I have not posted to this blog in such a long time. But I have visited it often. I love rereading our wonderful memories. Zack is 22, enjoying his first Ford F-150 and working full time. Kara is 21 and a Junior at SUNY Oneonta. She is enjoying her college days and living in an apartment off campus. Emily is 16 and thrilled to be-bop around in her car while she tries to figure out what she wants to be when she grows up. Alex is 15 and thrilled with his Senior ring and all his sneakers. He loves playing soccer and basketball. We are busy with our new condo being painted and trying to find needed wall decor. Life has been very busy for all members of our family. This is a good thing. We are all growing and developing our lives. This will take time. I am 74, almost 75, and I still am not sure what I want to do with my remaining time. But when I think deeply about it, I am doing exactly what I want to do. I want to be a loving wife, a great Mom, a loving Nana, a good friend and, all in all, a nice person. I truly believe I have achieved most of this. Hugs and kisses,

Amanda's Eighth Heavenly Birthday ~ January 16, 2016

This date has come around yet another time. And again we sent balloons to our Sweet Angel. This year we are in Florida, so they were set free from our favorite beach in Deerfield. The water glistened from the reflection of the bright yellow sun. It was a perfect day.

The beach was crowded. Everyone was having fun enjoying the day. They had no idea the holes in Ken's and my heart were hurting. The years pass, but the pain does not. The only change is that we have somehow learned to live with the pain. And that is what we will do until we meet our Sweet Angel again. Papa and Nana love you, Amanda Lynn, to infinity and beyond.

PS ~ Don't know if I ever mentioned Amanda has the middle name of her mother.
Hugs and kisses,
Nana

Amanda's Seventh Heavenly Birthday ~ January 16, 2015

It is so hard to fathom that Amanda was born into Heaven seven years ago. I can still feel her in my arms and touching her sweet face. She is so beautiful; looking so much like her Mommy. But those feet. They are definitely her Daddy's.

Because I was not able to go to the cemetery this year, Ken and I sent seven white balloons floating high into the sky. Most of us visualize Heaven as "up." Wherever it is, we hope Amanda got to see our celebration of  her birth. We spent time talking about the short time we shared with our youngest granddaughter and just how much we love and miss her.

I often feel Amanda's presence, especially during difficult times in my life. I know Amanda is always there for all of her family to call on for strength. I was recently hospitalized with a serious illness and I saw our sweet angel there to give me the strength I needed to fight to live.

Amanda, I think of you each day and will until the day we are together. I love you with all my heart.

Hugs and kisses,

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk ~ October 19, 2014

Kristen and her team walked again this year through Washington Park in Albany's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. She walked as a two year breast cancer survivor. My day was filled with so many emotions; happiness, sadness, laughter, tears, bad memories, good memories. The list is very long.

I am over the moon that Kristen walks as a breast cancer survivor. I am sad for those I saw walking who were bald and looked so ill. I remember being told Kristen had breast cancer. I remember how painful it was for all who love Kristen to see how sick the cure for her cancer made her. I have never lived through a bad situation in my life that something good did not evolve from it. Those good memories I keep in my heart. I am still waiting to learn the good that came from this demon. I will wait. It will happen.

Throughout Kristen's treatment I did not shed tears only because she told me she had to be surrounded by positive people. I occasionally cry when I think back at all our sweet daughter had to endure. And she did it not alone, but with the love and help of many more people than you see in this picture. God, family and friends stood by Kristen's side. And I thank them.
Hugs and kisses,

Love This Old Picture ~ Emily's Second Easter

I was scavenging through pictures yesterday looking for one of Kristen's and Corey's wedding when I happened upon this one of Emily and Kara. It is years old! Emily is nine and in third grade now. Kara is thirteen and in eighth grade now. It reminds me of just how close their bond was from the very beginning. How quickly the years are flying.

I always say, "It is all about memories." Right now, this picture is all about one of my memories. The time will come when Emily and Kara will look at it and go, "Aw."
Hugs and kisses,

Alex's First Communion - 2014

Hugs and kisses,

Emily Xian's First Communion ~ April 21, 2013

 

Hugs and kisses,