Every Dad should have many Dates like this!

Tonight I am going to have to just make this short and sweet. I have been sick and finally I thought it might be about this tooth that has been aching for over a week. Found out today it was that way...I have an abscessed tooth and need to have it pulled and get an implant. First I need to get these antibiotics to work so that the infection can calm down before they pull it. So I am just going to share a sweet story of a Dad who had a fun Date with someone special. Watch and see for yourself!
You can find it Here:

What our daughters and sons need to know!

We are certainly proud of our kids who have married and started their families. Fun to see them as parents and the love that they have for their kids. I found this advice for Fathers, and it made me think of our son in law John, who is the father of 3 sweet little girls.

This is definitely something that I hope he teaches these girls throughout their lives. It will make all the difference in the world to them. All Dads should teach this to their girls...especially by personal example. 

And of course like it said at the end. We also need to teach our sons and our Grandsons to be that kind of man! As  you look at this handsome little guy... I think he is already on his way!
Good night dear friends!

teach your daughters

Someone has to sit on the curb, or do they?

As I woke up this morning, I was shocked that I already had some bad thoughts about myself ...racing through my head. As Jeff and I talked about struggles that we each have... and how different our struggles are. So true. I don't really remember ever having a time that I didn't have to Daily Work On My Thoughts! I am grateful that I at least acknowledge it, but some times I feel a bit worn down by them. I think it is because I am hurting more now also. Being in pain every day seems to take a toll on a lot of things, including my thoughts. When I read this quote, I thought..NO THAT IS NOT TRUE! That is the world saying some of us aren't good enough, but we can at least stand on the curb and wave or clap! I am so grateful that I know that each one of us all Sons and Daughters of God. That gives us a potential that the world can't even comprehend! And so none of us should have to or be expected to just SIT ON THE CURB!
And I love this quote (below) about Mother's and how they raise their sons, to treat all women as a Princess. All you have to do is look at the paper, news or billboards... to see that the World doesn't believe in this quote! I know that I struggle each day with negative thoughts about myself, not being good enough, smart enough or acceptable enough. But each day I pray that I will realize my potential and for every bad thought that comes my way, I try to have a positive one to push it out! That usually works really well. That is also why I am grateful for my blog. It makes me continually look each day for the good and positive things in the world, so that I can share them with you!
Good night dear friends!

"The man who treats his woman likes a Princess, is proof that he has been born and raised in the arms of a Queen."


"Always remember you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, smarter than you think, and 
twice as beautiful as you'd ever imagine!"

Mother and Daughter

Well, I was able to spend the whole day with Amy and the girls. It was a great time. It had been  a couple of weeks since I had seen the girls, and oh have I missed them. And how I wish I could do the same...spend the whole day with our little Kai, he is growing up so fast... we don't want to miss making some great memories with him too!
  I realized today, how grateful I am to have daughters. When I read this letter it made me think of my Grandmothers, my Mom and it even made me think of  me, in the advancing years. It had a sweet message and so I thought I would share it tonight.
I hope you enjoy it. And as for filling up my bucket... I really was able to do that, thanks for your patience. Still, Jeff told me tonight ( surprised me ) that he is going to take me away for 2 days on a little GET AWAY. He said I still had some more to add to my bucket. So I will not write again until Sunday! I am excited!
Good night dear friends!    

 A letter form a Mother to a Daughter
"My dear girl, the day you see I’m getting old, I ask you to please be patient, but most of all, try to understand what I’m... going through.

If when we talk, I repeat the same thing a thousand times, don’t interrupt to say: “You said the same thing a minute ago”... Just listen, please. Try to remember the times when you were little and I would read the same st
ory night after night until you would fall asleep.

When I don’t want to take a bath, don’t be mad and don’t embarrass me. Remember when I had to run after you making excuses and trying to get you to take a shower when you were just a girl?

