There is no work at the castle today. By stately decree passed from one generation to the next today is a day of celebration. Today we give thanks to the guardian warriors who have given their all in securing our lands from monsters. I admittedly find myself unprepared for this day. I have been busy fretting about trivial family matters. It was Morgan and Rachel that reminded their preoccupied mother of the significance of today. I feel ashamed at my oversight. I usually spend an entire week preparing for this momentous day.
My husband has been working overtime at the physician’s office. His hours are long and tiring. We are like two ships passing in the night. We haven’t spoken more than a couple of sentences to each other in weeks. I am tired and my beloved husband is exhausted. I do not offer this as an excuse for my oversight and forgetfulness. My responsibilities are my own. There is no excuse for my lack of focus.

In the ways of my ancestors, I am preparing a grand meal to feed the guardian warriors that will undoubtedly travel our road in search of respite. For the first time the responsibility has fallen upon my son Shane to place our family banner upon the eaves of our home inviting those that have served gloriously to feast at our table. I felt proud as I watched my boy climb upon the roof of our home and display for all of our neighbors to see what our family holds most dear.

Service is by choice and a calling. It is not an occupation for the weak or timid at heart. Those that serve as guardian warriors give much of themselves and do so with honor. Our lands have remained free from monsters for more than a millennium because of their sacrifice. Life without the guardian warriors would not be pleasant.

I fear the unicorn beetle from my dreams has abandoned me. It seems the creature has broken its promise.  I hope I have not offended the beetle in some way and caused this abandonment. I have been careful and diligent in maintaining the cleanliness of my home as instructed.

Rachel is sick. She started to feel poorly yesterday evening. When I arrived home around 5:30pm, she was curled up on the couch looking miserable. I felt sorry for her. Her schoolbooks were open. She was completing her homework assignments thru tear-filled eyes. Even in sickness, the girl strives to be at the top of her class. I sent her to bed the moment she finished. My husband is taking her to the doctor today.

The town crier is reporting several communities to the south and west of Powell are fighting a flu epidemic. Several deaths are being reported. My next door neighbor insists several students at the high school are also infected with this flu. She is keeping her children home today. I did not let on that Rachel is sick for fear of starting a panic but simply stated that I would also keep my children home today.

I do not have confirmation that any of the news spread by the town crier is true. They do not always verify information before yelling it to the community. Like a grape vine, they spread what they hear from others. The truth is often skewed and inaccurate.

In interim from searching for employment my son Shane has chosen to travel with his grandmother to Gains Township. They are bringing food and medical supplies to his ailing great aunt. My mother-in-law’s older sister Hattie is recovering from abdominal surgery. The woman is in her 70s. She is frail and stubborn. Hattie insists she is able take care of herself. We know this is not true. She has limited mobility and tires easily. She forgets to eat. Her wound is not healing properly and continuously drains.  She makes no attempt to change her own bandages.

I expect the attitude comes from living alone her entire life. Hattie is not willing to give up the freedom of doing as she pleases. Several family members have tried unsuccessfully to get this stubborn woman to move into their homes, including my mother-in-law. A couple of weeks ago Hattie walked away from an assisted medical facility where she was receiving around the clock care. She paid a passing stranger to return her home.

I am glad my son has chosen to assist his grandmother. It brings warmth to my heart that he feels so strong about family. Shane will undoubtedly return with several stories to share about this journey.