Tuesday, February 22, 2011

what a weekend


Last weekend was one word, AWESOME. Friday, I got to take my Grandfather and Eve out to breakfast in our little neighborhood center. Over coffee and my Belgian waffle, I got to sit and chat with Gramps about life, the baby, their travels to FL, the lake the Summer....and it was so nice to see him healthy and happy. I know how much pain still exists within him, I can see it in his eyes when he quickly catches a picture of my Mom. Grampa does well and laughs a lot and can handle talking about Dad. They were like best friends. Boy did he have stories to share but it's very difficult for him to talk about his Patty. Imagine your daughter dying that way. Losing a child at a young age or 50 years old has to be so traumatic. I feel for him and my heart breaks he had to see this in his lifetime. I know we both bring each other some peace when together. My grandpa has been in my life and a huge part of it since I was born....never missed anything....and I am so thankful for that. He has been on this journey with me. I pray for continued health for him. He deserves it and selfishly, I need him. Once he is gone, my parents and all 4 of my grandparents will be in Heaven. We really need him here.


Saturday around 7am Ted came driving up the driveway and Elle and Grace quickly ran to the back door and were literally "screaming" once they saw him (well Elle was, Grace was jumping everywhere). He opened his suitcase and passed out gifts of Longchamp bags, chocolates, cool kitchen towels from Brugge, some clothes for the little guy that Carolyn helped pick out for him and a handmade stuffed pig he found for Elle. My stomach was a tad off and I know he was exhausted but we loaded up the car an hour later, dropped Gracie off at doggie daycare for the day and night and headed about 5 hours to St Joe, MI to spend the evening and next morning with some of my most treasured friends! My one girlfriend gave birth to a beautiful girl a few months back and we all wanted to get get together and make this an annual tradition, visiting each others homes, and making the time and effort to be together. It was a fantastic day there.....we got there and the girls took off for pedicures....sitting there relaxing in a massage chair with 3 great friends next to me was a great feeling and then to come back and have a nice dinner, watch Elle play and have the girls give her lots of kisses and hugs was so much fun. Elle also loved the new baby and I was proud of how she overall behaved. She's been such a good girl and has adjusted so well to our "on the go" lifestyle. I am hoping this little guy is ready for the action as well. I know I overbook myself to help block out the sadness in my life but it's all I know to do. I love surrounding myself with friends, family, dinners and good times. I know how precious life is and how my parents never passed on the opportunity to get together with people. I hope my life can always be this flexible. I want to be there for people and to make memories with our friends no matter what the distance is. If everyone puts in the effort, it is sure to last a lifetime. I feel very good about this.


Sunday morning, we drank coffee together, ate a nice breakfast, starred out at the water......and then said our goodbyes. I am so thankful for their friendship and our ability to make time for each other even though we are all busy new MOMS now! We all inspire each other in different ways, it's pretty cool. I know I can count on these woman to be there through the good, sad and life's twists and turns it may take. They have always been there.


This weekend was proof that while there is much sadness in my heart and great fear for seeing my brother, I am still surrounded by love through my Grandfather, my girlfriends, my husband and daughter.....I am still so lucky.

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