When you see how ignorant I am when it comes to new technology, give me the time to learn and don’t look at me that way... remember, honey, I patiently taught you how to do many things like eating appropriately, getting dressed, combing your hair and dealing with life’s issues every day... the day you see I’m getting old, I ask you to please be patient, but most of all, try to understand what I’m going through.

If I occasionally lose track of what we’re talking about, give me the time to remember, and if I can’t, don’t be nervous, impatient or arrogant. Just know in your heart that the most important thing for me is to be with you.

And when my old, tired legs don’t let me move as quickly as before, give me your hand the same way that I offered mine to you when you first walked.

When those days come, don’t feel sad... just be with me, and understand me while I get to the end of my life with love.

I’ll cherish and thank you for the gift of time and joy we shared. With a big smile and the huge love I’ve always had for you, I just want to say, I love you... my darling daughter."

I found the photo from here:

"No language can express the power, and beauty, and heroism, and majesty of a mother's love.  It shrinks not where man cowers, and grows stronger where man faints, and over wastes of worldly fortunes sends the radiance of its quenchless fidelity like a star."  ~Edwin Hubbell Chapin

"If you have a mom, there is nowhere you are likely to go where a prayer has not already been."  ~Robert Brault

The Father Factor

I recently read an article called The Father Factor: How Dads Influence Their Daughters, it was such a great article. I will share part of it with you.
 

"Fathers bring something very different to the table-many things that Mothers can't" says Dr. Meg Meeker, author of the bestselling book Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters. " The biggest mistake dads make is not understanding their significance."
Without question, fathers are a powerful influence on both sons and daughters-an influence that reaches well beyond the roles of provider and protector. And as a new studies emerge, it's becoming clearer just how deeper the father-daughter relationship can affect a woman throughout her life in a variety of ways.


Self Confidence and Body Image...For example , involved fathers are particularly successful at building self-confidence in their daughters and teaching them to stand up for themselves. Research has proven that fathers who are involved in their daughter's lives can play a pivotal role in preventing eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia. Daughters who feel a strong emotional connection to their fathers are less likely to be depresses or have eating disorders.


Education and Career... Education is another area where a father can greatly impact a woman's life. A study by the U. S. Dept. of Education found that highly involved fathers had children who were 43 percent more likely than other children to earn mostly A's and 33 percent less likely than other children to repeat a grade. Fathers have also been proven to help daughters become more competent, more achievement-oriented, and more successful.

Matters of the Heart... Little girls and adult daughters are often easiest for fathers to interact with. But a father's involvement during a daughter's teenage years, as she begins to date and cultivate romantic interests, is critical.
It's uncomfortable for most dads when their daughters start to become women." acknowledges Dr. Jonathan Swinton, a marriage and family therapist. "Dad's become more hands off, with the exception of the protector role, and it changes the nature of the relationship with their daughters- they're not as close emotionally."
But distancing themselves emotionally is huge mistake, warns Meeker. " That's the time when daughters need their dads more than ever. Fathers need to talk to their girls about uncomfortable subjects like sex and dating because they can have a huge influence on their daughter's behavior."Girls who get that affirmation at home feel less of a need to seek it elsewhere."


Time and Attention... When it comes down to it, what daughters want and need from their fathers is often fairly simple. Two of the biggest things, according to Meeker, are a listening ear and quality time. As far as spending time together, Meeker emphasizes the need for every-day activities over special outings. "Many fathers think they need to entertain their daughters to make them feel important. This is particularly true of divorced fathers," she says. "But your daughter just needs to be with you- washing the car, shopping in the grocery store. living life. So just live it with her. ( Article from May/June LDS Living Magazine )


What a great article and I believe those things are so true. Things that I would have loved to heard from, or done with my Dad. We just didn't have much of a relationship and for years I struggled with that. Actually, just typing this made me a bit sad. I wonder how different my life would have turned out...had I had this type of relationship with my Dad?
But for the next generations our girls...they did get that! Jeff is that type of a  Dad, and has done a remarkable job with both our daughters, and our sons. They are very blessed and lucky to have such an amazing Father, and I think that is why they are have grown up and done so well...largely because of their DAD!

