Leukemia and Lymphoma Awareness Month

Every 4 minutes one person is diagnosed with a blood cancer.

Every ten minutes, someone dies from a blood cancer. This statistic represents nearly 148 people each day, or more than six people every hour. An estimated 52,310 will die from one this year. This month is Leukemia and Lymphoma Awareness month. My mom was one of the 52,310 this year.

What can we do to help find a cure?

Thursday Thoughts

Dear Mom,

We just want you to know how much we love and miss you. Not a day goes by that we don't think of you. The sky is not as blue, the grass is not as green and our smiles are not as bright without you.

Love,

Those who love you

Rae, Mom & Dad

Wordless Wednesday

Last week Rae said that when she sees the sun shining through the clouds like this, she likes to think that it is Mom waving at her. This was taken while Mom was still with us but it made me think of her and what Rae had said.

Not Much

Not much is going on around here besides the everyday things of life. Dad and my hubby have to work tomorrow. So far I am off (no sub jobs), Rae is off and the Metroplex part of the family is off. The weather is still pretty warm and we still haven't gotten any rain. We are supposed to have a very high chance for rain this week so I am keeping my fingers crossed.

Today we headed to the Hill to celebrate G-mom W's 86th birthday. We had a nice day but as with all of the family celebrations we have had, it just isn't the same. My grandmother's brother sang and dedicated a song to G-mom and Papaw and to Mom and Dad. I couldn't even pay attention to the words of the song.

Anyway, just wanted to share this picture. I took it at the Johnson's farm where we celebrated the short people's birthdays. We were out fishing at sunset.

6 Months

Today like everyday I think of you from the time I wake up til I go to bed.

I miss your smile, your laugh, your hugs, your encouraging words, your kisses.

Everywhere I look at your house, grandmommy's house or anywhere outside, I see you in the things you did there.

When I see the cows, I think of how you took care of them.

When I look at Dad, I see a sadness that will never go away because of the love you had for each other.

When I see Becca or Rae, I remember the fun times we had and then the hurt hits because we won't be creating anymore memories like that.

When I look at your grandkids I see two sweet children who miss their Memom. I see all of the things they will do that you won't be here for.

When I look at Darrell or Steven, I see two sons-in-law who although they had an idea of how wonderful you were didn't get to spend enough time with you to understand it all.

When I look at Grandmommy I see one who lost her daughter and misses her so much and I see another one who lost her very loving and caring daughter in law.

When I look at Diane, I see someone who misses her sister and the closeness they shared.

When I look at your brothers in law and sisters in law, nieces, nephews and cousins, I see a family who misses your jokes, smile and kindness.

When I look at our church family, I see people miss the loving way you were to them.

When I look at myself I see a person who has a huge hole in her heart, misses you very much, has questions for you, who wants to be the person you know I can be and to be proud of me.

Mom, we love you and miss you. We are doing the best that we can to be the people you want us to be.

Time Marches On

It is hard to believe how even when things change so drastically in your life that time continues to march on. Tomorrow begins another school year. Dad will be starting his 30+ year of teaching and after so many years there aren't always a lot of changes but this year there is. This will be the first time that Mom won't send him off on his first day of school with a hug, a kiss and an I love you more. It will be the first year that won't start with her taking him lunch. Even last year as sick as she was some days we would get lunch to him (I know he ended the year with out it but it is still different). Rae will be starting her 11th year of teaching and coaching. This will be her first year of Mom not seeing any of her volleyball games, or calling her to check how things are going and her first birthday (Friday) without Mom. Tomorrow is the first day of 7th grade for TatorTot and 4th grade for MadCow. This will be their first year without a phone call from Memom on the first day of school to see how it was. I remember TatorTot's first day of school. . .Mom and Dad drove all the way to Georgia so they could go to school with him on his first day. They went to MadCow's first day also. Memom always tried to keep up with how they were doing in school. They made her so proud. Tomorrow will be the first day that B will have to send her kids to school knowing that Memom would be so proud of them and wishing that she could be there to go with them. I know that she will be watching them all and wishing them a great first day of school. And Aunt D too.

My Dad

I have got the best Dad in the whole world. Our relationship has changed so much in the last few months. I miss my Mom so much and I am so glad that I have my Daddy to lean on. Thanks for all you do Dad. I love you very much.Yes, I know we are one short in this picture. I need to find some more with all of us when we were little.