Monday, February 15, 2010

A giveaway in Memory of Mike (PKW)

Possible Kleenex Warning post. Only a maybe...but I promised I would warn you always of any kleenex risk!

It was a gorgeous day here in the valley on Friday. Beautiful, pure blue skies...a few pristine fluffy clouds making the blue even more intense ...soft sunshine and soft cool breezes.

Steve and I drove through the congested traffic to share memories and sadness with our friend and her beautiful family.

The radio was playing softly...the sun made the interior of the car warm and cozy...my arm was tucked through Steve's and my fingers traced patterns on his wool jacket. Cars and miles and mountains fell away and we traveled closer to a church we had never been to before. We both sat quietly, wrapped in our own memories and thoughts

Funerals do that, don't they?

They make you dust off all the memories you have placed into safe-keeping. Memories so precious and painful that if they are not locked away can startle us when we least expect it. Those oh-so-painful memories that make you close your eyes and replay the sadnesses that you have put on “pause” so you can get through days, months and years at a time without ripping your heart out.

But funerals also make you remember lovely things. Moments of silliness. Memories of laughter. A remembrance of embrace or shared intimacy.

The first thing I saw walking into the large vestibule was our friend. She was looking small and lost in the echoing space…standing alone…looking almost dream-like. Behind her was a picture board collaged with photos of her son and a guest book and a beautiful gilt box filled with candy.

Her eyes focused on us and she came toward us with a lovely smile lighting her sweet face. “Oh, thank you for coming,” she said in a strong, clear voice. I hugged her perhaps a bit too long. I tried very hard to keep my own sadness to myself. This was about her. Her son. Her loss. Her day of grieving and closure.

She looked at the picture board with us. The baby pictures. The birthday pictures. The silly pictures. The pictures showing a healthy, sturdy child and a young, dream-filled man… the pictures showing the sickness creeping in.

We signed the guest book. Both for ourselves and for a precious group of friends that could not be present.

My husband and I each took a memorial card and a piece of Werthers gold-wrapped original candy. The metallic wrapper seemed oddly cheerful in such a somber setting. The candy, apparently a favorite of her sons, a sweet gift in the midst of such a solemn occasion.

The church was peaceful and quiet with only the sound of a water feature bubbling away accompanying the occasional sound of a sob or a whispered word.

It was a beautiful church. Jewel-toned stained glass clearstory windows lit the altar area with rich illumination.

Shortly after we were seated someone started a slide show presentation...the baby pictures, the birthday pictures, the silly pictures and the pictures showing a healthy, sturdy child and a young, dream-filled man…

Steve wrapped his arm around me and we held hands, tightly, the warmth a comfort as we intently watched the pictures showing the passage of a life.

The service started. The Priest was joyous. The music was beautiful…the guitars and vocals soaring to the very rafters of the church in celebration.

At the very end of the Mass, our friend went to the pulpit and shared little pieces of her life with her son. She reminisced about making wine, canning peaches, gardening and fishing. She spoke of her son's acceptance of his illness with grace and dignity. She spoke of his faith. And his joy.

She was strong. Composed. Sure in her words. Sure in what she wanted to convey.

Her plaintive cry at the very end was painful. “Oh, Michael,” she cried, “I loved you so much!”

The long silence after she returned to her seat let us all regain our composure.

Only to lose it again when Mike’s nephews attempted to sing a final song. Their muffled sobs into the microphone were sobering. And tear provoking. For everyone in the now solemn Church.

We waited quietly in the church foyer after the service. We looked at the picture board again. Oh, how quickly life goes. Here was a picture going to prom with a girl in a wide southern-bell hat.

And here now was our beautiful friend. Standing looking slightly puzzled but being her gracious and lovely self in the midst of all this emotion.

Everyone gathered in the church hall to share a potluck the ladies of the Church had provided. Food lined long tables…ties were loosened...talk became more relaxed.

