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howdy ho momma!  How's it going?  I find that when I think of you I try to think of you there.  Healthy, whole, and without pain!  What a glorious thing!  I imagine you with grandma & grandpa, and uncle Bud.  And I still to this day find myself wondering how I've gotten through another day without actually hearing your voice.  I miss you loads.

Eric and I along with Matthew picked out your stone.  It's simple and a bit raw as if plucked right out of nature with the addition of a cross.  I think you would approve.  I'll be so glad to see it there in stead of the little marker from Armes-Hunt.

We received the results from Kathryn's testing and she is A-OK!  what a blessing to say the least.

It seems as though so much is going on.  I wonder at times how it is that life just continues.

The deadline is approaching for the contract and purchase of the house I showed you.  Golly if you have any pull with the Big guy I'd sure appreciate it.  I can relate to how you felt those times you said you hurt for your children/family because you were unable to provide for what they wanted.  If I could make this happen NOW I would.  And not at all for myself but for my husband and kids.  I really have come to believe it's the change we need in our lives. And am fearful that time is running out.

Matt is doing well in golf.  He really enjoys it.  I'm glad it's something he can do on his own.  For whatever reason there are so many people left on this earth that feel the need to steal away ones joy at every turn and knowing he can play a game that solely relies on his own abilities is a comfort.

I need to thank you again for how you raised me.  You allowed me to be me, figure out who I was, and embraced all the changes that came with discovery.   You encouraged me to have a voice and an opinion and to be confident.  As I think about the people you introduced into my life I can truly take away a lesson from each and everyone of them.

I've told you a lot about many of the people who have crossed my path.  I've shared with you my frustrations and joys that have been brought about by getting to know these people, working with them, worshiping with them, occupying a bleacher with them, and raising my own children with theirs.  And for sure the life lessons continue, daily.  I will say this, the place I am in has certainly caused me to pause, reflect, take personal inventory and adapt.  I've adapted in a way that seems to not be the norm rather in a way that truly feels guided by God.  I'm certain if I were to look back for a couple of sets of footprints, I'd only see one.

Perhaps too it's been your passing that has really caused me to pause and reflect.  Reflect on the legacy I'm leaving and the example I'm setting.  I feel it's given me cause to really reflect on who I am and chose to be.  As a result almost daily I feel more sure of that and empowered by that.  I find my self contemplating or listening if you will to what God brings me to.  One thing I'm finding out is that I'm not alone.  Not alone in my questions, concerns, thoughts.  I'm not alone in some of my opinions either.  Although I'd be ok if I were, it's somewhat validating to know from others whom I've come to respect that they too share many of my opinions/concerns.  With that said, I find myself seeking direction as to what to do with regard to those issues that effect my children as well as others' children.  I distinctly remember you and Brenda fighting many battles for the sake of us kids, I guess this is just one of those examples of history repeating itself.  I'm just still unclear of the battle lines, method, and in search of my "Brenda"!  And perhaps it's not my fight.  I've never really been much of a fighter.  This is why I continue to pray and seek guidance.  I am willing to go where I am led.

I've still got a lot of learning to do, a lot of growing to do, but feel better each day about what God is doing in my life.  I'm learning to appreciate the struggles as well as the blessings.

Wishing I could hug you.  I don't know that I'd let go though.  Please continue to watch over us.  We love and miss you a bunch.  I'll talk to you later!
kel