Well here is an interesting story. When I was ten or so my Mom went into rehab for alcoholism after a long stint in the hospital getting a liver shunt and almost dying. One of the jokes I used to hear at AA meetings with my Mom was when she went into rehab everyone wanted to meet her and talk to her....as happens in rehab I guess. She stayed in her room for a few days. Once she came out, I guess everyone wished she would have stayed in her room....she was apparently real pleasant. I was ten and basically shielded from any ugliness, which was good.
So Mom met Dave while in rehab. Dave was a counselor there, and I know he helped her a great deal. A relationship ensued and he became my Step Dad at probably the worst possible time for him. For me, looking back, I hit the jackpot. I was pretty pissed at my Mom for a lot of things. I was living with my Dad when Mom and Dave got together. At some point my Dad and I were butting heads enough that we needed a break. As I have explained in another post, my Mom and Dad had the genius idea (seriously the best thing they ever did) to let me stay in the house I was raised in, Dad would move out and Mom and Dave would move in. At this point I was 13 and angry. Not a good combo.
Dave was wonderful to me, no matter how rotten I was. He never tried to push discipline on me, never tried to boss me around and was always the voice of reason when my Mom and I were going at it with each other. Of course I would not have said this when I was 13!!
Dave got really pissed at me once, just once. I was a pig in my room, but once every so often I would go on a cleaning spree and really get organized. Dave wasn't a pig by any means, but he did hang onto stuff. Around his chair was piles of magazines, articles, information, books, etc. One day I was feeling particularly organized so I "cleaned" around his chair. Yeah, that didn't go over well. He didn't like it a bit! Funny thing, when I lived my my Dad we had a maid and the first time she came she tossed out two trashbags of stuff from my room and I flipped and went through every bit of it....so it's not like I should have known. Oh well, besides that he was never mad at me, that I knew of, so I can't complain.
27 years later Dave lives in Florida and I still send him nasty birthday cards about how old he is. When he gets really old I guess I will have to stop that....and I turned 40 this last year. He had 30 years of revenge due to him....I have to say he was nicer than I thought.
So today is his birthday and I was only able to leave a message for him. So, Pop, I love you very much, happy birthday. Thanks for putting up with far more than you should have and I know you know what I mean. You have been a wonderful Step Dad and role model and I am grateful that you are in my life. Love you!
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Happy Birthday Papa Jump
Yep, another birthday blog. I am really enjoying these birthday blogs. Hopefully readers are as well. This birthday blog is for Bob Jump. Bob, I call him Dad, is the Step Dad of my ex husband. We take blended families to new levels in this family. I'm hoping that trend does not continue because it's already pretty tough to follow.
So Dad's birthday is today and I didn't call him. I'll make that better tomorrow, but at least wanted to get a blog written so he knows I was thinking about him on his special day. I just had to remind his son to call...I'll have to make sure I get credit for that, but I don't want to call this late.
I met Dad back in 1992 I believe, possibly late 1992. Anyway, Dad and Mom, welcomed me into their family very quickly. As an only child with a small circle of family it was a little overwhelming, but it was also great. I was invited to all family dinners and loved the fun family times. So one Christmas, most of us kids were married by then, Mom asked for some grandkids. So we delivered, literally. I think between all five kids we delivered about 10 grandkids in just a few years. I think there is a total of like 16 now!
Dad has always been a wonderful babysitter, entertainer and teacher to the girls. He spent many a weekend on the floor letting babies climb all over him. We were lucky enough to live right around the corner for a few years so we had fun pool time and lots of frequent visits and dinners. It was awesome having them so close by. Sam and Brooke in particular knew if Grammy said no, Papa might say yes! The girls had him wrapped around their fingers.
When our marriage became difficult Dad was there to help and counsel us. He was always fair and considerate and guided us that no matter what our kids come first and despite the divorce that is something we have always held fast to. Thank you for that.
When I married Donald, you graciously attended the wedding and for that I am very grateful. I value being part of this family.
These days we find our time together is much more limited. You travel and we know you love that, but we do miss you. It was great to see you on Halloween. It was also great to see you at the service for your Mom. She will be missed, I always loved her sense of humor and tell it like it is way. Anyway it was great to see your siblings and all the cousins. We need to find happy reasons to get together, like your Birthday!! But I hear you are in AZ. So have fun on your travels and I hope you had a wonderful Birthday!
Love you!
