Taking some time out for fun

Angel Tree at Metropolitian Museum of Art

Amazing stained glass by Tiffany

"Piece by piece, I reenter the world. A new phase; a new voice. Birds console me by flying, trees by growing, dogs by the warm patch they leave on the sofa. It is like a slow recovery from a sickness, this recovery of one’s self."

Toby Talbot



Two years ago when my grief was so fresh and the black hole so deep, I thought this would never happen—that I would take pleasure in the small, ordinary events of life. I thought my perception of the world would always be dominated by this piercing, overriding loss of losing my child. The excruciating pain that stabs my heart no longer cuts into my consciousness all the time. Yet, there still isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t cry and long for my daughter, Laura. My heart will ache for her until the day I die.

As you can imagine, November and December are extremely hard months to live through. I try to acknowledge the difficulties of the season and do my best getting through the days, I do what I can to cultivate some inner peace, I grant random acts of kindness in honor of Laura, and I try to laugh when I can.

I pray I will not lose my way before the days quiet down again.

Birthday Gift

Laura was in the habit of buying me one carnation for special events. She started doing that from the time
she had her own spending money. Sometimes she would give me carnations just because she was happy
I did something for her. I always told her one is just as good as twelve or more. Of course, if she wasn’t
short on cash, she would buy me more than one. Yet, I appreciated every carnation she gave me.

The night before my birthday, I asked Laura to please, if at all possible, to send me one carnation
for my birthday. I asked my angels to help her accomplish the task. I woke up the next morning
and sent the same birthday request out to the universe. I shared my hope for the day with her dad.

We enjoyed our time at the SD zoo and all the while I kept my eye out for carnations.

The day advanced, the zoo closed, and no sign.

We were seated for dinner at 8:30 pm and I realized then that I wasn’t getting my birthday wish. The
waiter came over to welcome us and handed us menus. The second time he came to us he had one carnation
in a vase and placed it on the table.

The tears started and once again I was grateful for the one carnation.

Remembering Laura

We want to thank everyone for remembering Laura on her Angel Day. We received many calls and cards and each one is appreciated. I am sure Laura also feels the love from everyone.

One day we will be together again. In the meantime, we have work and fun to do here and you have work and fun to do there. We all miss you! Shine brightly my daughter.

With all our love,
Mom & Dad

Pure love

Friends

I am truly grateful for my friends. It is a comforting feeling to know they are always there and are always willing to listen to me, no matter how much I retell Laura's story. As often as I need to talk and cry I can count on them.  I wish all of them peace and blessings.

Why God Created Friends

God created friends

to make this world a warmer place--

to give a little breather

from life's rapid, busy pace.

They bring on smiles and laughter,

help to talk a problem through,

discuss the latest news

and let you air a point of view.

They understand your feelings--

are never less than caring--

God created friends

for all the special joys of sharing.



Halloween Dance 2010

Woofer & Meower

Kitty & Witch

Dad & Sierra

Sisters

Friends

Pumpkins carved by D

Mighty canines

Poor Jack! He doesn't look thrilled to be Batman!

Yet, he enjoyed his wage--yummy steak.

Louie is so sweet he will endure anything his mother makes him do or makes him wear. Although he didn't like the Zorro costume; he preferred Batman like his brother. I hope Louie got some steak too.

I love you guys!

ALBINO PEACOCK

THE DAY GOD RAN SHORT
ON PAINT

What absolute beauty

only God could create!

Thanks BD for sending me this.

Boo at the Zoo

Pirate & Luigi (Luigi was a big hit at the zoo.

There were Luigis in all sizes.)

Scary Pirate Girl

We only saw two other pirate girls at the zoo.

Give me your treasure or your head...

Mom & children on the spooky hayride

The zoo was decorated throughout with fall
& Halloween decorations

Fun rock climbing

Arts & Crafts
We made green, sparkly snakes

The Dora 4D show is adorable.

It is as good as ones in Disney World.

Cranky pirate girl

Shawn was the maze leader.

He led us all out safely.



Pups & Pumpkins

Thanks B for sending these adorable pictures.



Entertainment at Judy's house

Wow...what a bird. Let me at him!

Looks like someone sprayed that bug with Miracle Gro! He would be really yummy in my tummy. 

Hey Jude, buddy I am calling you, it's snack time!

Jake is an African Gray, who has a large vocabulary and he mimics sounds like the dog barking or cell phone. One of his favorite lines is "Shit for brains."

Hello, my name is Master Jake Bottone and I am one amazing bird. I keep King, the dog of the house, on his paws. If my family thinks the new addition (a much larger version of King) to the household is going to rule me they have another thing coming. Wait till I play mind games with him.