 Good night dear friends!
"If a  daughter can trust her dad to listen without criticizing or judging her, she will come to him again and again to talk"

"To a father growing old, nothing is dearer than a daughter." ~ Euripides

What I wished I had known when I was sixteen!

I have shared with many of you my one of my favorite authors….Jason F. Wright. Today I read his weekly article and it struck a cord in me. You might ask why? Because when I was sixteen years old, I was engaged to be married, it wasn’t a prearranged marriage but….close.  I know I was in the wrong culture for that, but still the pressure was on. I had known this guy for a couple of years and he was a very nice person.  He was 5 years older than me and had a good family. The problem was…I was too young! I still had a year of High School left. My Mom and his Mom already had their dresses made, the Women’s Club had already been rented and the material was bought for my dress to be made. However one night when a friend of ours was starting to measure me to make my dress,  she began to ask me some really important questions. Ones that I really didn’t have the answer for, like where we were going to live, or what he was going to do for a living. She also reminded me that IF we didn’t completely get along now…chances are it won’t get any better. So after that conversation and staying up all night crying and praying, I broke off the engagement the next morning. It was actually easier to tell him than it was my Mom. She actually struggled hard for years about my decision. Still I knew that it was right and how grateful I am, that I had the courage to do that.

So when I read this article that Jason Wright wrote for his daughter who was turning 16 today… I was both happy and sad. I was happy to hear the love that he had for his daughter, and yet a bit sad because I never had much of a relationship at all with my Dad. Plus, it reminded me once again the importance of a Father in a girl’s life. How happy I am that my girls and granddaughters have that, it truly is a blessing!

As for what I wished I had known when I was 16, was almost everything that Jason said in his article. I might have added for me these things…

That sixteen years old, is way too young to get married.

That just because someone is family, doesn’t automatically mean they can be trusted (they have to earn that trust ).

That my opinion was important and that I deserved to be treated well.

That I could trust my gut feelings.

That I was an important person,  and that I had much to share with the world.

And most of all that if I would wait a few more years, I would find the man of my dreams, and that he would literally be my best friend, be trustworthy, be a great Dad for our kids and a man that served the Lord.

Had I known that at 16…I probably would have broken off the engagement sooner!

A good reminder of this is, the silver band that this young man  gave me as an engagement ring, is still in our family. I asked my girls to wear it as a daily reminder to…marry the right person, at the right time, for the right reason and at the right place! So if I could go back and thank that young man for not marring me…I would. I actually think he would feel the same way
How glad I am that my Heavenly Father and so many friends were watching over me as a 16 year (who was not in a good place in her life ).

If you get a minute…read his article, he is a great writer! (He wrote one of our favorite Christmas books called… THE CHRISTMAS JAR)

http://jasonfwright.com/column/what-I-wish-Id-known-when-I-turned-16.html

Good night dear friends!

'The best birthdays of all are those that haven’t arrived yet."   ~ Robert Orben

"You were born an original. Don't die a copy."    ~ John Mason

“Blessed indeed is the man who hears many gentle voices call him father!”     ~Lydia M. Child

“Any man can be a father.  It takes someone special to be a dad.”     ~Author Unknown

Spring is here...sorta!

There are a few tell tell signs that Spring is here, such as ...the calendar, the bright and beautiful colors at the store, little girls all dressed  up in their Easter dresses ( of course, these little girls just happen to be my granddaughters), candy everywhere, and even some flowers starting to bloom ...but not by the weather today!  It has been one of our coldest and wettest Springs in a  long time. I have noticed that many people are really struggling with that. I feel blessed in that way, the weather has never bothered me here in Seattle. I love the sunshine just like anyone else, but I don't mind the rain and cool weather either. We did have a beautiful couple of days this weekend and so I am grateful.

Still feeling pretty sick and very weak,so I will just leave you with this cute story about a little girl and her Dad...and I will call it a night!