So Dad's birthday is today and I didn't call him. I'll make that better tomorrow, but at least wanted to get a blog written so he knows I was thinking about him on his special day. I just had to remind his son to call...I'll have to make sure I get credit for that, but I don't want to call this late.
I met Dad back in 1992 I believe, possibly late 1992. Anyway, Dad and Mom, welcomed me into their family very quickly. As an only child with a small circle of family it was a little overwhelming, but it was also great. I was invited to all family dinners and loved the fun family times. So one Christmas, most of us kids were married by then, Mom asked for some grandkids. So we delivered, literally. I think between all five kids we delivered about 10 grandkids in just a few years. I think there is a total of like 16 now!
Dad has always been a wonderful babysitter, entertainer and teacher to the girls. He spent many a weekend on the floor letting babies climb all over him. We were lucky enough to live right around the corner for a few years so we had fun pool time and lots of frequent visits and dinners. It was awesome having them so close by. Sam and Brooke in particular knew if Grammy said no, Papa might say yes! The girls had him wrapped around their fingers.
When our marriage became difficult Dad was there to help and counsel us. He was always fair and considerate and guided us that no matter what our kids come first and despite the divorce that is something we have always held fast to. Thank you for that.
When I married Donald, you graciously attended the wedding and for that I am very grateful. I value being part of this family.
These days we find our time together is much more limited. You travel and we know you love that, but we do miss you. It was great to see you on Halloween. It was also great to see you at the service for your Mom. She will be missed, I always loved her sense of humor and tell it like it is way. Anyway it was great to see your siblings and all the cousins. We need to find happy reasons to get together, like your Birthday!! But I hear you are in AZ. So have fun on your travels and I hope you had a wonderful Birthday!
Love you!
Saturday, January 15, 2011
I'm an Excellent Driver
I’m sitting here on the couch with my 14 year old that is sick, reflecting on my day. She, Sam, spiked a crazy fever tonight after a week on steroids for asthma and antibiotics for an upper respiratory infection. Nine days into this and she spikes a major fever. She’s sleeping next to me on the couch. I wanted her close to me.
I had no idea my day would wrap up like this. Of course, like everyone else, I can’t predict how my day will play out. I guess if any of us could we might never leave the house. I have a bit of a soda habit these days. After taking the kids to school I head to McDonalds for my extra large Diet Dr Pepper. This morning was no different, except….after procuring my soda, I turned out of the drive thru only to hear the horrible sound of the side of my new car being, what I thought was, destroyed.
Now see, here is where you need some history. The streak I thought was over started years ago when I had my mini van. Some knucklehead backed into my side door with my girls in the car. No injuries, his family paid for the damage. My next car was a Camry SE, very cute, V6, black, OK cute for a MILF car. I had multiple incidents in that car, the last of which involved a BobCat Dozer, an illegal alien, and a prolonger repair process. My next car was a new Camry Mom edition. No V6, very boring. In the second week of owning the car I was rear-ended on the freeway. Then each corner of the front bumper was munched and I know some other crap happened, but I can’t recall right now. I had to get out of that car. So we got the new car…the one I destroyed this morning.
So I pulled into the parking lot, knowing the car was jacked. As I got out of the car I debated calling Donald before or after or during the time I saw the damage. I decided not to call at that time. I got out of the car. The drive thru girl was hanging out of the window. Oh lord I felt lame. So I walked to passenger side of the car and was amazed. It appears that the plastic wrap around bumper was disengaged, but bounced back prior to cracking and the only sign of an issue is the seam where the clip is bent. I think it can be totally fixed, easily. I told the hubster about it late in the day. Guess he’s been around long enough to know I am a chick driver. I hate that.
But then you come home and you see what’s really important.
I had no idea my day would wrap up like this. Of course, like everyone else, I can’t predict how my day will play out. I guess if any of us could we might never leave the house. I have a bit of a soda habit these days. After taking the kids to school I head to McDonalds for my extra large Diet Dr Pepper. This morning was no different, except….after procuring my soda, I turned out of the drive thru only to hear the horrible sound of the side of my new car being, what I thought was, destroyed.
Now see, here is where you need some history. The streak I thought was over started years ago when I had my mini van. Some knucklehead backed into my side door with my girls in the car. No injuries, his family paid for the damage. My next car was a Camry SE, very cute, V6, black, OK cute for a MILF car. I had multiple incidents in that car, the last of which involved a BobCat Dozer, an illegal alien, and a prolonger repair process. My next car was a new Camry Mom edition. No V6, very boring. In the second week of owning the car I was rear-ended on the freeway. Then each corner of the front bumper was munched and I know some other crap happened, but I can’t recall right now. I had to get out of that car. So we got the new car…the one I destroyed this morning.
