The Long Winter

Hello Friends!

I'm sorry for the long silence and delay in updating. The holidays were packed with baking, time with

our two dogs, and preparing for our pending remodel through the VA.

Bo getting his hair trimmed by his long-time barber, Donna

Dad is doing relatively well, all things considered. His hands and arms are beginning to fail him sadly, but we are adapting and navigating the changes together,

As most of you know, 3 of the 4 Kemper's moved to Minnesota in the late 90s. Mom and Dad moved back to Northern Kentucky in 2015, and I stayed in what has become my home until 2019, when it was determined that Mom needed mitral valve replacement surgery. The turmoil in Minnesota has been painful to witness, as I still have many friends who live in the Twin Cities and the surrounding area. Every day is a cycle of checking in with the people we know and love in Minnesota to ensure their safety, ensuring Dad is taken care of and provided for, spending time with our dogs, and doing homework. We're very thankful for the people who have checked in with us and asked how to support the people impacted by the occupation of ICE.

Protest in Minneapolis on Friday, January 23rd

On a happier note, our grant for the Stay At Home Remodel was FINALLY approved- 442 days after the process began. I will be spending the next couple of weeks preparing for the remodel- gathering donations, boxing up items to put in storage, and getting our kitchen sealed up and protected for construction. If you, or anyone you know, needs or wants bookcases, a beige storage ottoman, a coffee table (that needs to be refurbished), a standing mirror with jewelry storage, and some other pieces, please don't hesitate to e-mail me (bos.dugout@gmail.com) for more information. You will need to pick up the furniture and transport it yourself. Dad and I are very much looking forward to having the remodel done, particularly so Dad feels safer in our house and can utilize his power chair more frequently.

When I started this page, I decided that I would share a charity a month, and while I very much want to devote resources to pALS, but in light of everything going on in Minnesota, Dad and I have decided that we would rather see the people back home receive support. Please go to: https://www.standwithminnesota.com/.; There you can send messages of support to the people who are boots on the ground, and find links to mutual aid organizations.

We hope you are all staying safe and warm in the midst of the snow and cold. Thank you for your continued support. Y'all are the best!

Love,

Bo and McKenzie