Because of Her

"The suffering we experience after we have lost someone is

merely a reflection of the magnitude of the love we have for them."

Last year on this day, she wanted to take her children and grandchildren to the amusement park.   She wanted Lucy to experience rides for the first time.  She wanted Vince, Josh and Lindsay to ride roller coasters.  She wanted to buy our meals and sit down together to eat. She simply wanted to be together as a family.  Her wish.  Her request. A selfless act, considering she had an arthritic knee, couldn’t walk far, and had never enjoyed rides.  True to form, she put others before herself.  This last time that she would be alive on July 27th, she was doing what made her happiest:  be with her family.   

So today I will not think of the if-onlys and what-ifs, but will reflect on the immense gratitude I feel that she got what she wanted on the last celebration of her special day.

Thank you God, for giving her to us for 70 years.  

Because of her...we are all better.

Happy Birthday Mom.   In our hearts, we are all still together.

Graces...

~Grandparents who come visit so they can have one-on-one time with their granddaughter.

~A quiet Cathedral in downtown Cleveland--filled with my Mom’s presence--with a “private concert” of sorts on the pipe organ.

~A husband who willingly and graciously takes off work and takes over the household so that I can be with family in need.

~A Dad and an Aunt who I can laugh and cry with.

 

~A daughter who says “I love you” spontaneously and without elicitation.

My first tomato from the garden!

My third peach!

I always want to do what Mama is doing...even wearing her clothes!

Summer is going well.  I hope you can say the same :) !

What Matters Most

I look back on Fourth of July traditions from my childhood with such fondness. The day always started by waking up bright and early at my grandma’s house in Columbus.  A car would drive through the neighborhood, with some brave soul shouting through a megaphone: “Everyone get up! Happy 4^th of July! Time for the parade!”  Crowds of people would gather in Upper Arlington for what I remember as some of the best parades of my life.  Small American flags would be distributed to those in attendance so that they could proudly be waved throughout the parade.   The marching bands were always my favorite, particularly the drum line.  After the parade we gathered at Jack and Jackie's, where what seemed like fifty of my parents' friends would gather for a wonderful brunch, lots of Wimbledon-watching, and plenty of playing outside.   The day was always leisurely and relaxed, with great anticipation for what was to come later that night…the fireworks!  They were always thrilling, and a great way to end the day.

I didn’t appreciate then, what I know to appreciate now. 

The importance of...

Family

Patriotism

Community

Pride

Connection

Relaxation

Togetherness

How grateful I am to my Mom and Dad for the feelings and values that resonate with me as a result of my childhood traditions.

So on this Fourth of July (celebrating for the second year in a row with my niece Lindsay) I could only hope that one day Lucy would also reminisce about her experiences and what mattered the most:  the positive feelings and memories that were established as a result of tradition and being with family. 

Family

 Patriotism

Community

 Pride

  

Connection

 Relaxation

  

Togetherness

  

From our silly girl....Happy Independence Day!