February Traditions

There is something to be said about traditions.  I can think back on my own family of origin, and all the things my parents did for me growing up to provide that unique joy and comfort that tradition brings.   One of those traditions was the celebrating of birthdays , and the happiness that came from that one day of the year that was marked as extra special , and just for you.

For years now, Brian's sister Bridget has been coming from NY to celebrate her and Brian's birthdays with us.  They are 2 days (and 5 years!) apart.   I am not sure how long this tradition has been going on, but I have to say, I treasure it.......

Despite the biting cold, snowy weather.....

We didn't let it rain on our birthday party parade.  What do they say, "when life hands you lemons, make lemonades?"  Well, that is just what we did........

Or maybe in our case, a better way to put it:  "When life hands you six inches of snow, make a snowman!"

As you can tell , Lucy seemed to be a bit fascinated with eating and licking the snow.......

We named our snowman "Chief." 

There was lots of snuggling and hanging out by the fire......

And nicknaming people who haven't combed their hair all day "cockatoo"  (can you guess who?).......

And letting Lucy snap a few pics with the camera......

And making special birthday wishes......

Bridget got Bri the Superman shirt for his birthday.  I would say that is just about right.

And being entertained by these two birds who hung out with us all weekend , running into our windows......

We affectionately named them "Beeker" (the female) :

And "Pecker" (the male) :

 

But inevitably, there came that time when Bridget had to depart , and Lucy had to go back to school (after 10 days off!).   All good things must come to an end , I guess.

But the memories of good times shared will always last.  Thanks for coming B, and keeping this tradition alive and well. 

Family Makes Everything Better

If she had been with us, she would have enjoyed every minute of it.  All of her children , and most of her siblings , along with all of her grandchildren , and some of her nieces and nephews.... All together to celebrate her life and remember her fondly.

Two of Ann's brothers:  John and Mark

Having family together was what she loved.  It was a theme that came out over and over again, in shared conversations, over food and drink.  If you just looked around her house, at any given moment during the time that we were all together, you could see what she helped to create :

Uncle Johnny and Timmy

Uncle Paul, Uncle Mark and Brian

Family enjoying one another......

Talking and remembering......

Laughing and enjoying......

Reminiscing and missing.......

Sharing and catching up......



And I guess a little of drinking and drowning (our sorrows that is)...........Just a little.

The time spent with family made everything better (and the Wii certainly helped with the kiddos).

There were a few Seattle fans in the house.   (Uncle Mark lives in Seattle.)   Needless to say, the ending of that Super Bowl game did not help with anyone's sorrows.

Ann's brothers:  Paul, Jim and Tom in front and Mark and John in back.

Lucy with her cousin Lucas and Aunt Bridget.

Cousin Michelle and her son Lucas.  And what about that photogenic dog Tucker?

Thanks to Uncle Mark for organizing this picture. 

Even though she wasn't with us physically, she was spiritually.  There was one thing that happened that proved this.  It happened in the church, the day of the funeral.

After a biting cold , very snowy , windy morning -- with no sunshine to be found -- what do you think happened right after the eulogy?   Right through the stained glass window in the front of the church? Right on the pews where all the family was sitting? 

A bright beam of sunshine poked its rays right through that window.

Bridget had just finished honoring her life , and summing up all that she was to all of us.  We hadn't seen the sun all day.  And then.....there it was.

In talking to others after the service, many noticed it.


There is no doubt in my mind that she was right there with us, smiling brightly and bringing us the warmth of her spiritual presence.   Not just that day at the church, but the entire week we were together.  What a blessing she was......and continues to be.