Steve had taken his camera along to take photos if our friend wanted them. My Mom particularly treasures the photos from my sisters memorial lunch and we thought perhaps this was a small gift of remembrance we could offer.

Steve took photo after photo of laughter and hugs and tears and reflection. The aftermath of an emotional event.

The last photos Steve took were of the family gathered today. In strength. In remembrance. In love.

We said our goodbyes and drove home. Quiet again. Reflecting on the grace and courage we had just seen.

Reflecting on how quickly life goes and how important it is to live every moment.

Saddened by the loss of someone so young with so much courage and grace and example to offer.

And that is really what last weeks little series of gifts was about for me.

I wanted to share a little joy in what can often be a sad world for so many of us.

And what I learned was much greater then what I gave away. I learned that by turning outward and sharing it does diminish the loss. Somehow when we turn in it magnifies our sadness and isolates us from the people that can help us through. It truly and honestly does. At least for me.

So I thank you sincerely for letting me share a bit of happiness with you on what could have been a very sad time.

And in Mike's honor I would like to do one final giveaway.

This man loved the outdoors but lost his ability to be out in it and enjoy it often. His illness took that from him.

For this giveaway I would like to share a ZippyStrippyQuilt I made - it is a simple little cotton rag quilt but it is cozy and warm. The patterns on it are of the outdoors: camping, fishing, and picnicking! Something I feel is so appropriate in memory of this man.


To enter to win you must be a follower of my blog and your comment to this post is your entry. Please don't be sad in your comment, just tell me something you love doing outside with your family.

You can post a comment today, Monday, and again on Tuesday and Wednesday for three chances to win.

If Mr. Random Org isn't busy I will do the drawing on Wednesday night around 8 pm MST, right before I put up the Alphabe-Thursday link!

Thank you for helping me celebrate a life well-lived!

And thank you for coming to visit my blog.

I was so worried that just telling my stories would not be enough. And it gladdens my heart to find that it is.

Bless you all for that!

post signature

91 comments:

Shellie said...

Hey Jenny!
love your typewriter header... and the music... and the post :)

I love going camping with my family.

mrs. c said...

I like to go to the lake house with my family and fish and go in the canoe and laugh. I also love to go outside and take photos with my hubby.

Kimberly said...

I like to bbq outside with my family!

* said...

I love to travel with my family, or simply sit and watch an old Arabic or Disney film.

Clippy Mat said...

Hi Jenny:
Nice to meet you and thanks for visiting me today. I did need a Kleenex to read this post. It was very well written and so moving. I will be back to read more of your blog.
:-)

Flat Creek Farm said...

Beautiful post & darling quilt. I love walks in the woods or down the country road with hubby, and also our bbq's & picnics in the backyard during the summer & fall. -Tammy

Theresa said...

What a wonderful story of a life well-lived! I love being outside planting and pruning! I love sitting in a chair just outside the garage and watching the grandkids play ball or ride bikes. I love sitting in the swing under the cedar tree and watching everyone splash in the pool. I love cooking on the grill and throwing a huge family cookout. Spring will be here soon and I will get to enjoy some of this. Hugs to you and Mike's Mother! Sweet memories!

MrsJenB said...

What a beautiful post!

I love barbecues and the occasional fishing trip. We're not what you'd call 'outdoorsy'! ;-)

Kristi Faith said...

I always enjoy visiting your blog :)

My family and I love to go camping with our boat and four-wheeler...when they are simultaneously working. :0)

Parsley said...

I like to go camping in a trailer with my family and cooking by the fire.

Leslie Lemke said...

What a beautiful quilt, and I would be so honored to be able to win it! Our family lives on a farm and so outside living is alot of our life! But mostly we love to go for walks and enjoy nature!
Have a great day!
Blessings~
Leslie

Sue said...

