Savor each day... we miss you Papa P!

Ecclesiastes really highlights the fact that there is a time for everything. The Bible lets us know that our days are numbered. For this reason, I love birthdays. They are a gift and a blessing. I want to celebrate those I love on their birthdays because I am thankful for that year in their life!!
We lost my dear father-in-law almost a year and a half ago. His presence is greatly missed. We are visiting one of his favorite places and we all feel the void. Our 5 year old named a turtle "Papa P" on this trip. We talk about him and the things that he used to do here. Tonight we returned to his favorite restaurant for the first time since he passed away. DH & his mama weren't ready to go last year, and I completely understand. It was weird being there tonight. D's sweet cousin proposed a toast to Papa and we all clinked glasses. But that didn't bring Papa back. He still isn't here. He can't play golf tomorrow morning with DH & our son. He can't take us to his favorite pizza place or make "Papa's eggs" for breakfast. Things are different, and we all miss him. Even this beautiful picture didn't feel right, because Papa should be in it sporting one of his hats. We miss you, Papa.

Family vacations are not always a vacation. They can be a lot of work. We all say things that hurt one another. Feelings get hurt, people are tired or stressed, and it's not easy. It's hard for different families to share a house or condo or hotel rooms. Yet these times are precious!!! How often do grandparents get to spend hours with their grandchildren? When do adult sons and daughters get to enjoy uninterrupted time with their parents? As you travel this summer and spend time with family, make the most of each moment. Take LOTS of pictures. You will treasure them one day, even if everyone moaned when you took it. I promise!

Out of the mouths of babes

Our sweet K had a really special relationship with her Papa P, whom we lost to cancer a year ago December, just days before Christmas. We all miss him. The children were asking questions that led to thoughts of Papa. K said, "When I go, I'm going to bring a wagon." "When you go where?", I asked. "When I go to Heaven I'm going to bring a wagon so Papa can push me around". D chimed in, "Yeah, Papa used to pull all of us in the wagon and one time we all fell out and got hurt." Of course I started to cry at the thought of little K pulling a wagon up to Heaven, so I said, "K, hopefully you'll be really, really old when you go to Heaven, and Papa might not be able to pull you". She just kept talking about her wagon and how it had to be a red one like Papa's. So sweet. I'm off to dry some more tears!

One year anniversary

A year ago on the 18th our sweet Papa went to Heaven to be with Jesus. None of us can believe he is really gone because he was so healthy and vibrant until cancer took over his life. He died 50 days later. D's mother is here, so we tried to make it a special day. I made her a book about Papa & D, and she spent the day with her niece on Papa's side. That afternoon, we bought balloons and released them to Papa. The children each told a favorite thing about Papa. It was very sweet. Then we watched the balloons travel to Heaven to be with Papa!