So I pulled into the parking lot, knowing the car was jacked. As I got out of the car I debated calling Donald before or after or during the time I saw the damage. I decided not to call at that time. I got out of the car. The drive thru girl was hanging out of the window. Oh lord I felt lame. So I walked to passenger side of the car and was amazed. It appears that the plastic wrap around bumper was disengaged, but bounced back prior to cracking and the only sign of an issue is the seam where the clip is bent. I think it can be totally fixed, easily. I told the hubster about it late in the day. Guess he’s been around long enough to know I am a chick driver. I hate that.
But then you come home and you see what’s really important.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Renee it's Your Birthday
Hi long lost Cousin, it's your Birthday. Renee was born after me, to my Mother's Brother Gary and his wife Kathy. I think Renee might be named after me, but I can't be certain. My middle name is Rene, hers first is Renee. Our Mom's are gone, so I can't verify that. Her Dad and my Mom were Brother/Sister.
Renee is a few years younger than me and I recall being very pleased to have a cousin. I loved spending time with Renee when she was a baby, but our families did not get together often. I have few memories of Renee when we were little. I do recall our other cousin Dustin being afraid of us, he was right in between in age. Renee has a Brother Dave, younger. I recall very little from their house, but I know their Mom left when they were young. I don't know the circumstances, I was way too young. I know Uncle Gary married Pam, and she seemed so wonderful. Perceptions of step parents can vary.....don't I know it....another blog. Thank goodness I had wonderful ones, and I hope I am a good one.
Their Dad married and I had little contact for years. Some of that was just family crap, some the fact that we really didn't talk, some other things. As an only child of an only child, I missed having cousins readily at hand. Our families had their issues. There were many years when we met at the holidays and it was awkward at best. Talk about feeling like the red headed step child....and remember, I found out this grandparent passed away from the ice cream lady.
OK, but Renee, my only girl cousin. I know you are not having fun these days. I know you are not my biggest fan. I can tell you only one thing. I speak the truth. I know exactly where you are at. I know how to pick you up from where you are. You can either continue in your victim mode, or you can rise above it and rescue your children and yourself. The choice is yours and you can make 1000 excuses, but you have ALL THE POWER. Renee, stop being a victim. You can do anything you want if you just quit fighting everything. I love you and wish you the best.
Renee is a few years younger than me and I recall being very pleased to have a cousin. I loved spending time with Renee when she was a baby, but our families did not get together often. I have few memories of Renee when we were little. I do recall our other cousin Dustin being afraid of us, he was right in between in age. Renee has a Brother Dave, younger. I recall very little from their house, but I know their Mom left when they were young. I don't know the circumstances, I was way too young. I know Uncle Gary married Pam, and she seemed so wonderful. Perceptions of step parents can vary.....don't I know it....another blog. Thank goodness I had wonderful ones, and I hope I am a good one.
Their Dad married and I had little contact for years. Some of that was just family crap, some the fact that we really didn't talk, some other things. As an only child of an only child, I missed having cousins readily at hand. Our families had their issues. There were many years when we met at the holidays and it was awkward at best. Talk about feeling like the red headed step child....and remember, I found out this grandparent passed away from the ice cream lady.
OK, but Renee, my only girl cousin. I know you are not having fun these days. I know you are not my biggest fan. I can tell you only one thing. I speak the truth. I know exactly where you are at. I know how to pick you up from where you are. You can either continue in your victim mode, or you can rise above it and rescue your children and yourself. The choice is yours and you can make 1000 excuses, but you have ALL THE POWER. Renee, stop being a victim. You can do anything you want if you just quit fighting everything. I love you and wish you the best.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Happy Birthday Heath Osborn
Heath Osborn, what can I say about my older friend? We met in November of 1997, I had just moved in. You were single, living in Lakeside, the son of great neighbors who have come to mean the world to me and as good of friends as one can have. Your Sister is one of my best friends and we have shared tons of memories with our daughters who are so close in age. You and Adina make our river trips fantastic.
I remember when you started dating Adina (after the whole neighborhood saw your ass way too many times….I’m glad she put an end to that). You both were genuinely happy and a wedding was soon to follow. Your wedding was one of my favorites at Lake San Marcos.
