Anniversary while we're waiting

Good morning Dree

Today your mother and I are celebrating our 11th wedding anniversary. 


Many couples my age may say that the last “insert number of years here” were the best number of years of their life.  Maybe that is true for others, or maybe others are lying when they say that.  I’d be lying if I said that.  The last 2 years have sucked without you.  Mom, Hannah and I have changed a lot since you have left us on Earth.  Even knowing that you are in heaven doesn’t make it much better for me selfishly.  I miss your snuggles, kisses, and when you would say woo to us.  But I have learned a lot about your mother’s and my marriage in the almost two years since you have been gone.  First off, a lot of the stuff that I thought was important isn’t really.  Don’t get me wrong, I sweat the small stuff way more than I should (like not having my Iphone on this trip).  Thinking of you does help me sometimes.  So many things that you have brought to me have made me a better person.   

Your mom has been one of the people who has really been there for me in grieving you.  Its hard for me to see sometimes because sometimes I think I am looking for other things.  But, I am so grateful for your mom.  She has gotten me through almost two years without you here.  We have grown together in ways that I hope none of my friends or peers ever have to experience.   In the past few days, we have had a fun time with your cousins and aunt exploring rain forests, volcanoes, rivers, lakes, the largest spruce tree in the world, the Pacific Ocean, and many other natural wonders.  I love that during the 5 plus years of our marriage that you were with us here, you came with us everywhere to all the places.  There are so many times on this trip that I thought about how much you would have loved this.  You would have loved to lay on the fern at Hoh Rainforest.  And I am so grateful in 5 years we went on so many adventures together.

It's weird because today is more like every other day, and the anniversary that is 15 days from now seems to impact me much more ever

Today, we are going to celebrate our anniversary differently than others may.  Others may look forward to future trips, adventures, and plans.  While we are doing all those things, we are also doing them while waiting to see you again.

  • Romans 8:24:
    .
    "For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he already sees? 
g other bereaved parents.  We have met lots of parents who shared their kids stories, and I hope
 you are playing with them in heaven.

Woo Dree

Love Dada

Thank you for being there for me Mandy.  Thank you for being my person and being the rock of our family.

Audrey and Mandy on our anniversary 3 year years ago in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

PS- Audrey- It was 3 years ago that Auntie Megan rescued your shoe at Pictured Rocks, which inspired our tradition of leaving your shoes at our vacation spots in your memory.  Later this trip, we will be doing the same thing.


PPS Audrey- I only wear purple hats now in memory of you.



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