It’s Still Here.

I thought I’d feel some relief coming down off Rory’s birthday. It was officially the end of our “holiday season.”

It just hasn’t come.

Like the weather outside, I feel like I’m surrounded by clouds.

I feel maxed with stress. With emotions. With frustration.

Things that might have just blown right over me, aren’t. My emotions are at a place where they’re to the rim, ready to overflow at the next thing that hurts.

I’m angry.

Sad.

Upset.

I try to breathe through it. I mean, I’m acknowledging that I’m getting set off. But it’s just not possible right now.

I’m exhausted.

Physically and emotionally.

Trying to be “normal” right now requires so much energy.

I remember a few weeks ago going to an event and I practiced smiling as I walked in.

I had to practice smiling because it just doesn’t come as naturally. Or as often.

Especially right now.

I took that picture above last week as snow was coming down. I looked over at the sun and it was fighting.

It was fighting its way through the clouds to provide light to us.

That’s what I’m doing right now. I’m fighting. I’m trying to figure a way out of the grief clouds that are surrounding me.

I have hope that I’ll break through.

I will.

I always do.

There are four men that need me to.

Hitting Double Digits (Birthday Part One)

Tomorrow is Rory’s birthday. But I want to celebrate and love tomorrow. Today, I want to scream and cry.

If Rory was still here I probably would have written:

And just like this, my baby girl is 10.

My baby has hit the double digits. I can’t believe it!

I probably would have commented on all the growth she had this year.

How she’s made so many new friends.

I’d probably have commented on how fast time goes by.

About what an incredible young woman she’s becoming. How proud I am of her.

I hate that I don’t get to say these things.

That I miss out on so much with her.

I just want to scream today.

I miss her!

I want her!

It’s not fair she’s not here!

But mostly, I want to tell my girl:

I think about you everyday.

I listen for you.

I search for you.

I try to share love like you would have.

I love you, my sweet baby girl.

Forever.

And ever.

Remembering Her

I want to thank everyone that has sent items for our animal shelter service project.

It’s significant to us.

It’s another loving reminder that,

Rory is remembered.

For what she loved.

For how she loved.

Thank you.

If you’d still like to participate, we’ll be collecting items until her birthday, February 6th.

Love you all.

Oh, how I miss this girl.

Rory’s Birthday Service Project

Holidays are hard.

Starting with Halloween, there are a lot of days Lance and I would rather stay in bed.

Our “holiday season” ends February 6th with Rory’s birthday.

Last year, leading up to her birthday is when my sleeping and emotional state hit an all time low.

The one thing that kept me sane was our children’s hospital service projects.

So we’re doing another service project this year!

We’re doing something that was near and dear to Rory’s heart.

ANIMALS!

She loved them all! (Except roosters.)

We’re going to be collecting items for our local animal shelter. And we’d LOVE your help. Here are some examples of things they’re in need of:

  • Fleece blankets and towels (used or new)
  • Wet cat food or broth for sick cats
  • Cat and dog toys
  • Soft cat and dog treats
  • Canned dog and cat food
  • Newspaper
  • Disinfectant wipes
  • Paper towels
  • Bleach
  • Trash bags (kitchen and liner trash bags)
  • Sponges
  • Anti-Bacterial dish soap
  • Latex gloves (Large, medium & small)
  • Q-Tips
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Band Aids (all sizes)
  • Distilled Water
  • Medical tape
  • Ink Pens (Blue/Black)
  • Duct Tape
  • Tape
  • Batteries (AAA, AA and 9V)
  • Copier Paper
  • Scissors
  • Staplers
  • Highlighters
  • Sharpies (all colors)
  • Paper Clips
  • Rubber Band
  • Message or email me for my contact information.

    Thank you for helping us celebrate her birthday!