Soon I was introduced to Emerald Cove in Parker, AZ and fun family times. Heather and I drove there ma times with my van loaded with stuff and kids. What can I say about river trips? So many memories. Monsoons, Johnny Wong, Beersby…so many more. Remember when Donald lit your BBQ and almost blew us all up, but then Adina came flying out of the house with Lily, she caught Lily, but fell hard. Remember when I fell off the boat late at night? How about the night you guys went riding the golf cart and it died a mile from the house and you made the girls push it home and then when you got home your Dad started it? What about when your Mom in Law was hammered and fell in the chair and you imitated her, only you fell worse?
Oh so many great memories. I love that my husband knew you in high school and brought you home hammered and snuck you in the door when you couldn’t make your key work….and that your Mom nailed him for it 22 years after the fact.
How about all the block parties? I will never forget the year you and Lou put on those suits and danced to the disco music of the 70’s. Damn we didn’t have YouTube then!
Loved the cruise we all went on in 2007. Good times! The best was when I had my accident and you mocked me while holding Charlee and fell in the waves…..punishment!
You have a beautiful family and a wonderful life. We missed you while you moved to AZ. We are so glad to have you in our lives. Happy Birthday Friend.
I remember when you started dating Adina (after the whole neighborhood saw your ass way too many times….I’m glad she put an end to that). You both were genuinely happy and a wedding was soon to follow. Your wedding was one of my favorites at Lake San Marcos.
Soon I was introduced to Emerald Cove in Parker, AZ and fun family times. Heather and I drove there ma times with my van loaded with stuff and kids. What can I say about river trips? So many memories. Monsoons, Johnny Wong, Beersby…so many more. Remember when Donald lit your BBQ and almost blew us all up, but then Adina came flying out of the house with Lily, she caught Lily, but fell hard. Remember when I fell off the boat late at night? How about the night you guys went riding the golf cart and it died a mile from the house and you made the girls push it home and then when you got home your Dad started it? What about when your Mom in Law was hammered and fell in the chair and you imitated her, only you fell worse?
Oh so many great memories. I love that my husband knew you in high school and brought you home hammered and snuck you in the door when you couldn’t make your key work….and that your Mom nailed him for it 22 years after the fact.
How about all the block parties? I will never forget the year you and Lou put on those suits and danced to the disco music of the 70’s. Damn we didn’t have YouTube then!
Loved the cruise we all went on in 2007. Good times! The best was when I had my accident and you mocked me while holding Charlee and fell in the waves…..punishment!
You have a beautiful family and a wonderful life. We missed you while you moved to AZ. We are so glad to have you in our lives. Happy Birthday Friend.
Terri Chase, it's your turn!
Come on down, I hear your birthday is coming right up. I am so enjoying the birthday blog and if you are reading this and have a birthday (I bet you do) send it to me and I will try and blog about you.
Terri Chase, this is for you. You sat in front of us most weeks at church. Or we sat behind you depending on how you look at things. You sat with Amanda, and Bruce would join eventually after his welcoming duties. Sabrina was usually volunteering with other kids. Bruce always welcomed us upon arrival too. One time we sat in your seats and you jokingly asked why? We laughed. Church seating is open, but we always sit in the same place and feel off put if someone sits in our row. We have tried out several churches and we always find a place to sit that we somehow find as our own, and we become annoyed when others claim it. What is up with that?
Our girls attend youth group together. We think the world of Sabrina. Amanda is great too, but we really didn't get to know her before she left for school. Sabrina is amazing and has become so beautiful over the last year. I know she has given you issues (hello don't they all??), but I am convinced she is a wonderful young lady in her own right.
A memory that comes to mind is when we had to meet at the church office over an incident that occurred with the kids. That kind of stuff happens rarely because we have good kids, but it was no fun. Thankfully we are within a group of wonderful, realistic, understanding parents who get that their kids will make mistakes…and we can talk openly without judgment. We had some laughs too.
Donald always enjoyed his interactions with you in the course of work. He says you have been very busy lately but I am sure you caught up at the party this weekend. You were always so welcoming at church every week and embraced us and our children unconditionally.
Have a wonderful birthday and enjoy the tater salad recipe too!
Terri Chase, this is for you. You sat in front of us most weeks at church. Or we sat behind you depending on how you look at things. You sat with Amanda, and Bruce would join eventually after his welcoming duties. Sabrina was usually volunteering with other kids. Bruce always welcomed us upon arrival too. One time we sat in your seats and you jokingly asked why? We laughed. Church seating is open, but we always sit in the same place and feel off put if someone sits in our row. We have tried out several churches and we always find a place to sit that we somehow find as our own, and we become annoyed when others claim it. What is up with that?
