Happy Birthday Tyler

Today is Tyler's 12th birthday. I know, I can't believe he's 12 already. All day yesterday I kept thinking about what I was doing twelve years ago. I remember it better than yesterday. I remember what I ate, what I did, when my labor started, etc. My life changed on this day twelve years ago and I wouldn't have it any other way. So, Tyler here are my thoughts on this day.

Tyler, I am so proud of the person that you are becoming. You are nice to people even if they are not nice to you. You are so quick to help anyone in need, whether you know them or not. You are sensitive to people and situations. You have such a big heart and so much love in it. I love your endless faith in all that is good. I hope that you continue to grow with a loving attitude on life. Keep finding the good in situations. Don't ever compromise your beliefs for other people just to fit in. You are a wonderful person. You are a great student (honor roll twice!). There are endless opportunities awaiting you if you continue to try you best. Even though say that I wish you would stop growing up, I am excited for all that you will accomplish. The coming years might be difficult. You will be changing, situations will be changing. One thing that will never change is the love that Chad and I have for you and the fact that we will always be here with support and understanding. You will make bad choices, own up to them, learn from them and move on. Don't let bad things that happen be excuses, instead make them reasons to be better. You will get you feelings hurt, you will lose friends, you will have more crushes that just Stephanie. Stay open to all that is good in life. My wish for you (and Ashley) is that you have a great childhood and that you are a good person. No matter how old you are, you will always be that baby that comforted me as much as I comforted you when we first met. I love you!

Happy Birthday Big Brother

Today is my brother's 35th birthday. I wish we got along better like we did when we were kids but that's not always how life goes. I do love him and wish him the best that life has to offer. So, Happy Birthday, Andy! Love Ya!!!

In memory of Mammaw

I was planning to continue my friends tribute but life has led me to this memorial. Chad's grandma died Monday. She had been very ill for a long time. The family was called in on Friday for final goodbyes. I went as a rep for our part of the family as Chad did not want to see his Grandma in that condition. I'm glad he didn't go. I respect the fact that he wanted to remember her the way she used to be. I hope the rest of his family does too. After the realization that it was her time, her children decided they were not going to let her go alone. They planned out a schedule for the remainder of her time. While this was a wonderful gesture, it wasn't until she was left alone early Monday morning that she passed. The nurse from hospice said that sometimes people want to hang on as long as there is someone with them. They feel like they are letting someone down if they go while they are with them. The funeral is today. It's sad. I feel bad for my husband's family. Just from my experience of my grandparents passing, I know the worst is not over. The days following are hard. Mother's Day will be hard. A year from now might still be hard. Sometimes things like this will tear a family apart. I pray that doesn't happen to this family.