NOVEMBER TRIBUTE - I came across my parents wedding announcement, which was a great joy to find. It’s amusing to read from 50 years ago how much detail went into the type of flowers and colors of dresses worn by bridesmaids. Much to my mothers chagrin i did not do an announcement. This morning as i lay in bed i think back to the days when my parents were young and in love, and had their whole world in front of them. I think about the twists and turns that life took. And I think about the highs and lows that life brings. My mom and dad married and set off on their adventure. At the time of his death, 41 years of marriage, 4 kids and 4 grandkids, 2 weddings, tons of vacations and 3 version of our family home, and the purchase of a new home. Today, fingers crossed, my mom is setting off on a new adventure. One that is not so easy for my aunt. My mom, much like me, is a power-through kind of girl. We move fast and get the job done, often believing there is nothing we can’t do. When my dad got sick - we never imagined that their journey would lead us to this end. Lead us to a life without my dad’s physical being. He put his faith in God, even when he couldn’t breathe. Even when he knew there was no turning back. Today i pray for the wisdom and faith that my dad had to help Aunt Wilma with her new journey. She’s overwhelmed by the decisions and saddened to leave a life of 50+ years in this community. She’s weakened right now by the relinquish of control she must give. And all she has is my mom and me and faith. I can only imagine what my dad thought about as we entered the last days/hours of his life. I think about my mom, who was wrapping her head around facts and medical terms so that she could support him while dying inside. Life changes so quickly, yet often in slow motion. My mom, in this picture had her whole life in front of her. My dad attempted to fulfill every dream she had. Life is really like that box of chocolates, isn’t it?? The goal is to find the most delicious pieces but we have to bite into a few of the crappy ones to get there!! #50yearsofmarriage #alssucks #missmydaddy https://www.instagram.com/p/BqRyUrdhiGfdl51eaz7c4p0GOShqGw3Y8np02M0/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=143dqrg1qttu6