A Poignant June

June brought a lovely high school graduation and many days of family and visitors--so fun!

It all began with a beautiful Baccalaureate service at Rollins College on the Dartmouth campus.

 

It was clear how much Helen's teachers admired her on Class Day. She received several awards for her work in the English, Music, and Theatre departments.

Graduation was wonderful--great speeches and a happy girl!

Helen's friends showed up to surprise her.

Nelson's parents were with us for the week and had a big surprise!  Their "daughter" from Sweden came with her family for a surprise visit on the day after graduation. Helena lived with them for a year as an exchange student and has remained connected ever since.

The next day the extended family came for an afternoon party. It was lovely to see everyone. We played lawn games and had a big luncheon. We surprised Helen with a gelato cake.

Just as we were about to pour 18 champagne glasses for a toast, we discovered the water was fading. We quickly switched over to plastic.  Here are the menfolk investigating in the basement. With 10 people for dinner one night and 18 visiting the next day, no wonder the water had trouble keeping up.

The month ended on a sad note as our friend Eva came home from her spinning class, collapsed, and died. It was shocking for the entire community. Her service was held at the beloved Strafford Meeting House where hundreds of people filled the building, spilling out on to the lawn.

 It was a hard end to the month. Here's my friend Eva with her daughter, Helen's friend Becca.