If I were to say that the insanity that has filled the lives of Rebecca’s family members for the past few years has ended, I would be lying. However, the heartbreaking insanity is slowly being replaced with the insanity that accompanies a busy and mostly happy life. It comes with a life in which you live among people that make you unbelievably happy one moment; and, furiously angry the next.. Right now, Rebecca lives in a house that desperately needs a revolving door. At times, every corner of her 2 bedroom, 1 bath house is filled with noise and chaos. At other times, it’s relatively quiet and peaceful. But that’s what happens when you create a blended family.
John Collier, or as the grands call him, Almost Uncle John, has increased the size of the family by 3; well, 4 counting Princeton the poodle. John has two beautiful daughters, Ashton and Jayden, that he shares with his ex-wife. The girls grew up in a small town west of Waco called Mart. There they have life long friends and relatives that provide support when needed.
The girls are typical Texans who love sports and agricultural interests. Both girls have raised and shown livestock for several years. They are typical teenage girls; sweet and adorable one minute and moody and infuriating the next. Hence, the insanity.
Seth seems to have adjusted to having a couple of “little sisters.” He affectionately calls them The Trees because they are so tall. We have had either one or both of the girls at several family gatherings. They are steadily staking a claim in our hearts.
I like to think of Rebecca and Seth as being in the midst of a major renovation. Seth is still working through the challenges of building a foundation for adult life. He originally intended to get certified as a welder. He was enrolled in and completed 2 semesters of the welding course offered at a college in Waco. Unfortunately, it was mid-pandemic and everything was online. I often worried about how effective online instruction could possibly be for a trade or skill that was basically hands-on. Needless to say, it was frustrating for Seth. He decided to take a break after the second semester.
During that time, he spent a lot of time with John. John has been a semi truck driver, and has owned his own trucks. He also loves hunting and every aspect of Texas country lifestyle. I think Seth has become very fond of John, and is influenced by him in a positive way. Seth decided to give truck driving a shot. John and Rebecca have been very encouraging and supportive of Seth’s new journey. He is almost at the finish line; just needing to pass the driving test.
Rebecca continues to work for Coryell County Hospital in the Rehabilitation and long term care facility. Several years ago, she started out as the activities director in a nursing home where Helen Mundy was the director. Helen has been influential in helping Rebecca find her career path. Rebecca has worked for her at three different facilities, taking on new and challenging responsibilities with each move. I don’t know Rebecca’s official title, but she deals with admissions and payroll. She loves her job and the people she works with. Thankfully, the insanity of her job is just due to the pace and urgency associated with admitting people in need quickly and smoothly.
The crazy, insane lives of the Castello-Collier family includes sports activities, livestock shows, summer fun, exploration, hunting, concerts, grooming the family poodle, Princeton, and more. Here are a few examples:
So… between acclimating to a new and ever changing family and home life, teenage angst, injuries -John had an on the job injury that he is still recovering from, cramped living conditions, busy schedules, and everyday challenges, Rebecca’s family continues to plow through the ongoing “renovations” of life.
My wish for the Castello-Collier family is that 2023 will be filled with continued happiness and a little less chaos!