Golf Lessons with Daughter

Like every golfer, I can't wait for the start of the golf season. But I have a special reason: my new playing partner, my 8-year-old daughter, known affectionately as "the Terrorist."

When she was only 2, her mother and I bought the little rascal a child-sized seven iron. It was way too big for her, but she dragged it around the house. About the time she was 5, she started accompanying her daddy to the driving range and putting green.

She and I chipped around in the back yard until she started to hit the ball with some authority. One day, she put a Titleist through the bathroom window, which resulted in a torrent of tears After that, we confine golfing to the driving range.

Then last spring, I said to the Terrorist, "What do you say we play 'real’ golf on a ‘real' golf course?

"Yeah! Daddy!" came the enthusiastic response.

So the following Saturday morning, we drove to a nine-hole, par three course. It is a family-friendly course with slow greens, a driving range and a putting green on which to warm up. One rarely has to wait at the first tee.

After a torrential rain, water collects along the left side of the first fairway. And a ditch lies along the second fairway. Otherwise, it is hard to get into trouble on a course with virtually no rough. Just the place for an 8-year-old, and her daddy.

And so Daddy and the Terrorist played their first round of golf together. Golf is, a wonderful game to teach life's little messages to little girls.

"First of all, you have to count all the strokes, even if you accidentally bump the ball, and it rolls an inch," I instructed.

The Terrorist caught on fast and insisted on keeping score. "So you got a 5 on that hole?" I asked. "No, Daddy, I accidentally hit the ball on the hill, and it moved, so I got a 6." And she dutifully recorded the 6. I could be wrong but I think we have the making of an honest child here.

"Daddy, the ball is behind a bush, can I move it?"

"No, sweetheart, you have to play the ball where it lies, no fair moving it." Another of life's little messages.

On each tee, I dutifully filled my divot sand, then filled at least one more. "Always leave the golf course in better shape than you found it." I advised.

Since then, she has methodically attempted to rebuild every tee by filling every divot.

There is something about sand and kids. When the Terrorist knocked her ball into a sand trap, she would have spent the next hour making sure it was absolutely smooth. "No," I admonished, "there are people waiting on the tee, and we can't hold them up." That led to a simple lesson on slow play and about others around you and how your actions have an impact on them.

Once, when we were two holes ahead of the some behind us, we stopped to fix some extra marks on a green and to practice chipping. For 10 minutes, she chipped the ball at the hole, and I putted it back to her, another of life's little lessons: Practice makes perfect.

For now, golf simply is fun. Hit the ball hard, go find it, and who cares what the score is. We spend little time on the driving range with very elementary instruction, but nothing serious. In another two years, if she still enjoys the game, we will see about some lessons. But for now, it is just a game.

On a short, 60-yard hole, the Terrorist drove the green and landed her ball considerably inside her dad's shot. That was a momentous accomplishment, which later was recounted in great detail to her mother.

Two hours after we teed off, the Terrorist and I returned to the clubhouse to drink lemonade, eat candy bars and (at her insistence) add up the score.

She leaned back in her chair, pushed back her golf visor, looked at me with her child's eyes and, and said, "Daddy, that was a lot of fun! Let's do this again!"

And we did, all summer long.

By Donald Hoke

 

" daughter may outgrow your lap, but she will never outgrow your heart." ~Author Unknown

"The first day of spring is one thing, and the first spring day is another. The difference between them is sometimes as great as a month."   ~Henry Van Dyke

"It is almost impossible to remember how tragic a place this world is when one is playing golf. 
~ Robert Lynd

Happy Birthday Day MOM!