There must be nothing worse than losing a child, no matter what the age. This was such a moving story, you really took me there. The quilt is beautiful and I did wonder why you were giving away so many things. Now I understand, and I think it was such a wonderful thing to do...I hope it helped your pain. As for doing things outside...nothing beats a walk on the beach with my family.

My heart goes out to your friend.

Sue

Justine said...

Jenny, I'm so glad that you've found comfort in sharing your story with us. I know this has been a very hard time for you, but you've come through it looking for the joy in life rather than the sadness of death. I think making a blanket and giving it away in Mike's honor is just the perfect thing to do.

I wish I could tell you I'm an outdoorsy person, but I'm not. I love nature and being surrounded by it, but I certainly don't want to sleep in a tent to enjoy it! LOL

Justine :o )

Jana said...

I loved your words.

I do enjoy playing at the creek with my boys and creatures!

Unknown said...

Beautifully said. Mike would be pleased.

We love kayaking, camping and fishing.

Sue said...

I love doing things outside with my family...now that I CAN do them. Now that I can fully live my life as a healthier adult, wife and mom.

I love walking on the beach with my family, shelling with my daughters, riding bikes to the arena with my husband, learning to kayak this fall with John and kayaking all the way to Tampa Bay...shovelling snow and playing in the snow ...now that I can. I love hiking and walking with my family and the dogs.

I am blessed. I am also blessed for knowing you, Mo and Mike, sweetie!
Lovely post...lovely memorial to a good man and a lovely mom.

Tina❀ said...

Okay, now that my eyes are tear free and I can see again.

My favorite outside thing to do, why catching lightening bugs of course. And after we're done, with jars tucked safely beside us, a blanket is brought out. Because what is better than counting the stars after you caught a few fireflies!

Busy Bee Suz said...

PKW PKW PKW!!!
The warning is appreciated, but does not slow my tears!
Beautiful post Jenny. Life is so precious, thank you for reminding us of this.
What do I love to do outside? garden. play with the dogs. watch my kids play volley ball. lay by the pool with a juicy magazine.
sometimes I just sit and let the sunshine warm my face.

ps.
I love that your husband gets all the girls flowers...he is a special guy indeed!!!

chesley said...

definitely a kleenex post! i love doing anything outside with my family b/c it means i'm not at work!

Jen said...

what a beautiful post...Jenny, please don't enter me in the giveaway, as I already have won one of your wonderful zippy quilts, and use it all the time, and it's wonderful.

Kris said...

So beautiful. I was strong and didn't cry, but it was hard. Thank you for visiting my place and being my 100th follower! Wish I had something to give you. I'll just enter your giveaway and maybe you'll have something to give me instead! :) I'm SO in love w/ your layout!!

Mardell said...

Hi Jenny,
Thanks for the kleenex warning. Yes, a very beautiful post indeed.

I enjoy hanging clothes on the line while Wm. plays in his sandbox. Or gardening, of course!

Terri Steffes said...

For those of us who wanted to be there but couldn't, your writing let us be a part of something truly hard.

Ashley Stone said...

We love camping!

Kim said...

Beautiful post Jenny.

I love to spend every moment I can outdoors in the garden with my husband in the spring, summer and fall. I don't like to waste one second of warm weather indoors♥

Linda @ A La Carte said...

Jenny you are a special friend. I won't be sad but joyful of a live lived with courage. I love to hike and take photos in the woods and I love walking on the beach, it restores my soul!

{:miss v:} said...

Lovely post and very well written!

I like to go for walks in the neighborhood with my son, although I really need to do it more!

Country Wings in Phoenix said...

Oh Jenny Sweetie...
What a wonderful story of this wonderful life lived to its fullest.

My family and I love having BBQ's and swimming, watching the kids race, ride bikes, blow bubbles. We love anything we can do on the patio, sometimes we even spend an afternoon outside playing a board game.

Please enter me into this give away it would be a gift to cherish forever. Thank you Jenny for the opportunity to win this beautiful gift of love.

