Five years…
Five years ago today our party of five grew to seven. On August 28, 2010 we gained two precious little hearts longing for a forever home. We had absolutely no idea what our journey would look like and went blindly into a larger family overnight. Thankfully our youngest were pulled into foster care from a…
Surprises!
I love good surprises! Especially now, finding video that I never knew existed! There have been many people tell me they had never heard Connor play his violin. He would occasionally wander out onto the porch to play. I am so thankful that his sister had unknowingly taken this video of him practicing last summer…
Beautiful blessings…
Everyone has a story. This year mine has been about blessings. My memory has quickly faded throughout these past few months with grief. However, I do not forget the extraordinary kindness expressed by so many. Letters I receive in the mail from old friends are kept with love. Day after day, people unexpectedly lift us…
Living Love…
What is a parent called that loses a child? We have no word for this great loss…except tragedy. We are parents that have outlived our child. It does not mean, that if YOU are over his loss, that we are. Through my body and by God’s grace, he was brought into this world. Never did…
Shine in the dark…
Look Up Be Happy is a journey of getting from grief to grace. It is one family that has experienced the loss of a child. I have been told that honesty in this journey could be helpful to others. It is for this reason that I present our reality. Grief is not an experience I…
A Heavenly birthday…
I have been thinking I would not be able to make it through this day. The past two weeks leading up to today have been hard to breathe through. I’ve been edgy, sad and fearful. How would I handle the day that I made into a national holiday these past 20 years without you? Birthday’s…
Babies heal hearts…
This evening, our quiet corner where Connor’s violins hang, was filled with music! Two of our Chosen Palooza performers, Rosie and Marie, practiced at our home. (Video below) What a blessing! I am overwhelmed and grateful for all of the young adults in our growing group of SHINE! This week has been rough with the…
Look Up Be Happy, YOU are Chosen to Shine!
Since losing our son, Connor, in a tragic accident last October, and another tragedy two short months later, with the loss of his friend, Jordan Dupy, we have become committed to helping young adults. In keeping with that commitment, the 501(c)(3) not for profit organization, Chosen to Shine, has been created. We seek to give…
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…