December 25, 2019 Silent night…holy night…the world held its breath…expectantly…a Savior…a King…a baby. A star to guide the shepherds. Today has been a day of quiet, literally on “a road to nowhere”…quiet, peace, silence. Such a sweet respite for our souls. Within me, though…there is a cacophony of emotions in my heart today. Joy…for sweet,…
December 16, 2019 I will always love Christmas. In spite of the commercialism, which I notice now in ways that I didn’t used to notice…My heart is much more sensitive to the true meaning of Christmas. I love our decorated house; Ashley loved our decorated house. A beautiful space…full of anticipation, of family, of joy,…
December 14, 2019 Grief and gratitude…together. They can be intertwined and for a grieving parent, usually are intertwined…one joining the other, interlaced in an odd dance that we could have never imagined. Distinct, yet in grief…often different emotions and forces that are brought together. One overriding the other, often coexisting at the same time. I…
There are many things I have done to get through this journey. Today, I finally did it…got a tattoo! It is meaningful, as I’d hope most tattoos are. Not like you can just wash it off. First, the heart with Ashley’s name…that’s her signature. It’s from a Mother’s Day card from a couple of years…
So blessed by two loving sisters. Thank you for your thoughtful kindnesses this week (Rhonda & Cindi)! I love you both! Also blessed by my amazing son, Zach, who get me a gift from him and from Ashley. Then, an actual gift from Ashley…she found a way to give me a gift! 💕 God is…
One year ago. Ashley loved working when therapy dogs were visiting the ER. Love your babies today…hug them, tell them how blessed your life is because of the gift they are to your life. I love you, Ashley…I will see you soon! 🥰 💕 🥰
Sept. 30, 2019 Beautiful. Ephemeral. Big revelation coming; I love butterflies. Who doesn’t right? Since April 21st, I find myself drawn to them, and I see them more than I did before. Well, maybe I notice them more. I don’t like to think that I would have been oblivious to something so enchanting, but perhaps….…
Note: Our house floods fairly often, and this was written after being flooded. Today has been unexpectedly emotional. Cleaning…finding things I had forgotten about…finding things that are likely ruined, things I wasn’t ready to say “good-bye” to yet. So, this is my “Hope Chest”, which I’ve had for 36 years. It holds many special memories.…
Get-aways have always been a needed retreat for me and Bill. Now that Ashley is gone, it has become even more important. We love Alpine and Big Bend…the quietness, serenity, and slower pace are so refreshing. As we left, I asked God for a special sign. It wasn’t what I asked Him for, but it…
September 9, 2019 Yesterday, Bill and I took his delicious BBQ (brisket and ribs) to the fire station (Houston Fire Station 78) that came to our aid the night we found Ashley. They are right next door to where she lived, and on that night, I was able to go to the balcony and call…