The day my world changed...

a gray winter day

an early morning phone call

and my world forever changed

it's been two years...

TWO YEARS!  How can that be?

It seems like yesterday sometimes.

Where am I in my grief journey?

a digital story in beginning stages that someday I'll find the strength to create...

tears that come at odd times, both quiet and intense...

memories that bring smiles, and even laughter

glimpsing his spirit in the mirror

and in the hearts and eyes of my daughters

faith that has grown deeper

joy experienced

and yet,

missing Dad never truly goes away

Birthdays and other days...I still miss you, Dad!

this photo was taken at our celebration of my upcoming graduation from my masters' program 

(Sept. 2010) I love how naturally happy my dad looks in this shot!

It's my dad's birthday.

He would have been 75.

I still miss him so very much.

Naturally, thoughts of Dad have been prominent...

with Jessica's engagement, I just know he would be so happy, and love how the heirloom diamond graces her finger!

with Mom's memory issues, I would give anything for a chance to talk with Dad...

I always valued his advice and counsel.

I could wish him back, 

but even as much as I miss him, I don't.

How could I?

I know that he is in Heaven, free from the debilitation of Parkinsons' Disease.

So I remember him with joy, 

thankful for the 49 years in which he helped shape who I am...

and I miss him with tears.

Wishing you a happy birthday, Daddy.

I will love you forever!

Meeting the Parents...

This is all new for me...

my in-love, engaged daughter and the man God has blessed her with

I've had the moments of overwhelming awe at how God has answered my prayers for her.

Another incredible experience of His love was last evening

when two families came together over a meal

accompanied by laughter, love, and shared joy!

I can't help but think that this isn't always how it is,

and again, I am thankful.

God is so good!

I can't wait for the wedding 

and for shared celebrations to come!

Ending 2012

2012

a year of change

embracing, trusting, hoping, growing, 

and moving forward with faith

so much to be thankful for, in reflection...

and to anticipate in 2013!

wishes for warm hearts and meaningful celebrations,

and blessings for the new year!

The greatest gift...

My family gave me the greatest gift this Christmas...

without too much grumbling, 

we all played the game Life Stories!

The stories were priceless

and I will always treasure the memories of the time spent together!

Silent Night

As I sang Silent Night by candlelight in my church,

surrounded by my family and hundreds of other worshippers,

I closed my eyes

and pictured other Christmas Eves...

remembering with tears

my dad's Candle Creche...

watching from the choir loft as congregational candles were lit...

different church buildings,

stages of my life,

but always candlelight 

and Silent Night

Stories On Our Tree

the ornaments don't match or coordinate even...

they are a collection of years...

vacation memories, 

family milestones,

each one has a story

Ornaments I made as a child...amazing how they've
stood the test of time!

 always one of my favorites from my family tree growing up

made by a friend from church long ago, 

I love the words that go with it

Breaking up, Making up

Childbirth, First steps

Growing pains, Growing Old

Hellos and Goodbyes...

Life is a mixture of Love and Pain

Pretty, but handle with care

For it can snag you and not let go

Like Love

~Pamela Rowe

the first ornament I gave to Tom when we were engaged

celebrating our home

my favorite flute Angel

the "replacement" Disney ornament

from our 25th Anniversary trip

(still have never found the original ornament I purchased there)

precious reminder that 

Miracles do Happen

to those who believe!

One of my favorite Christmas pastimes is to sit quietly in my tree-lit living room

reflecting on the stories on our tree...