Remembering those that have gone before us....
Today would have been my Mom's 57th birthday. It's weird because I honestly never really knew her birthday. It's like I would look to see when it was, I would note it in my head and then it would come and go. I used to feel really guilty that I didn't know her birthday. But, then I realized I was too young. Too young to know dates, too young to know when to celebrate, just too young.
Lately, it seems that personally as well as professionally death has been in abundance. It's hard to see people so sad. Grief is such a powerful thing. Kubler-Ross was really onto something and it seems almost inevitable that you will go through one, if not all, of the stages. I digress...
So this post is dedicated to some of those that went before me...So here you go Aylen and Biscotti, here are some very special people that I want you to know.
this is my Momma, your Grandmother, Tommie Lee. I wonder what she would have wanted to be called--Granny, Grandma, Nana. It's weird because I knew her as a young lady and all of my pictures are of her when she was young. It's hard to imagine what type of Grandma she would be--but I know she would be pretty darn hip, perhaps hippyish:) Aylen you would be happy to know that you got her nose-at least I think you did. A fun story that I will tell you alot while you grow up is what your Grandma's recipe for Hiccups was...."If you have the hiccups, you just fill a ziplock bag full of water and put your head in it." Odd that this memory has stuck with me. I never questioned her logic, it made sense to both of us at the time.
Happy Birthday Momma-Grandma!
And ps. I can't wait to give Biscotti your middle name.
Aylen, the lady third from the left is Iona. She was my surrogate mother during the days. She taught me about spinach, following the rules, and that my Dad would eventually pick me up (even if it was not when I thought he should be there!). I can't remember all the stories but I know she was a pivotal part of my development.
alrighty Jenny-Russ said you would kill me if I put this picture up. BUT darnit I can't help it you LOOK so awesome and happy!! So Biscotti-this is your Auntie Jenny. Sadly, I didn't ever get to meet her-but her stories will live on. I've been informed that if you ever get into boy bands-Auntie Jenny is your person, your guru, your all-knowing Auntie. Auntie Jenny would tell you to be yourself-because that is all that you can do (says your Daddy).
alright Ninos...the guy going for the garter with the bandana on is your Uncle Kenny. He was a way cool dude, that is really missed. He would call you, "Kid", and laugh his great laugh. High on life that is what he was....
Biscotti this is your Great-Grandma Gram. She never knew you but she met your brother. She knew about you-I wish we would have asked her what she thought you were going to be--BOY or GIRL. Your Great-Grandma was feistier than the feistiest! Great-Grandma Gram would have asked you-"What's going on here?" if you and Aylen were messing around. You would have loved to see your Daddy and Great-Grandma Gram messing with each other-it always brought laughs to EVERYONE in the room!
Aylen, this is Great Papa. You knew him! He loved to tell stories about how he was never allowed to be in the room when his children were being born. He told you things like, "Keep it between the fence posts", and as one that we never got to hear but Daddy says he would say was, "Ishkabibble."
So there you go Aylen John and Biscotti-these are some very important people that have passed either before you were born or soon after. You will know them by the pictures we show you at home, and the stories we tell you. That I promise both of you.
Love to all and those watching out for us up there:)
Momma
