams that was minutes from the downtown hot spots. We request your prayers for the family as they struggle to make the best of an incredibly unfortunate diagnosis.

Then, Rick, Kevin and Kendra joined Sally in Laguna Beach for the first ever (likely to be repeated) Barron Family Sibling Reunion. We stayed at Mom’s, shifting the sleeping accommodations based on snore volume (Kevin was the winner), did almost nothing (scheduled), had a fabulous time viewing Dad’s slides (Rick shipped them from Ohio), visiting family (Uncle John, cousin Phil and Nikki visited from Buffalo, staying with Uncle Keith and Aunt Terry) and eating our way through Laguna Beach, Dana Point and Costa Mesa (Keith and Terry are great hosts). Rick even made time to visit with 2 fraternity brothers he hadn’t seen in over 30 years (extended family)!

Rick made it up to Cleveland this year to reconnect with his Sigma Chi brothers from Case. He took the Camaro (“Betsy’s” only road trip) and road roller coasters in the summer heat at Cedar Point to “warm” up for the weekend. Attendance was down due to the pandemic but a few brothers did join from Georgia and Florida. The date is already set for 2022 and Rick has started his email campaign to boost participation. He’s hoping many more will choose to participate next year).

Finally, Kevin flew back to Orange County to participate in the life celebration of Mom’s partner Julie who passed unexpectedly last spring. Sally hosted a virtual celebration last fall but knew Julie would want those she loved and cared for to come together to celebrate her life. So, on Mom’s 80th birthday, Kevin joined those in attendance in celebrating the impact Julie had on our lives. They laughed and cried, embraced and hugged, ate and drank while watching a slide presentation Mom created to showcase Julie’s life. Kevin returned to Virginia before Thanksgiving to celebrate with the kids, but everyone commented to Mom how much they enjoyed meeting him and how special it was for him to participate. Way to go Kev!

New Beginnings

2021 is full of new chapters. Kendra‘s son Allen (A.J.) graduated from High School and is pursuing certification to work in the HVAC field. Kevin’s oldest Andrew finished his Masters program at the University of Virginia and is seeking full-time employment. His daughter Grace completed her undergraduate degree in Neuroscience at Temple University a semester early and is planning to take some time off (from school) before pursuing an advanced degree. His youngest Will is enjoying studying Design at Virginia Tech.

In addition to the educational completions, we’re thrilled to announce that Rick’s Grand Daughter Anna was MARRIED to her long-time boy friend Jacoby. They tied the knot on their anniversary in December by signing some paperwork with a notary. Not exactly HOW we hoped it would occur but the outcome is the same. They’ve been dating since before Anna could drive. She’s working as a Manager for a Jacksonville Custard franchise while attending college for a Business degree. Now both Grand Daughters are married to GREAT guys (recall Mia and Eric married last year). Is it OK to start wishing to be a GREAT GRAND FATHER?

Down Two (Briefly)

We had to say farewell to two kitties this year – Wyndham and Diva. Wyndham’s health had been deteriorating due to long-term use of inhaled steroids (he got asthma leaving South Carolina). Diva passed unexpectedly after complications from a dental procedure. Diva stepped up as our alpha kitty when Wyndham passed, but now that she’s moved on to the Rainbow Bridge, we’re surprised to see that Rochelle (once meek and bullied by Diva) has inserted herself into the alpha role. Bond is a happy go lucky kitty that doesn’t get bothered by much, while Beatrice takes the brunt of Rochelle’s assertiveness. Lucy and Willow have joined the family (as Anita’s Foster Graduates). We have very few photos of them on the website, they’re still petrified of Rick and run at the first sound.

Fewer Departures

We consciously restricted our travel this year, passing on events and activities we would have jumped at the chance to attend in years gone by. Rick had a dive trip on the books for Cozumel and just couldn’t pass. He got vaccinated and took the plunge with his business partner, Ben, to explore the underwater world in Mexico. It was some of the best diving EVER!! The island was virtually empty (the cruise ships hadn’t returned), the dive operators were anxious to head out and the weather was absolutely perfect (it rained briefly only once). In addition to exploring the reefs of Cozumel, they explored 3 cenotes (natural deep-water wells or sinkholes that are fed by the filtration of rain and the currents of underground rivers) on the mainland. You GOTTA check out the video from these dives, it might be one you add to your bucket list!

Sally’s sister Terry sold their home in Big Bear this year, soooo they did one better and road tripped to Yosemite, staying at the The Ahwahnee. Then did some boating on Bass Lake on the return trip. It was first class ALL the way. Mom says it was a lot of driving (she actually rode), but well worth it to spend time with Terry and Keith, disconnect from life in Laguna Beach and re-experience some of the most beautiful places in the west.

Parental Care

We’ve reached the point in our lives where our parents need our help and support. Anita traveled to Georgia the day after Thanksgiving to assist her Mom and Dad who live on the farm that he spent the majority of his childhood on with his Grand Parents. She returned on January 3rd (delaying final review of this letter) after helping them explore solutions to new life problems as we age. They love their life on the farm with their dog Hershey and 2 cats Mr. Kitty and Sylvie. Thankfully, their physical and financial health have enabled them to remain in their home and do as they please. We are so very grateful for this blessing.

Christmas week Rick’s mother Sally had two falls at home on subsequent nights as she tried to get into bed and was unable to get up. She went to the ER after the first but the doctors were unable to determine the cause of her right-side muscle weakness. She’s following-up with her Internist to explore further diagnoses and is having a friend lower her bed. We expect an update when Kevin’s daughter Grace visits in January.

Rick has yet to speak to a scheduler at Arlington National Cemetery about Dick’s service. Once he comes up in the queue of veterans for scheduling, it will likely be 9+ months before the ceremony. Until then, Dick’s cremains are resting comfortably in Rick’s office below an autographed Elvis album cover and framed Janis Joplin stamps. When Rick spoke to them last, they indicated he should be hearing from them in early 2022.

What’s Next?

Every day we wake up on the green side of the grass is a blessing, regardless of what happens. The only thing we can control is our reaction to life. Sure, this is a physical existence and we must take action but more and more we’ve come to appreciate it all. All the good, all the bad, all the ugly and all the emotions that come along with them. We hope you’re fit spiritually, physically and emotionally and ready to embrace 2022.

There’s no way for us to spend the time we desire with each of you, so please comment to share your thoughts, well wishes and plans for 2022. We can only hope our paths cross with the opportunity to embrace as friends and family.

With All Our Love,

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