Happy Birthday Mom

This picture was taken in July of 1994 at Madi's baptism. 2 1/2 months before Mom died.

left to right: Brein, Ben, Rileigh, Madi, Aariel, Joseph and behind Dad & Mom.

Mom would be 52 years old if she were still alive. But I guess she'll remain 37 forever. Her birthday was sunday. I've been thinking of her a lot lately not even realizing her birthday was coming up. My dad texted my siblings and I that day to let us know he had some things of Mom's we could have if we wanted. He has 4 big totes of pictures, letters, jewelry, music, tapes, and other odds and ends. I really hadn't even realized he had saved it all. I'm so glad he did.

Madi and I went over to my Dad's last night to see what was there. My youngest brother Joe joined us. It was fun to see all that she had, but felt very strange to take things home. It makes it feel more permanent. It's as if 15 years without her still hasn't sunk in all the way and I still haven't fully realized the gravity of the situation. Taking home things she loved really makes it real.

Reality hurts. But I think it's just what I needed to help me try and move on. Life will never be the same without her. She would make any situation better just by being here. We were robbed. It's not fair. But you just take it one day at a time and do the best you can. What else can you do? I know the world would be a better place just having her in it. I miss her terribly.

I love you Mom. Happy birthday.

~Brein

Funerals

Well as you know we just buried my mother-in-law.  :(  It has really gotten me thinking about my funeral one day.  For the record... there shall be NO double chin pictures of me up, not in my obituary or anywhere else, even if I'm heavier at that time than I am now!  Anyway onto my Mom memory...

When Mom was sick and knew she was dying, she told me what she wanted for her funeral.  

She wanted her casket to be carried in the back of a van, our van if possible.  She said she didn't like hearses because they were sad.

She didn't want a luncheon afterwards, she wanted a PARTY with nothing but CHOCOLATE! She wanted us all to have fun and talk about all the good times we had with her.

Well she never got those things.  :(  Dad said the hearse came with the package.  And no one was in the mood for a party at all.  I remember rolls, and funeral potatoes , but I don't remember any chocolate.  Not saying there wasn't any, just none I can remember.

Oh ya and I forgot, when posting don't forget to add your name at the bottom!

~Brein