Not "what would have been"...just Happy Birthday...

Many of us wish our lost loved ones a Happy "what would have been" Birthday...Because someone you love passed away, that does not mean they are not celebrating a birthday.  I believe they are celebrated not only on their birthdays, but every day.  Today is my moms 77th birthday.
      I remember baking many cakes for her, wrapping many presents in newspaper for her, and celebrating every year by BBQing at the lake before we would move back to the city for school to start.  August 31st, every year meant not only the end of summer, but celebrating another year of this most beautiful woman you could ever imagine.
     You know from past blog entries how special my mom was, so I will just keep this one on the short side by saying you are thought of every single day, you are missed every single night when I awake and realize I had just seen you in a dream.  You are seen every second in all of your children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren (who you would be so proud to have sitting in your lap!)  You are remembered every birthday with a card that gets tucked away (I am up to 17 this year) and balloons that are sent your way into the sunny blue sky.  Mom,  Happy Unlimited Birthday ❤️.
I Love and Miss You Every Day!

A Bump In The Road

#shouldhaveattended

 10 days ago I hit a bump in the road. I didn't hit a bump in my day, my week, or even my year... I hit a bump in the road...
on my bike. But this literal bump in the road has taught me many things in the past week.

First lesson being, even if you don't feel like wearing your helmet, wear it! At the last minute something told me to put mine on, yet seven stitches, a concussion and many scrapes, scars, and bruises later I'm glad I did.

     A bump in the road literally means – slow down – was I moving too fast on my bike? Yes… Was I moving too fast in my life? Yes… I'm always moving towards what's next.
     The summer was an amazing one, A constant of plans, friends, family, and lake (which as you know is how we roll, but that's what we love!). As Im always trying to keep moving ahead, I was trying to catch up to Sadie on my bike, I hit this bump in the road, which in some round about way, told me to slow down – and that it did. With this concussion came an entire new way of seeing things… In slow motion.  As much as I hate feeling the way that I do, I am realizing that not being able to think fast or talk fast has taken a little stress out of my life – not that my life is that stressful, but just putting everything on hold for 10 days (so far) makes me realize that not everything has to be done instantaneously.  Not every text or email needs to be answered within two minutes of receiving it.  I haven't been able to be on Facebook, Pinterest, email, watch TV or text (which I can't say I haven't been doing).  I've also realized that not being connected at all times is not such a crazy way to live. I know that it has become the norm but trust me… Take a step back for a morning, a day, even a week~You won't miss much.  I am as guilty as anyone else to being a social media addict, but I must say as much as it sucks to be as "out of it" as I've been, I've been forced to slow down.  I'm not so sure I will go back to the way I was. I've reverted to talking on the phone more to family and friends, something that had become so inconsistent.  Having friends stop by and sit on my couch and talk about the day has actually been the best. 

     The last and most important part of my "bump in the road" was seeing how my husband Eric and I raised our kids.
Eric took amazing care of me for two days until I made him go to work.
At this point he left my care in the hands of our kids, only one of which, Sadie, still lives at home. Dani and Jake both live in their own homes about 20 minutes away.  Jake spent two days to include spending the night just before leaving for Germany. He stayed to be sure if I needed anything he'd be there. I slept and he kept checking on me.  That meant the world to me!  Dani spent hours here with Lucy just to keep Nanas mind off of feeling so miserable, and of course it worked!  She also was a constant for me to know she was there if I needed anything.  She received many phone calls from me crying for reasons I didn't even know!   Sadie was my chauffeur, even though my irritability got the best of both of us. She cut the lawn, did laundry, dishes, and just sat with me… I know she got annoyed at times not having my constant energy and attention but she is getting through it!  Eric called every chance he got but was always careful not wake me up. He'd check in by calling Sadie. Little did he know that just hearing his voice was the biggest part of my days!
And then there's Gracie,
who ultimately was the best thing to come into our lives after we lost Cody. She stuck right by me all day long – right next to me until my days got better when she then she followed me to sit outside or in the family room.



 As you can see, taking love, family, and compassion for granted will be no more!

 Needless to say this bump in the road provided a lesson that's necessary for us to evolve  – and get us to where ever it is that we need to be.

By The Way...This was written by talk to text...Because I still shouldn't be on the computer!
It felt like I was making a podcast!  I've listened to a lot of those while staring at the walls!!

simple mom (and Gracie)

#Goldengirl

So, just a quick update to let you all know that I'm back to simple mom and her dog. Gracie is our 7 1/2-year-old rescue Golden who has fit into our lives just perfectly. I'm sure I'll have many more stories to tell but for now here she is.