Our girls attend youth group together. We think the world of Sabrina. Amanda is great too, but we really didn't get to know her before she left for school. Sabrina is amazing and has become so beautiful over the last year. I know she has given you issues (hello don't they all??), but I am convinced she is a wonderful young lady in her own right.
A memory that comes to mind is when we had to meet at the church office over an incident that occurred with the kids. That kind of stuff happens rarely because we have good kids, but it was no fun. Thankfully we are within a group of wonderful, realistic, understanding parents who get that their kids will make mistakes…and we can talk openly without judgment. We had some laughs too.
Donald always enjoyed his interactions with you in the course of work. He says you have been very busy lately but I am sure you caught up at the party this weekend. You were always so welcoming at church every week and embraced us and our children unconditionally.
Have a wonderful birthday and enjoy the tater salad recipe too!
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Another Birthday Blog
This time for Sean Renfroe. Sean moved into the neighborhood 4 years ago in Dec 2006. I know we were disgusted with his family because they moved in about 3 days before Christmas and had the nerve to decorate the yard with Christmas crap. Mind you, we go completely nuts at this time of the year with yard crap, but Donald had the flu and we just didn't get it done....the year they moved in. We didn't have a lot of interaction right away. We took a bottle of champagne over to welcome them and we appeared to be very normal...fooled them for a while. Donald and I married in March of 2007. Sean happened to come home as my daughters and I were taking pictures in the front yard and he was very sweet.
We got to know Sean and his family in 2007. They have kids our kid's ages and currently our daughter Sam is their son's girlfriend. That's another blog. So needless to say we got along quickly. They just fit in so well. We invited their family on one of our river adventures. Picture this, Sean and Donald are in the drivers cab of the RV. Charity (his wife) and I are right behind them on a couch and the kids are watching DVD's. We are not more than 3 miles from the house in the RVwhen Sean starts talking about faith and Christianity. I could see Donald recoiling and I was thinking, oh crap, who have we invited on vacation? Neither of us were opposed terribly to religion, but we also didn't want to be recruited. OK, I might have been opposed. Charity, sensing our discomfort shut him down, which was totally funny. However to Sean's credit, our family has found faith and we are all exploring our relationship with Christ. Praise God. We didn't want to go to church, Sean convinced us. We didn't feel it with some churches, but we kept trying and we found a home. Sean is largely responsible for our faith, and I should probably thank him. Thank you friend.
So I got somewhat off track here. The point is, Sean is a wonderful man. He is a leader in faith, he works hard, he is honest, he is a wonderful father and friend. Sean would give you his last penny or the shirt off his back.
Since Sean and his family moved in, we have become very close family friends. We go on family vacations. Our kids are best friends. Charity and I work together. Their son and our daughter as mention previously are bf/gf.
If you happen to read this, ask Sean about squirting lime juice into a good friend's eye....it's a good story.
Happy Birthday Sean. Thank you for everything you are to us.
We got to know Sean and his family in 2007. They have kids our kid's ages and currently our daughter Sam is their son's girlfriend. That's another blog. So needless to say we got along quickly. They just fit in so well. We invited their family on one of our river adventures. Picture this, Sean and Donald are in the drivers cab of the RV. Charity (his wife) and I are right behind them on a couch and the kids are watching DVD's. We are not more than 3 miles from the house in the RVwhen Sean starts talking about faith and Christianity. I could see Donald recoiling and I was thinking, oh crap, who have we invited on vacation? Neither of us were opposed terribly to religion, but we also didn't want to be recruited. OK, I might have been opposed. Charity, sensing our discomfort shut him down, which was totally funny. However to Sean's credit, our family has found faith and we are all exploring our relationship with Christ. Praise God. We didn't want to go to church, Sean convinced us. We didn't feel it with some churches, but we kept trying and we found a home. Sean is largely responsible for our faith, and I should probably thank him. Thank you friend.
So I got somewhat off track here. The point is, Sean is a wonderful man. He is a leader in faith, he works hard, he is honest, he is a wonderful father and friend. Sean would give you his last penny or the shirt off his back.
Since Sean and his family moved in, we have become very close family friends. We go on family vacations. Our kids are best friends. Charity and I work together. Their son and our daughter as mention previously are bf/gf.
If you happen to read this, ask Sean about squirting lime juice into a good friend's eye....it's a good story.
