My Life/ Happy First Birthday Sweet Emma

My niece Emma is one today I can't believe it. Last year at this time my Mom was in Texas with Steph and Todd awaiting Emma's arrival. What a difference a year makes. Todd's headstone was just laid down about a week ago. I can't describe the feeling I had seeing his name on that stone. It dug so deep into my stomach like he died all over again. I often think of Todd but I tend to put his death to the back of my mind because it hurts to much to think about. So when I seen his name it was like I had to admit all over again that this is so final. I look at his little girl and I feel such pain not for her now because she does not have a clue what she has lost but for her when she's older. She will have no memories of her Daddy except the ones we share with her but none of her very own. I feel like she has been robbed of that Daddy/daughter relationship. Lot's of questions enter my mind. How will this affect her as she is growing up? Her relationships? How is she going to feel at school one day and others are talking about their Daddy's and she does not have hers waiting for her at home. I also think about if my sister does ever re-marry will that man treat Emma like his own? My heart just breaks for her. She is such a special little girl. She has these dark brown eyes and she has her Daddy's LOOK. Whenever we tell her No she gives us the LOOK. You can't help but want to snuggle her. So Happy 1st Birthday Emma, Auntie loves you.

My Life/ Realizing

To realize
The value of a sister,
Ask someone
Who doesn't have one.

To realize
The value of ten years,
Ask a newly
Divorced couple.

To realize
The value of four years,
Ask a graduate.


To realize
The value of one year,
Ask a student who
Has failed a final exam.


To realize
The value of nine months,
Ask a mother who gave birth to a stillborn.


To realize
The value of one month,
Ask a mother
who has given birth to
A premature baby.

To realize
The value of one week,
Ask an editor of a weekly newspaper.

To realize
The value of one minute,
Ask a person
Who has missed the train, bus or plane.


To realize
The value of one-second,
Ask a person
Who has survived an accident.


Time waits for no one


Treasure every moment you have.


You will treasure it even more when
you can share it with someone special


To realize the value of a friend or family member:

LOSE ONE.


The origin of this letter is unknown,
But it brings good luck to everyone who passes it on.


Do not keep this letter.


Send it to friends & family to whom you wish good luck

and don't forget the one who sent it to you!

Peace, love and prosperity to all!

Remember...

hold on tight to the ones you Love



Life may not be the party we hoped for,
but while we`re here we should dance


Good Advice!

Remembering 9/11

It's hard to believe that it has been six years since 9/11. I think everyone will always remember what they were doing at that exact moment when finding out the terrible news. I was feeding my daughter her cereal watching Good Morning America. I was in the shower when the first tower fell. My son was in afternoon pre school and I chose not to send him that day. My Dad and my sister were on there way to Georgia for my Brother in Laws graduation after his training in the Military. Right before joining the Army my sister remembers talking with Todd about her fears of him enlisting. He said it's not like we are at War. Then 9/11 happened. That changed EVERYTHING. If it were not for that day we probably would have never gone into Iraq and Todd might still be alive. I think of this day often that was the turning point of everything. Every year I watch all the specials on the 9/11 attacks, all the heroes that died that day. Now six years later I sit and I think about Todd, this is the reason he gave his life for our Country. How ironic my Mom and my Sister and niece are flying to Washington DC for another memorial service today of all days to honor Todd. They recovered the rest of his body and are going to lay him to rest there. They fly out this afternoon. Worry is starting to set in, not sure if it is about the flying or just them being so far away. So many people hurting inside today remembering their loved ones, mourning for America. We will never forget.