YOU!

You. Yes, you. I am writing this for you.

I know you are reading this. And I want you to know I am writing this for you. No one else will understand. No one else knows. They think that this is for them. But it’s not. I am writing this for you.

I want you to know, life…it’s hard. Every day can be a challenge. It can be a challenge to get up in the morning. To get yourself out of bed. To put on that smile. But I want you to know, that smile is what keeps me going some days. You need to remember, even through the tough times, you are amazing. You really are.

You should be happy. You are gorgeous.

I know that the weather might not be perfect. You might have to turn your back to the wind or feel the cold nipping at your nose. But you know what, at least you are there to feel it. At least you can enjoy the sun’s warm rays on your face. Or that cold February wind biting at your cheeks. You know what that means?

You are alive.

Everything will be okay.

Thank you, precious daughter, Carole! I really needed this this morning.

As most of my blog friends know my family and I made a LONG trip to Annapolis, MD to say goodbye to a wonderful man!

We had an uneventful trip out, which is always a good thing. We spent the time thinking and reminiscing about all that he meant to us. When we finally arrived, we were met by our brother, Steve. We could tell it was hard on him to lose his father, but I thought he was so glad to have all of us there.

We got there on Monday, and the 'Come and go' meet was Thursday evening, and the military honors were Friday morning, with the memorial service after the honors. A nice lunch was served by the ladies of the church.

Many, many wonderful things were said about him.

On Saturday, the ones that flew in were taken to the airport, the men of my family headed for home, and my twin sister and I stayed. As were were going through the house, we were told to take anything we wanted. At least, that is what we all heard, but as many of you know, not everything that is said is what is meant.

On Saturday, we went out to dinner with the family, had a great time, said our 'Good-byes', and got ready to leave early on Sunday.

We made it to Terre Haute, IN around 5 PM Sunday evening. About 7 miles west of TH, we drove over a 'pointy' part of the asphalt highway, and blew a tire. It was pouring rain! My sister, who was driving, got us safely to the side of the road. She turned on the emergency blinkers, and we sat, and sat. She looked for the 'Roadside assistance' for AARP, but the one she had wasn't the right one. She called 911 (what would we do without cell phones?) They said they would send the state troopers. No one showed up.

She then called 411 and got the # for a tow service. Thanks, Gil's Towing, of Terre Haute. He loaded the car onto a flatbed, and took us to the local Wal-Mart. We couldn't believe the automotive department would be open that late on a Sunday evening. They had a tire that matched, and we were on the road again.

As we got close to the place we had the blowout, there was another car with his blinkers on. We stopped! He also had a blowout. We gave him Gil's #, and I called Wal-mart and asked them to stay open for awhile longer. I hope they did. It was still raining!

We finally made to our motel in Effingham, IL. It was very nice! Thanks, Josh!

On Monday morning, very early, we headed west again. We finally made it home around 6:30PM.

All in all, for the circumstances, we had a very satisfying trip. There is more, but this is all I'm going to say at this time.