Pulling Back The Rug

My daughter, Annalina, was so brave today. She is passionate and wants to make the world a better place. She truly aches for those who feel alone or lost. She spoke to the Principal and then after to a wonderful counselor and she kept talking until she felt heard. I am proud of her for her dedication to her convictions. It takes a lot of strength to do what she did today, all on her own. One day, she will change the world in a huge way. But today she's starting with her high school.

Sweeping it Under the Rug

Last week, the day after our loss anniversary, a teenager at my daughter's school took his life. But there has been no talk about it, the school isn't providing support/counseling for the students, many of whom, like my daughter, are struggling with this loss. It is being ignored as if it didn't happen. I understand one suicide in this age group can lead to more, but the students all know, they are discussing it. There has to be a solution that will support survivors without glorifying suicide. I feel angry as my daughter cries as she talks about all who are struggling but not getting help. Are they right to keep it quiet? It just feels so wrong.

Crazy Timing!

Today seemed to be harder on my kids than any other since that first day of loss. I think they protected me from their feelings or maybe they did not know how to express what they truly felt before. This year, especially since Camp Kita, the survivors camp they attended this summer, we have talked in depth about our feelings. They have expressed anger, and sadness, and even at times guilt. Well, on today of all days, I got an email that registration for this summer at Camp Kita is open! I've completed registration and we have dates. Good news to get on such a challenging day! See you soon Maine!! Oh, and the check engine light came on today. Ya win some, ya lose some!! =) <3 hr="">

Five Years Gone

Today is my least favorite day of the year. The day my heart shattered into a million little pieces. The day my family changed forever. I want to sleep the day away and not think of Richard. Not remember the shock, the tears, the devastation my family experienced. But I just can't. So I have a full day ahead of me. And I am grateful for the strength I have found over the years. The knowledge that I am a child of God and he truly loves me. The beautiful relationships I have with each of my children. That each of us has survived and thrived after such a tragedy. How can it be five years? It seems like only yesterday. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of him. I miss him and wish he was here, growing old with me.

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Loving words, deaf ears

Five years ago today I had no idea I was spending my last day on earth with this man. We had a very loving relationship, I told him I loved him all the time. At some point he stopped hearing. My heart still aches. Ladies, hug your husbands.

Hey, cupcake!!

Frosting cupcakes and each other. The best of sibling love...

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Silly Siblings

Three of the four siblings, together again!!

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A Visit With The Granddaughter

Melanie and crepes!! Life gets no better than this!!! I brought her new kitty pjs. She loves them! It was such a fun trip.

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Permacat and Foster Bonding

This is Joy. She was sick and so tiny when we got her! Now she is healthy and strong! She goes in for a spay tomorrow, then it won't be long until she is ready for her forever home! We will miss her, even Ahi, who is keeping warm with her today.

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Unpredictable Forecasts

So the weather forecast on my phone says, little to no snow today. We've already got a good 4 inches. And this storm is supposed to last through Tuesday? We'll hope they got that wrong too.

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