We Have Not Forgotten

These words have been the cause of my tears today. I received a card in the mail from the funeral home. It's actually a very generic, plain card. But they are in the business of knowing just what to say. Four words. We have not forgotten.
I think this must be the fear of every person who has lost someone. I want people to remember her. As time goes on, it will be harder to remember the details of her life. She wasn't here long. What if I forget? I am already accustomed to this new way of living without her. My new normal.
Thank you to everyone who has remembered us. We have received many calls, emails, cards, packages, flowers, balloons.



My sweet nephews sent me this candy bar poster. I love it and I'm not sharing any candy.



My kids attacked this before I could even get a picture.

The flowers are gorgeous and we love Dora balloons.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

One Year Later

Sunday, January 20, 2008: The day my life changed forever. I'll never forget that phone call.
It's hard to believe that it's been a year. I see how much my kids have grown and I can't help but wonder. What would she be like? I wonder what she's been doing. What mission is she on? What work was so important that she had to hurry back?

The kids were out of school so we had a day filled with family activities. First, we went bowling.

We cheered for each other and were the loudest in the whole place..

This was so cute. Copying his bowling technique.
I can officially claim the title as best bowler in the family.
After we went out to lunch, we went to the cemetery. We sang Joy her favorite songs and it was a beautiful, peaceful day.In the evening, My dear bother and his wife came and brought dinner. We played games and just hung out as a family. We lined the driveway and walkway with luminaries and they were beautiful.
We will never forget you Joy, our sweet daughter.

Houseplants

I'm sort of mad at my plants. I'm angry that they have lived for a whole year. I didn't even own a plant before January of last year. Well, except for the plant that I received as a wedding gift. To insure it's survival, my mom took it hostage one day shortly thereafter. Under her care, it has grown into a large tree. So here I am, one year later, with a house full of plants. To be fair, they too, have survived mostly because my mom waters them every time she visits. I guess I'm just annoyed that my plants live while my Joy doesn't. The picture above is one of my plants after a lack of water. This is how I feel some days. Just a little down. One of the things I love about this plant is that with a little water, it bounces right back. I'm a lot like this plant. Some days are harder than others but I bounce back.