Country hugs and much love...Sherry

Cindy said...

I've already been teary-eyed over some blogs I've read today so the tissue was ready.

I like taking pictures of nature when I'm outside.

Unknown said...

This post brought back a lot of memories for me. We just lost a very close friend and there was a very nice "celebration of Life" for his funeral too!
Now on to the fun stuff....A zippy strippy quilt handmade by you?? How cool would that be!
Since we live next to a lake & have a pool, most of our days are spent outside in or on the water. Or digging in the dirt!
Judy

RNSANE said...

What a touching and beautiful memorial to your friend's son, Jenny. Yes, life does go by in the blink of an eye...a reminder to make every minute of every day count and to cherish our loved ones!

Thank you!

beyondbaffled said...

As simple as it sounds I like to sit outside on the porch with my family. I like to watch the dog wander around in the yard. I like to watch the cars drive by and wave to our neighbors. I like to feel the breeze and look at the clouds rolling out over the state line. Sometimes it's nice to just sit and simply be with people you love.

Very beautiful post, very inspiring. I have to remember the phrase that you used - a life well-lived. We should all strive for that.

Sarah said...

Jenny, I'm feeling a bit under the weather today with a head cold, but this post brought some warmth and sunshie into my heart. Thank you for sharing these heartfelt thoughts. So eloquent!
As for the outdoors...I love to take a daily walk with my husband. It's a special time together.

sharon said...

beautiful! snow skiing and walks in the park for us.

Colleen said...

What a beautiful quilt. My family is all grown and now have families of their own. When they were all at home we used to enjoy camping and riding bikes.
Thanks for visiting my blog for the OWOH event. It has been a wonderful experience.

Colleen said...

What a beautiful quilt. My family is all grown and now have families of their own. When they were all at home we used to enjoy camping and riding bikes.
Thanks for visiting my blog for the OWOH event. It has been a wonderful experience.

Shooting Stars Mag said...

beautiful post. I love being with my family no matter what...seeing a movie, being at home, or going out to eat and talking.

-Lauren
lauren51990 AT aol DOT com

Holly said...

What a moving tribute! I'm sure that your friend will appreciate the photo's My mom passed 2 years ago and while I took a lot of photos I wish we would have had a video of the service as it was such a celebration of her life.

The quilt is lovely and what a treasure for whoever is fortunate to win!

The chalkboard pens look and draw like felt pens, but you can wipe them off! Starbucks uses them all the time. I got mine at Michaels using my 40% off coupons, but I know you can get them on Amazon too. Much pricier though!

Thanks for sharing!

Carol said...

He will leave quite a void in a lot of lives! One thing I enjoy doing outside in digging in the dirt. Especially at the beginning of spring...my family doesn't enjoy this activity...but I'm ok with it...I like being alone in the garden!

Mari said...

I can't imagine what it is to lose a child, and I think it is so sweet of you to do a giveaway in memory of Mike.
Our family likes to camp!

Rella said...

What I like to do out doors these days is star gaze when my daughter is here visiting with me. We look and search together. and on Christmas I did a little drawing of us star gazing together and wrote her a note that whenever she looks up and finds the same stars we searched for when she was visiting she will know that I am looking at the same sky and telling her how much I love her. She is 32 now and travels far and wide.........but always the same sky.

xox Rella

Anita said...

I love picnics and nature walks with my family. So many other things too, when we make ourselves stop to be spontaneous.

Blessings.

Brenda said...

Bitter sweet post. Hubs family went through a year of loss 2008, 3 grandparents and a aunt and uncle. There was a lot of wonderful stories and laughter in the process of healing. And beings I came into the family late in my life I knew each even more that before. We love to garden, play with the grand kids, have bonfires, you name it we are there. Oh there is the snowmobiling but that is done for the year since hubs accident. Not missing that at this time!

Jess Herbig said...