I have to laugh every time I think about doing crafts and my Mom. From the time I was a little girl, Mom said I just loved to do any type of craft with my hands. She however didn't share the same love for crafts, and actually couldn't stand when I asked her to do some with me.
Today I taught my Quilt class, I love teaching all these new found friends of mine.  I smiled when some of the ladies told me how much they enjoyed me as their teacher. I smiled because, later in life when my Mom had a stroke, she had to go to a Rehab Physical Therapy, (actually that wasn't the part that made me smile ). It was the day I went to visit her and asked her how she was doing? She had a frustrated look on her face and said, "Guess what they made me to in therapy today?" I was curious and asked what.  She said "they made me do crafts, they say it will help my fine motor skills... I don't believe it!" We had a good laugh over that. My Mom's passion was in the kitchen... cooking, she was an amazing cook. I however don't really care a lot about cooking and food just isn't my thing. Funny that Mother and Daughter can be that different and still so much alike.

Today is my Mom's birthday. She has been gone for quite a few years now, but not a day goes by that I don't think of her and miss her.

 

I was trying to take a photo of myself the other day, to send to my daughter in college ( she wanted to see my new sweater ). As I looked in the mirror, I was a bit surprised how much more I look like my Mom each day. I know she is not far away. I think she would smile herself, if she knew that I celebrated her birthday by doing one of her favorite (not) things...crafts and creating! I hope all of you... who are blessed to still have your Moms with you, will take the time to tell her how much you love and appreciate her!
Good night dear friends!
P.S. Happy Birthday Mom...if you are listening!

"True happiness comes from the joy of deeds well done, the zest of creating things new."  ~Antoine de Saint

"My mom is literally a part of me.  You can't say that about many people except relatives, and organ donors."  ~Carrie Latet

"A part of you has grown in me. And so you see, it's you and me together forever and never apart, maybe in distance, but never in heart."  ~ Unknown

Sisters/Friends/Daughters

"How do people make it through life without a sister?"  ~Sara Corpening
I have thought about this quote/question many times in my life. What would it have been like to have a sister? Someone who I could have confessed my deepest fears too, someone who truly understood what my life was like?
I wondered even what she would have looked like? Then many times. even though I missed having a sister to share everything with, I was grateful that I didn't have one, chances were great that she would have been abused too, and I wouldn't wish that on anyone!
So I have spent the rest of my life finding sisters, in the friends that I have made. I truly think we are as close as sisters and I know that is rare, so I am grateful for those relationships. But also I was blessed to have daughters, who have grown up to be my best friends too.

"A daughter is a little girl who grows up to be a friend."  ~Author Unknown
Now I have granddaughters too, so I have to admit, I have been richly blessed.

Today I woke up and had breakfast with my youngest daughter Lauren who is home from college. I had forgotten how much I missed her smile and sweet compassionate spirit. She was concerned, that I had yet another night of ...not much sleep. Then I got to talk to my sweet daughter-in-law over the phone, oh how much I love that girl, she is truly my daughter and I am grateful that Bradley found her! It always brightens my day to talk to her.

Next, I called a dear friend back East, who had just had surgery to see how she was doing.I wished I lived closer so that I could be with her.
Later in my day, Amy and the girls came over...somehow I always feel better when I see them. Right before my Doctor appointment, I had two dear friends call and check up on me. They both knew I was nervous about doing this nerve test on my hand. They themselves had already had the same test, and told me after all that I had been through, this test should be nothing.

"Help one another, is part of the religion of sisterhood."  ~Louisa May Alcott

I had what they call a Nerve Conductor Test today at my Spine Specialist office. It was to determine if the pain and weakness in my right hand is from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. It was a different test to say the least, they do about 8 needles  up and down your arm to test to see how the nerves react. Each time, he had to move the needle around in there and go pretty deep, to get the results he needed. That hurt, could I stand it?    Yes, but I don't know anyone that likes a needle moved around...while it's is in you! He also did a shock test up and down my arm,( sorta felt like if you have ever been shocked from an electrical outlet) he started out very mild and got stronger, did that hurt? The big ones did, but it was bearable.
I didn't really want to find out that I had Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, but yet I did want to find some answers from this test. The Dr. was shocked ( no pun intended ), because he thought for sure it was Carpal Tunnel ...but as far as he could tell, I didn't have that and he was puzzled at why my hand is having so much trouble. He told me that he could send me to another specialist, or we could wait and see what results I get from my new Physical Therapist. I told him, I will wait and see. She hasn't even evaluated my neck yet, maybe she will have some answers for me.
So that was my day today, not very exciting but I guess the process of elimination is one way to do it? I guess, I was just hoping to be one step closer to helping me get out of some pain, some where, but not today! I am trying YET ANOTHER dosage of my medicine tonight, I pray that I will sleep and yet not be groggy all day tomorrow. Am I asking too much? Sometimes I wonder?
Thank you for being my friends! When I count all the women in my life who have been like Sisters to me...I am feel pretty good about my life, and how lucky I am to have so many SISTERS! So "Good night Sis!" ...I always wanted to say that! :)

