Happiness and Heartache…
Happiness and heartache change rapidly in this new life I lead with loss. God granted me knowledge to recognize, from the moment my eyes open, how my heart is doing each day. I pray for peace, on the days I wake with tears. Each day, my first thought is still Connor. As much as I…
I love the flowers…
Camp Piasa has been a part of my life since the 1970’s when I went there as a camper for the first time. I spent five years as a lifeguard and junior counselor and eight years as a counselor with our family. Many of my favorite memories in life are from camp. One year as…
No Fear – Fear Not…
Adventurous, mischievous, care free, you only live once, no fear attitude that I had when I was young, is exactly how Connor was. When I think back of how invincible I thought I was, I cringe. As a parent, you see life differently once that little bundle of joy arrives. As a Mother, carrying your…
Willfully Weird…
Do you ever look at your family and think how blessed your life has been? If you have children, when they are small and when you have no sleep, the nights seem like an eternity. People tell you, this too shall pass and before you know it, it does. They will be sleeping through the…
Look Up, Be Happy…Father’s Day!
On this Father’s Day, Connor is in Heaven with John’s dad, Allan. It has been 245 days since we last spoke. I wish I could give John what he would most want this Father’s Day, but I know I cannot. He will see our son and his father again, but it is nothing I can give…
SHINE ON!
I love to laugh and be around people that are learning to SHINE! When you walk in darkness, it’s then, that you have the most opportunity to shine. Only in the dark can you see the light. I know this too well… Each week is a new experience in this “new” life we are leading…
Music Scholarship in Memory of Connor…
Scholarship established in memory of EHS grad BY ELIZABETH DONALD News-Democrat Connor Cunningham wasn’t so fond of practicing, but he loved music. Connor was a 2014 graduate of Edwardsville High School, an Illinois State Scholar and a long-time member of the Edwardsville School District 7 orchestra program. But only a few months into his first…
Look Up, Be Happy, Be Informed…
Look up, be happy is my way of keeping a positive outlook in the darkness of tragic loss. I also pray that it may lead others, who must go down this horrific path, or like circumstances, to keep faith and hope. Unfortunately, in our darkest moments, is the time that many find the light. I…
Letters From War
Thank you dear soldiers for keeping us the home of the free, as you are the brave. The video below brought tears to my eyes for many reasons. Remembering all who defend our freedom and those that paid the ultimate price, on this Memorial Day and always. I have for you the utmost respect. Peace,…
She EG…
She taught our oldest children in preschool, beginning at age 3. She stood by our side as we went through public school meetings (working for Lutheran schools) evaluating needs for our children born from our hearts, only five short years ago. She went to the school meetings as our friend and a qualified person, that…
Dear Connor…
Connor John…Today marks seven months without your big bear hug, smile, laughter, late night conversations, selfies, silliness, and grammar corrections. 😀 It hurts to go certain places that we used to visit together. I see silly socks and desserts you would love, everywhere I go. Sometimes, I even say out loud how much you would…
Present weakness and resurrection life…
As I woke with tears this morning, the world was tumbling down upon me. Sometimes this happens and it is always unexpected. Loss is all around us and has seeped into our lives heavily this week. Looking up to find happiness and understanding is how I live and mainly because I am sad in…