You have a way with words! And they are so accurate! Our son is only a year old, but we've already started some traditions of camping out and picking huckleberries in North Idaho with him. He saw a moose, and pointed at it and goes, "MOOOOOOSE". Can't wait for many more moments like that!

Julie Kwiatkowski Schuler said...

I will honor your wish and stick a sock in it, but it was a beautiful post.
I used to love going on walks in the woods, but after doing it once with a baby on my back, kicking me in the kidneys, I stopped. I suppose now that the litter is ambulatory, we'll be able to go this summer. If summer ever gets here!

My Farmhouse Kitchen said...

My first time here...and this was lovely..so beautifully written...and you were right...i am needing a kleenex...

you told this so fondly...

( please don't add me to your give away list...i wouldn't feel right about it)

but i will be back to visit

it's lovely here...

best,
kary

Darcie said...

What a touching and powerful post Jenny. Thank you SO much for sharing.

Our favorite thing to do outside...wow...what isn't our favorite thing to do outside. What comes to mind right off is getting ready for my oldest sons baseball season and the many a evening spent outside watching his games. Can't wait!

crow_hollow_primitives said...

Hi I am a new follower but loved reading this. It was heart felt. I would like to be entered into your drawing.

Stacy
crow_hollow_primitives@yahoo.com
http://www.CrowHollowPrimitives.blogspot.com/

crow_hollow_primitives said...

Hi I am a new follower but loved reading this. It was heart felt. I would like to be entered into your drawing.

Stacy
crow_hollow_primitives@yahoo.com
http://www.CrowHollowPrimitives.blogspot.com/

crow_hollow_primitives said...

oh and i forgot to put in the other comment that we love to take our kids to a lake that my hubby grew up going and spend the day fishing and cooking out
stacy

crow_hollow_primitives said...

oh and i forgot to put in the other comment that we love to take our kids to a lake that my hubby grew up going and spend the day fishing and cooking out
stacy

crow_hollow_primitives said...

oh and i forgot to put in the other comment that we love to take our kids to a lake that my hubby grew up going and spend the day fishing and cooking out
stacy

crow_hollow_primitives said...

oh and i forgot to put in the other comment that we love to take our kids to a lake that my hubby grew up going and spend the day fishing and cooking out
stacy

crow_hollow_primitives said...

oh and i forgot to put in the other comment that we love to take our kids to a lake that my hubby grew up going and spend the day fishing and cooking out
stacy

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Jenny, this is just heart wrenchingly beautiful. And what a gorgeous quilt to honor Mike. I know someone is going to absolutely love that beauty. It is so neat and so very special, just like your are and he was.

While I'm still on restriction, I'll play along and say that as a child I loved many outdoor pursuits: horseback riding, water skiing, swimming, fishing, riding bikes, climbing trees, going to the beach, riding roller coasters, and generally being in the sun.

Now that I'm on oldster, I am an indoor face. ;-) I still love horses, and I enjoy riding in the carriages in St. Augustine. And while I no longer ski, I enjoy riding on a boat... be it a sail boat or a cabin cruiser... something a little slower paced than the fast boats of my youth. And I enjoy walking the sreets of downtown, window shopping in art galleries and shop shopping there, too. ;-)

XO,

Sheila

Chatty Crone said...

I am not Jewish, but I have a Jewish friend. They really do that at their funerals. They take part, stay there, take, celebrate the life that they had.

I think we do need to do more things like that during a funeral. It is okay to cry - to live - to love - etc.

sandie

Jojo said...

A beautiful post. There is someone special waiting to be wrapped in the warmth of your gift. I am happy to have enjoyed such a beautiful post.

Rustique Gal said...

Dear Jennie, You are so sweet to have a giveaway to celebrate a life well-lived. My family and I have camped since I was 3. I love sleeping under the stars, coolers of food, campfires s'mores and canoes. Thanks!
Sherry

Simple Home said...

