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A Halloween Memory

stephaniemoorewrites
Wonder Woman attacking an unknowing Superman.

Last year, I was staying home to hand out candy, the boys were out with cousins and friends, so Rory was trick or treating with my sister and her youngers.

My sister called and asked me to send Rory over. I got her shoes on and sent her out the door. (My sister was at my mom’s, who lived right behind us.)

I gave away some candy. And maybe 5 minutes later my sister called again. “Where’s Rory?”

This was not an usual question. (And, unfortunately, still isn’t.)

My distracted, wandering wild flower.

I looked around a little then asked a neighbor that was trick or treating, “Have you seen Rory?”

“Yeah, she’s down the street with the Vriens family.”

She saw a group of her friends, forgot her destination, and just joined in.

But almost on cue, I see my cute Wonder Woman running back down the cul-de-sac.

After a quick hug, I sent her on her way to my mom’s to have an awesome night of family and candy.

Happy 80th Birthday, Ron!

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This past weekend we got to spend time with Lance’s family to celebrate his dad’s 80th birthday.

Almost all his siblings were there. We played games, did work around the house, ate great food, and just enjoyed being together.

My mind kept reflecting back to when we were there two years ago to wish Ron a happy birthday.

I have no doubt Rory’s there wishing you a happy birthday too.

Love you, Ron!

More Like Her

stephaniemoorewrites

Rory had a wonderful 3rd Grade teacher, Mrs. Bohls. She loved Rory. I could tell from our first conversations and emails.

After Rory’s passing, I had a few opportunities to talk with her, mourn with her.

One of the times she said something that has stuck with me. It was something like, when I get to Heaven, I’m going to ask God, why her. Because, “We need more kids like Rory in this world.”

Rory wasn’t a perfect child. She required patience. But she had two characteristics that were amazing:

She forgave readily.

She apologized quickly.

When she would accidentally hurt someone, she would repeat, “I’m sorry.” She wasn’t prideful, she wanted to make things better. And she didn’t want the other person to be in pain.

There was a time that Rory was going out to play with a friend. As Rory was leaving, she said, “I hope she uses nice words with me.” The last time Rory had played with this friend, the girl wasn’t the nicest. But Rory didn’t hold it against her. She forgave. She was weary, but forgave her.

Rory still loved her friend.

That’s what happens when you forgive and apologize quickly.

You love. Christ-like love.

I want to love like Rory, so there’s another “Rory” in this world.

Bracing For Impact

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I feel like I’m in a car.

The rain is turning to snow. My limbs are cold, a bit numb.

I don’t know the destination, but I have my family in there with me.

As I go to make a turn, my tires slide. I turn into the slide. And I spin. And spin.

Then I see it. Five feet ahead, there’s a wall.

I take one last glance around at each face then I grip the steering wheel.

Bracing for impact.

That’s where I’m at right now.

Bracing for impact.

I’m staring down the year mark. One year without my baby girl.

One year without her hugs.

One year without her laughs.

One year without her cuddles.

One year of holidays without her.

One more first holiday without her left. Halloween.

The tears are coming quicker.

My heart pounds harder, faster.

The breakdowns are increasing.

I’m in a tailspin.

Holding on.

And holding on.

Trying to prepare for what’s coming.

Halloween Costumes

stephaniemoorewrites

I have a DC comic shirt with three female Superheroes on them.

Rory loved it! Every time I wore it we talked about each of the women and their powers.

She had her Halloween costumes picked out for three years.

2017- Wonder Woman

2018- Super Girl

2019- Batgirl

We got one of those years in.

Man, I miss my supergirl.