Happy Birthday Sean. Thank you for everything you are to us.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
My Friend Shannon
OK really?? 2011 is the year my computer seeks her revenge on me. Screw that, I'm buying a new one you dumb bitch. I want to write as many birthday blogs as I can. My friend Shannon, though we don’t connect as much as I wish (because I am LAME) is the bestest.
I just wrote about half of a nice blog post about my friend Shannon Walk when the computer dumped it. If this one sucks, the one that got dumped was brilliant!! Shannon and I met in 7th or 8th grade. Honestly I can’t recall. It was at the hell that was junior high for me. Some kids did well in junior high, I spent those years wanting to die. I was a golden child in 6th grade and got knocked on my ass in junior high for a number of reasons. One thing I know, we met in Mr. Walker’s class. Mr. Walker was the Grandpa of a great friend of mine, Natalie Walker. I still know her. Mr. Walker wasn’t a tough teacher. He was the soft landing place all of us in junior high needed in order to learn a little about ourselves. We wrote an autobiography in his class. I have no idea what mine said. I know many of us found some identity in this process. For the record, Mrs. Walker (not sure of the exact relation) was my Campfire Girl leader, another rock in my life.
OK, so my friend Shannon. She had a perfect family. Mom, Dad, Brother, all intact. By the time I met her mine was in shambles. OK, they weren’t perfect, but they sure seemed like it. I know they had the same struggles all families did. Let’s just say they were a wonderful example for me. Sadly Shannon’s Mom was diagnosed with cancer. She fought the tough fight. She drove us to school in carpool when she was going through chemo. I was so oblivious. I knew what was going on, but I really had no idea. I wish I was there more for all of them. When she passed, I felt awful. I went to the service, I cried so hard. I hurt so bad, but I felt so numb because I didn’t know how to help.
We went back to school. I can’t recall talking about it. Maybe we did, I can’t recall. We seemed to have such deep discussions about everything, yet I can’t recall any conclusions we came to.
My family went through their tough times. I can’t recall the discussions. We had so many years together that I think were worth blocking out after that. My family went on to new connections. I thank God for my Dad and Step Mom Shannon went on to some wonderful connections
I’m going to skip to today because I am sure we can agree those years we skipped are tough ones. I have some awesome kids. Shannon has some awesome kids. We are healthy and happy….and on the 5th Shannon turns 41, while her much younger friend stays 40!
Love you Shannon!
I just wrote about half of a nice blog post about my friend Shannon Walk when the computer dumped it. If this one sucks, the one that got dumped was brilliant!! Shannon and I met in 7th or 8th grade. Honestly I can’t recall. It was at the hell that was junior high for me. Some kids did well in junior high, I spent those years wanting to die. I was a golden child in 6th grade and got knocked on my ass in junior high for a number of reasons. One thing I know, we met in Mr. Walker’s class. Mr. Walker was the Grandpa of a great friend of mine, Natalie Walker. I still know her. Mr. Walker wasn’t a tough teacher. He was the soft landing place all of us in junior high needed in order to learn a little about ourselves. We wrote an autobiography in his class. I have no idea what mine said. I know many of us found some identity in this process. For the record, Mrs. Walker (not sure of the exact relation) was my Campfire Girl leader, another rock in my life.
OK, so my friend Shannon. She had a perfect family. Mom, Dad, Brother, all intact. By the time I met her mine was in shambles. OK, they weren’t perfect, but they sure seemed like it. I know they had the same struggles all families did. Let’s just say they were a wonderful example for me. Sadly Shannon’s Mom was diagnosed with cancer. She fought the tough fight. She drove us to school in carpool when she was going through chemo. I was so oblivious. I knew what was going on, but I really had no idea. I wish I was there more for all of them. When she passed, I felt awful. I went to the service, I cried so hard. I hurt so bad, but I felt so numb because I didn’t know how to help.
We went back to school. I can’t recall talking about it. Maybe we did, I can’t recall. We seemed to have such deep discussions about everything, yet I can’t recall any conclusions we came to.
My family went through their tough times. I can’t recall the discussions. We had so many years together that I think were worth blocking out after that. My family went on to new connections. I thank God for my Dad and Step Mom Shannon went on to some wonderful connections
I’m going to skip to today because I am sure we can agree those years we skipped are tough ones. I have some awesome kids. Shannon has some awesome kids. We are healthy and happy….and on the 5th Shannon turns 41, while her much younger friend stays 40!
Love you Shannon!
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