"Don't walk in front of me and be my leader, don't walk behind me and be my follower, but walk beside me and be my Sister."

"Sisterhood is not a destination, but a journey."  ~ Unknown

Fathers

Today was Lauren's first day of college and she really enjoyed it! However the part that was hard for her was when her Dad left today. I am so grateful that Jeff was able to go with her and get her all settled in for her semester of college, what an incredible Dad he is. I think that is a large part of why our kids are so happy. Doesn't every person want a great relationship with their Dad, especially a girl? So today was what they call Sweet Sorrow, Jeff said that he was so happy to see how well Lauren seemed to be adjusting yet, he had a hard time saying good bye to her and realizing that his little girl has grown up. It just seems like yesterday that we used to worry about her, what a tough toddler she was! :) I really need to write a book about her and all the trouble and mischief she got into. She was quite the character, actually Angie my granddaughter is a lot like her now but with red hair! :) Watch out Amy and John!

When Lauren was little she used to come up with every reason in the world at night not to go to sleep. She would creep down the stairs, when Jeff would ask her why she wasn't in bed here were some of her excuses. 

" I am just too tired to sleep", "Daddy, I already waked up", "I am hungry again", "Brad is making too much noise" and the best was ..."Because my belly hurts, why does it hurt?" "Me finks me read too many books!"

So tonight I hope my Lauren is able to get to sleep and realizes that her dad is only a phone call away and that her Heavenly Father is only a prayer away.

I hope all of you that have a Dads that you are close to, one that is truly your protector, your example and your friend, that you will tell him that you love him... and be grateful for that wonderful blessings in life. Good night dear friends!

What Is A Dad?

A dad is someone who
wants to catch you before you fall
but instead picks you up,
brushes you off, and lets you try again.
A dad is someone who
wants to keep you from making mistakes
but instead lets you find your own way,
even though his heart breaks in silence
when you get hurt.
A dad is someone who
holds you when you cry,
scolds you when you break the rules,
shines with pride when you succeed,
and has faith in you even when you fail.
Dad, you're everything a dad should be and more...

Susan Ceylise

---

"My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person, he believed in me."  ~Jim Valvano

Sometimes Motherhood hurts!

Today we tried to get all the last minute things together for Lauren to leave. She had help from Krystal and Amy packing and repacking, weighing and re-weighing...can't go over 50 pounds! I was grateful it was a busy day so that I didn't really have time to think about it. We celebrated her birthday ( early ) so that we could all be together for that too!

The reality of her leaving is beginning to sink, now that my living room is full of luggage and her room is getting more empty. I can do this....right? Well, the only thing that does my heart good is knowing that she is ready and excited to go. She wants to get on with the rest of her life, for that I am grateful and excited.

Watching her tell her sister Amy and the girls good-bye tonight though started the tears again. I am going to bed, maybe if I sleep my heart won't hurt sooooo bad! I know....this too shall pass, but it hurts!

“Motherhood is the greatest potential influence either for good or ill in human life. The mother's image is the first that stamps itself on the unwritten page of the young child's mind. It is her caress that first awakens a sense of security; her kiss, the first realization of affection; her sympathy and tenderness, the first assurance that there is love in the world.”

So good-bye dear Lauren, good luck and I pray that you will remember to keep looking for all the beautiful things in life! Life really is good!  We love ya!

