Being older has set me free

There is an email being distributed again (not a new one and I am sure everyone has received it once or twice before). This email spoke to me so I took the liberty and edited it to make it about me.

I would never trade my amazing friends, my life,

my family (including Sierra, Jackson, & Louie)
for less gray hair or a flatter belly.
As I've aged, I’ve become kinder to myself,
and less critical of myself and others.

I like myself and I've become my own
good friend. I don't chide myself any longer
for not making my bed, cleaning the house,
or for buying that silly item that I didn’t need.
I am entitled to a treat, to be messy, and
to be extravagant once in a while.

I experienced too many hardships and losses in my
50 plus years on this planet. I have endured losing
my daughter and I’ve seen too many friends and
family leave this world too soon; before they
understood the great freedom that comes with aging.

Whose business is it if I choose to read, play
on the computer, or sew until 4:00 AM and sleep until
noon? I will dance with myself or my dog to the
wonderful songs of the 60, 70 and 80’s.
I will sing to my dog, even though I can't hold a tune.
If, at the same time, I wish to shed tears because
I miss my daughter, Laura, I will.

I will walk the beach in a swim suit that tries to
cover up my flaws and bulging body and will
dive into the waves with my boogie board
if I choose to.

I know I am sometimes forgetful. But there
again, some of life is just as well forgotten.
I eventually remember the important things.

Sure, over the years my heart has been broken.
How can your heart not break when you lose
your daughter or son, along with other loved
ones; or when a child or pet suffers. Broken
hearts are what give us strength, understanding,
and compassion. A heart never broken is pristine
and sterile and will never know the joy of being
imperfect.

I am so blessed to have lived long enough to
have my roots turning gray, and to have my
laugh lines forever etched into grooves on my
face. So many have never laughed, and so many
have died before their hair could turn silver.

As you get older, it is easier to be positive.
You care less about what other people think.
I don’t question myself as much like I use to do.
I have even come to terms with being wrong.
After all, no one is perfect. Only God.

I am embracing that I am different from others.
I like the person I have become and I am
always evolving.

I am not going to live forever,
but while I am still here, I will try not to waste
time mourning what could have been, or
worrying about what will be.

Being older has certainly set me free.

Jackson update

Jackson is looking a bit tired here

but his parents say he is doing really well. He pulled

through his surgery like a trooper.

Glad to hear it, Jack.  We love you!

Louie

Louie was feeling sorry for Jackson, so he volunteered to wear Jack's lampshade for a while.  Jackson is still feeling some pain, but he is eating and barking. 

All good signs.

Thank you St. Francis for watching over him.

Peace & Blessing to all of us in 2011

January 1--a brand new year, this milestone which has its aura of sadness because we are entering another year without our daughter, Laura. 

I will try to focus on my hopes:

• I hope this new year will be a time of peace and contentment for us. 
• I pray this will be the year that our son finds a doctor who can really help him.
• I hope to improve my physical and spiritual self.
• I pray my pup's health improves and she can stay with us longer. (Laura, I really don't want to send her your way yet.)
• I pray that my family and friends' lives are blessed with good health and lots of love and laughter.
• I pray that the twins enter this world uneventfully. I can't wait to meet them.
• I hope we can always hear in our hearts Laura's voice reminding us to praise life and embrace it fully.  

Happy New Year!

Motherhood is the only job in the world where your every decision is questioned and doubted and criticized. No matter what you do, no matter what choices you make, someone somewhere is convinced that you are doing irreparable harm to your children.


The President holds the only other position where one is constantly living with criticism. But there is a huge difference between mothers and presidents—presidents are well compensated for their work.

Some days you just need extra help from above

Submitted by BD

More of Laura's family

Cousin Aunt & cousin

Aunt & cousins

Bronx Zoo

What a fun day we had at the zoo in the spring 2008. This was the last time I spent with Laura, my neice, great neice, and great nephew all together enjoying a terrific day. K was the love of Laura's life and I am postive she still is. We exhausted ourselves walking, laughing, and being silly. I will always treasure the memories from this special day.

We all miss you tremendously.