Six Years Ago...

Six years ago today I lost someone, 

I lost a friend, a confidant, a mentor, I lost the most important person in my life, I lost my mother.

She was kind and gentle, or a force to be reckoned with!

I learned many of life's lessons from her...how to treat and respect others, to be true to myself, have faith in God, no matter what hand I was dealt, and to be responsible for my own actions.  

When we shopped she always bought extra food for those in need.  The bag was always left on the back porch of the rectory without any fanfare.  There was never a need for recognition. She prayed for those who were in need of God's blessings. She always looked after our elderly neighbors. She visited them, brought them meals and treats.

She worked as a nurse, sometimes caring for those forgotten by their families.  She cared for the elderly, mentally and physically disabled, and for prison inmates.  No matter what their affliction, they were cared for with kindness and compassion.  

Losing her has gotten easier over the years. But now and then a song will come on the radio, or I'll be cooking one of her favorites and I begin to cry. Sometimes out of sadness, other times, joy and happiness. I miss watching Jeopardy and crocheting with her, mother daughter vacations and lunches are now a pleasant memory.  She is always in my thoughts, I talk to her daily.  I find comfort in knowing she is resting in God's hands...

 

Harriet Grace

August 27, 1940-Ocotber 18, 2005 

 

 

Funeral for a Friend...

Haley held her first pet funeral Thursday. She purchased a few new fish friends to share the tank with Goldie, her Fall Carnival goldfish.  

She was lucky enough to win Goldie a little over two years ago. This goldfish has grown from a small feeder fish to a massive four inches long!! So out of the blue she decided Goldie needed company.  My sister took her to the pet store, Haley picked three different "tank buddies" for Goldie. She was so excited she couldn't wait to put them in the tank. My sister and I kept a close watch on them, we weren't sure if Goldie would decide to have a Sushi lunch, or enjoy the company of new friends. All seemed good until about two days in, this one little fish started to keep to itself, it wasn't really eating either.  We decided the little thing needed to be transferred to FICU (fish intensive care unit). She was rushed to FICU and kept under careful observation for another 24 hours. Sadly the little thing didn't make it.  She join our Lord in Heaven while Haley was at school. 

She knew there was a chance the little fish wasn't going to pull through. She had already started making funeral plans just in case.  Well needless to say it was pouring buckets the day of the service! We decided to postpone things until the next day.  It was cold and overcast, kind of like those funeral scenes you see in the movies.  She picked a spot under the bird bath in the round flower bed for the fishes final resting place. We donned our garden gloves and moved the patio block the bird bath rests on. Haley lovingly dug the grave, she wanted it to be "just right", she carefully placed the fish wrapped in it's paper towel shroud into the hole.  "Okay now bow your head" she said. She spoke from her heart and asked God to keep her fish safe, and thanked him for letting her have such a nice fish.  She also asked that he keep her other fish safe! We made the sign of the cross, and replaced the patio block.

Before you know it she was looking to dig the poor thing up to see if it had started to turn back into "natural resources" yet. I did everything I could not to laugh!  The poor thing was only in the ground five minutes. We had to explain the process doesn't happen that fast. I think she was a bit disappointed.

Rest in peace little fish, rest in peace!

Eight Years Ago Today....

It was eight years ago today I lost my dad.  He had been ill for many years, he battled cancer three different times.  He was strong, stubborn, and as feisty as the day is long!  I lost a strong arm to lean on, a shoulder to cry on, and I lost a friend and confidant. 

 He was a hard worker who always provided for us. I remember him working three jobs to make sure we always had what we needed. We had many fun times, he taught me to ride a bike, motorcycles and horses. He even put up with a bunch of screaming kids in a movie theater just so I could see "A Hard Days Night" and "HELP". He loved to blast the radio in the car, he knew all the words to all the songs we listened to!! 

 There were road trips to visit family and friends. He would take us by the bus load to zoos, parks, lakes, and museums. But my favorite was riding with him on his bus route to the Pulaski Day Parade in NYC. I loved the dancers, the Babka, and the Pierogies.  But what I loved most was spending father and daughter time together.

It's funny how something I see on TV or a song I here on the radio will make me think of him. I don't shed as many tears as I did. But now when I do they are tears of happiness, because I have so many wonderful things to remember...

I LOVE and MISS YOU, DAD

Happy Birthday Haley Rain!!!

Happy Birthday Haley!

 Today Haley turned eight years old!  She was so excited she could hardly control herself.  This year she choose a custom designed ice cream cake from "The Ice Cream Depot" . It was filled with all her favorites, espresso chip ice cream, cookie crumbs and fudge filling.

 It was so nice to have her with us for her birthday this year, we missed her so very much last year. It was very hard not to celebrate with her.  Gae and I hope that never happens again, there are times when she tests every bit of our patience.  But we can't imagine not having her with us everyday.  Theresa and Haley love each other very much.  I'm sure God had something special in mind for all of us when he let two special young ladies into our lives. For that I will always be grateful.  So Happy Birthday to my special helper, no one else helps me cook, bake and vacuum the way you do!!

My Life is a Blessing!

The past year has been difficult for me and my family to say the least.  A very special part of our family was away from us for awhile, and I have been dealing with a life changing medical problem.

During the past few weeks things have begun to turn around for the better!  My beautiful niece has been coming home for weekend visits. It's been such a pleasure to have her home with us again, I can't wait until she returns to us for good!  My neurologist has increased my medication, the improvement has been a godsend!  I may never be my "old" self again, but I'm learning to except the limitations of my "new" self.

I am so very grateful for the love and support of my family and friends, for without them daily life would be so much more difficult.

Remember, each and everyday day is a blessing. Good or bad, it doesn't matter. Enjoy the smile on a little child's face, the sound of their big feet running across the floor, or the picture they drew for you that day.  

There are so many blessings to be found all around us, all you have to do is look!

Pretty in Pink

My best friend was blessed with another grandchild recently. It was extra special for her because this was her first grand daughter, she has five grandsons! I think my favorite part of this set is the little ski hat. I also crocheted a little pair of Mary Janes to match but forgot to put them in the picture! Crochet is one of my favorite things, I just love to make things to share with friends and family.