For now, I just want you to know I love and miss you. I’ll be sharing more grateful stories here and across social media because, as you used to say, “why not?” You always encouraged me to "climb more trees, have fun, and not worry."
Mom. Remember when I managed to burn a hole through my foot when I was about two, which resulted in a skin graft? I don't remember the accident itself, but I remember all the stories you told: how horrifying it was to clean, how careful you had to…
Ten years ago today, we laid you to rest. You drifted into the quiet depths of eternity, settling silently on the ocean floor. Sometimes, I find myself standing on the shoreline, gazing out over the endless waters, searching for a sign of you. In the searching, I am reminded of…
It's been 10 years today. But I remember and will never forget. I 𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 when your brother held your hand for the last time. I 𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 watching the kids playing on the floor next to your bed. I 𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 coming over everyday to see how you were doing. I 𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫. I 𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫, nearly…
Circa 1986, as I prepared for Halloween, I had everything in place—my costume, my bag, my route. But you, you had something else entirely brewing. I remember you stirring a huge bucket, thick smoke curling up from it. “Mom’s making her homemade root beer again!” You made this…
MOM. Mom? MOMMMMM!!! HELLO? She’s probably reading a damn book. Sure enough, if you weren’t responding, you were somewhere in the house, utterly lost in another novel. I could’ve told you I saw Santa, who handed me a ticket to Australia with aliens to sell gift cards…
Growing up, as I reflect on my childhood, we had so few rules that they were practically invisible. You encouraged us to live freely—to color outside the lines, to ignore the confines of lanes, and to embrace creativity in every aspect of life, no matter what. When Jackass aired…
I remember when you went to Germany and Austria while I was in 4th grade. You and Dad brought back one of the best gifts I’d ever received—a marionette. I was fascinated by it, spending hours learning its movements and figuring out every detail. I loved it so…
I am grateful for the smiles of memories you sewed for us. Do you remember sending me that water balloon launcher during my mission in Holland in 2001? I can still feel the smile that spread across my face when I opened it. I had called you many times, ready…
November was always the month when we would come together daily and share what we're thankful for. I'm thankful for you. I still don’t know if you were really there with me, carrying me through my 2023 accident. Lindsey told me I was crying your…