Thank you for sharing this precious story with us. My family likes going to the beach and camping in the mountains.
Blessings,
Marcia

Vicki/Jake said...

Oh, you and your "Only maybe a kleenex warning" I know when your post starts out like that, I start to choke up...
Ok, no sadness. But first, what a sweet tribute to Mike...I'm sure he's smiling at you.
My outdoors thing to do? Well, I like to walk the 3 mile journey (round trip) up the dirt road not far from my house, to the 'Springs'..which is where our town gets it's water from. It's peaceful and gives me a chance to reflect on all the true blessings I have in my life. Ya, even in the snow (O:

Love ya Jenny...

Jen said...

What a magnificent post about love and life!!
Bless you!
My husband is a huge huge huge outdoorsman-I can't imagine it being taken from him; but I know with his faith he would have peace.

Tarnished Rose said...

Your post was beautiful. I'm so glad I didn't miss it - I'm behind on reading posts due to surgery. My husband, son, and I fish together some and we all participate in his baseball, with my husband being the assistant coach and me the scorekeeper. Sadly, due to allergies and the damaged discs that led to surgery, I have been unable to be outside a lot in the past few years, but I do attend all my son's baseball games and fish with him in our pond and occasionally out on our boat. He's growing into a wonderful teenager and hopefully an equally wonderful man.

How great of you to honor your friend's son's memory like you have.

I'm a follower & have been for a while.

Smiles~ (with a hint of sad)
Marilyn
www.DollsEtc.Blogspot.com

yyam said...

Indeed we should celebrate a life well-lived! :)

I enjoy spending time with my nephews on Saturdays...just playing with them and reading to them. It reminds me of my childhood! :)

Annesphamily said...

Since our youngest son Nick is a runner we walk together. Or run! We love seeing the evening start to stay lighter outside and we know we are in for some phun times! Even the dogs like to walk with us!

Tara said...

I think you have a heart as big as the ocean Jenny! What a generous and beautiful idea and I am sure Mike would be honored. You needn't add my name to your giveaway since I won the last one, but I'll answer anyway.

Let's see outside, summertime is most certainly BBQ time, the rest of the time it's hit and miss with the rain. We also have a family reunion/campout with my Mom's family every year. We just had our 21st anniversary, that's always fun!

Anonymous said...

jennymatlock.blogspot.com; You saved my day again.

People Who Know Me Would Say: said...

I love doing anything in the rain with family, friends, pets and God.

Mega HUGS, Matlock.......

Cassie said...

Your thoughts are so amazingly expressed in your writing...I am in awe. You make me laugh, you make me cry....I just love you and your blog.

Tolentreasures said...

Hands in the dirt
Watching the grandchildren ride bikes
Cooking out
Sitting on the deck on a warm summer evening, eating supper with my husband after a long work day.

gayle said...

Beautiful post!! I am not much of an outdoor person ...Unless I am with my grandson...then anything goes....the park or taking a walk!!

Colleen - the AmAzINg Mrs. B said...

Oh Jenny, I found this entry at just the right time - I lost my brother in January and am having a tear-filled day of my own. Seems like "birds of a feather" do like to flock together in comfort and love..and in mourning. Thank you for such a sweet post. And God Bless Mike and his family.

Personalized Sketches and Sentiments said...

Oh...I just became a follower, not because of this post...since it wasnt until just now that I then read this post. What a tribute. It was a kleenex post, for sure, but also a tribute...

Blessings & Aloha!
Just spending any time with family...doing anything and everything...savoring memories...tucking them away to bring back out and bask in... so thankful for photos to help remember times spent together.

Anonymous said...

Hi Jenny: I am a new follower and now that I have wiped away the tears, I would like a chance to win your giveaway. I love scrappy rag quilts and most of all, love the great outdoors. I will think of your moving post many more times and every time I look at the quilt (if I win, of course) :)

Maria said...

We are not for this world. We are here for but a short interval. We will meet again in eternity.