Goodbyes are not forever.
Goodbyes are not the end.
They simply mean I'll miss you
Until we meet again!
~Author Unknown

"Love is missing someone whenever you're apart, but somehow feeling warm inside because you're close in heart."  ~Kay Knudsen

"The reason it hurts so much to separate is because our souls are connected."  ~Nicholas Sparks

Memories

 

One of my sister-in-laws lost her mother this past week. I have had a sudden rush of sadness come over me as I realized what she must be going through. I remember all too well, flying home and being with my mom the last few hours that she was here on earth. She was in a coma by the time I arrived, I had never seen anyone in a coma, I have always heard that they can hear you so I tried to talk to her like normal. I was scared, saddened by how much weight she had lost and by the smell in the room. But I knew that I needed to be with her and let her know that she didn't have to do this alone. I was there and as soon as I told her why I came, she began what they call the Death Rattle. I listened to her struggle to breath like that for almost 12 hours, it was a long night and even though I wanted more than anything for her to just magically get better, I also wanted her not to have to suffer too long. I don't actually think she was suffering at all, they had morphine going in her 3 different ways. I think the suffering was being done by my dad and I. Dad was hurting so bad that he couldn't even be in the room with her, I was afraid of that and so I knew I needed to go home and do this with her.

I prayed in my heart the whole way there, would I be strong enough to be able to do this? I wondered in my heart... how do you ever prepare yourself to lose someone as important as your mom? Who do I call on my hardest days? Who will I call for help with my recipes? Who will I talk to about my children and other concerns as a mom? Who will worry about me or know me any better than my mom? How do you go your whole life without a mom?

As I think of my sweet sister-in-law, I wish that I lived closer to help in some way. I know that she is probably holding up well right now. The first little while you are running on adrenalin and shock. There is a lot of family around, a lot of support right now. There are letters, cards and flowers coming in...which are all a reminder of love and support from so many. The toughest days though still lie ahead of her. The days when all the phone calls stop. The days that there are no more cards in the mail. The day that she wants to ask her mom about a certain recipe. The day when everyone else seems to be going on with their lives and you don't want to, at least not without your mom. Yes, those EVERY DAY MOMENTS are the hardest I think.

I read a sweet story from the book Chicken Soup for the Soul, it is long and I won't share it all with you tonight but will give you the title and the author in case you want to look it up yourself. I will also share with you the quote that came with it and the poem from the mom to the daughter. The jest of the story is that her mom got cancer, for a year she fought the battle but now she was losing it and while she is in the hospital room with her mom, she keeps remembering some of their fondest memories as a family. Most of which took place at the beach near their cabin at the ocean. Then her mom passes away and they are at the beach holding her funeral service there where they sprinkled her ashes on the water, as she requested. Here is the end of the story...

"As the funeral concluded and people began to drift away saying words of comfort to my father and me, I stayed behind to say my final farewell to Mother. I carried her favorite shell that brought her so much comfort while she was in the hospital and unable to hear the sounds of the ocean. I put it to my ear and the sound of the ocean seemed almost muted. I looked into the shell and was surprised to find a piece of paper stuck inside of it. I pulled the paper out and read its words:

To my daughter, I will always love you and be with you.

A name in the sand will never last,
The waves come rolling into shore high and fast.
And wash the lines away,
But not the memories we shared that day
Where we have trod this sandy shore,
Our traces we left there will be no more.
But, wherever we are,
The memories will never be far.
Although I may not be with you,
Know that my love for you will always be true.
Those memories will last forever,
And in them we shall always be together.
Hold them close to your heart,
And know that from your side I will never part.

As I crossed the beach, I stooped and wrote my mother's name in the sand. I continued onward, turning only to cast one last lingering look behind, and the waves had already begun to wash my lines away."    A NAME IN THE SAND by   ~ Elizabeth Stumbo

 

"Perhaps they are not the stars, but rather openings in heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy."  ~inspired by an Eskimo Legend