Thanks Friona!

Four years ago this month marked a bittersweet time in my life. It was my 20th class reunion. Two days pre-reunion my dad died and two days post-reunion he was buried. And while that 5 day period was hard and painful, I thank God for the events of that weekend and for my classmates. They helped make an unbearable time in my life a little better. You see, I was blessed by growing up in a small town. Most of my us went to school together for 13 years, and when you have a class size of 74...you get really close. Don't get me wrong, I'm not dissing big schools, I'm just saying I feel really blessed to have a close, personal friendship with a lot of my classmates. They're family.

Two weeks ago, I attended Friona's all-school reunion. It was the 100th anniversary of the schools and I had so much fun! It was neat seeing all of the history, not to mention the people. Our family alone represented classes from the 40's, 50's, 60's and 80's. (And yes, my Granny was there with her date.) I was thankful that UH didn't remember T and I. There's a lot of unsolved mysteries from the 80's. Ha. And it was nice to learn that Mr. P. didn't retire because of me and D. And how in the world does Mrs. R. remember seating charts from 25 years ago? And sweet Mrs. O still looks the same. She was one of my favorite teachers and represented her Friona class from 1936, I believe. So many memories!

Class of 83...it was great seeing our Seniors! J...you're as crazy as ever; always fun to be around. I know coming home can't be easy. J, you inspire me...where do you get the strength and courage to do all that you do? Sign me up! And J...when God closes a door, he opens a window. It was so nice seeing you again. Hang in there my friend!

Class of 85...thanks for letting us hang with you guys. What fun! It was nice seeing each of you. B, you amaze me; what a success story! S, thanks for asking about my daughter - it meant a lot to me. T...what can I say...your wit keeps me laughing. B...you haven't changed bit. And M...as sweet as ever...I enjoyed our talk. And R and J...I love you guys; you made band so much fun!

Class of 86...sorry you had to be the lone male J, but you can honestly say that you were a chick magnet! T and D...I enjoyed rehashing horror stories from the past. M, thanks for being my date...so happy you have J in your life! M, it was great seeing you, my Land of Enchantment comrade.

Good friends and great memories!

My Dad

Today marks 4 years since my dad died. It was a sad, hard day. I'm so grateful that dad is no longer in pain, but I still miss him. My dad was the king of dry wit. He was funny, but in a really off-beat way. I miss that. I miss talking to him; he was my biggest supporter. I miss his voice, hearing him call me sweetheart. I miss his smell...he always smelled so fresh and soap-clean. I mostly miss the relationship he had with Brooke. He played such an intrigal role in my child's life and at times, she doesn't know what to do without him. While I hate that so much of his life was spent disabled, I am thankful for the time it allowed him to be with his family. Sometimes the hardships in life change us in ways we can never imagine. Dad was Brooke and Briana's best friend.

The last 5 days with Brooke have been hard. She is sick and and has been a real booger-bear at times. Something occurred to me today...she knows it is the time of year when her granddad died. How does she know? She can't read a calendar. I haven't talked about it in front of her. And...oddly enough, she hasn't seen me cry. So how does she know September 14th? Isn't that amazing! It certainly explains her outbursts lately! I can't imagine feeling pain or confusion or grief and not being able to express your feelings. Friday, she grabbed her pillow that has a pillow case with a picture of granddad and her and cried. She kept pointing up to heaven. This morning I had to come home from work for a while...the sitter called because Brooke was screaming and crying. She wanted her mommie at home, she doesn't feel good, and she pointed to heaven and asked for granddad again. Broke my heart. My dad left a huge void in Brooke's life. Her was her bestie!

Life is so uncertain...please enjoy time with family and friends and thank God every day for those you love. Rest in peace dad!