Me? I enjoy every precious moment with my family. Juyst being and living in the present.

Mike is with Jesus now. Be happy.

Karens-Korner said...

Loved the story... the blanket makes me want to sit under the stars in front of a fireplace....

Karen

Tina❀ said...

Another memory is the family reunion. How I love my family reunions. Especially since my parents are gone. My mothers family is wonderful. Down to earth hill billies, really, they are. I fit in nicely, lol. They don't care if you show up in a Mercedes or an old rusty ford. The food is great, comforting to say the least. We've lost quite a few, but it continues to grow with new babies and people who decide they need the family back in their life.

crow_hollow_primitives said...

I just so love this blanket. It makes me want to curl up on a river bank beside a bonfire and roast marshmellows with the kids and look up at the moon and stars

crow_hollow_primitives said...

I just so love this blanket. It makes me want to curl up on a river bank beside a bonfire and roast marshmellows with the kids and look up at the moon and stars

Anonymous said...

PKW?? Definitely!

I love working in the yard all day with my husband - he goes his way and does his chores, I go mine. And we bump into each other once in awhile, or seek each other's opinion about something. Then, at the end of the day, we sit and have a much deserved beer and watch the sun set. Perfect.

eeekj35 said...

Please enter me in your giveaway. We are campers and fisherpeople. I also love to run, bike and swim. We have firepits and take walks with the dog.
That quilt will get a lot of use. Thanks so much, Kim the prim schoolmarm

I am a follower.

Anonymous said...

We like to take our dog to the dog parks and the dog beach. It is fun to watch the all the other dogs in the water. Ours hates water but likes the sand.
I am a follower.

Terry said...

We had a lot of loss in our life in the past year. We had many blessings too. We are going into this year with a new way of seeing pretty much everything.

My favorite thing to do outdoors is to go hiking in the woods. We haven't gone often enough in the past, but I can't wait for spring so we can start fresh.

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

So sad to hear that Mike passed away! I remember you blogging about him not long after we started to read each other's blogs. I hope his end was peaxceful.

You know I love to walk outdoors, Jenny. My foot is almost 100% and I have been enjoying my walks again! Strange how I was walking in a cemetery this weekend while you were at a wake and funeral. I always feel so peaceful there.

♥ Pat

Pam D said...

Oh, I had to comment. The contest is over, but this isn't about a contest. This is about life. I tend to avoid the outdoors part of it lately; somehow the cold seems colder and the heat seems unbearable. But I do need to remember how fleeting time really is; even if my boy lives out the full measure of his days, there will be a day when he no longer is here in our household. So I'd better take advantage of it while he is! Thank you for the sweet kick in the rear. Time to get movin'.

Rocky Mountain Woman said...

Hi Jenny,

I don't know how I stumbled on to your blog, but I wanted to let you know how much your story touched me. I lost an adult son five years ago and it was the love and support of people like you that made all the difference.

I hope your friend can get as much comfort from her friends as I did from mine. Your story is beautiful!

Thanks for sharing...

therockymountainwoman.com

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競馬予想 said...

2010 競馬予想 各厩舎・調教師から届けられる最強の馬券情報を限定公開!本物の オッズ 表はコレだ

友達 said...

よく「彼氏いるでしょ~?」って言われるけど、イナイよσ(‾^‾)トモダチ集めてホームパーティーなんかしたりするのがマイブームでして♪♪好きな人ができてもハズかしくて告れない…(>_< )しゅりのココロをゲットしてぇ~☆コドモっぽい性格だから年上でお兄ちゃんみたいな人がタイプだよ(*^m^*) h-13-i-12@docomo.ne.jp

Schotzy said...

Mo sent this to me in Virginia and what a treasure for her to always remember this bittersweet day..... Your gift is a priceless tribute to a life well lied and loved... I am honored to have shared in the day through this remarkable post!Thanks for sharing!
Carolyn Cyphers