Forward Momentum

Where do I start? 

Getting in here to write feels daunting.

 I feel like I have too much to say and nothing to say all at the same time.

I would tell someone else to just start. Pick something. Share a story. Share a picture. Share inspiration. Just start.

I will take my own advice and share this picture and start there. 

This fabulous family picture is from Thanksgiving. It took quite a few attempts but the end result is worth it. We all look good, we're all smiling and for the most part we are looking at the camera. It's hard however to look at  this photo without getting a lump in my throat. It's hard to look without staring at the missing person. I feel like there is a giant sign that hangs above and says "Dad should be here!" with an arrow pointing down.

We took a family photo at Christmas, like we always do, I couldn't even look at it. When it was given to me I turned it over, face down and put it somewhere. I have no idea where. I put it somewhere that didn't matter because I didn't want to see or accept that this is how our photos will look from now on. One man down. 

I felt a little lighter about this one. I love it. It's beautiful. Each one of these faces loved Dad.  Each one had a piece of their heart taken that day. Each of these faces miss him. When I see this photo I am so proud of these faces, including my own. Proud because we have woken up every day and moved forward. Whether it was many steps or just one, the momentum was forward.  When we feel the weight of grief push us to our knees we can all be proud that we stood back up on wobbly legs and pushed forward. It is all so raw still. It still stings. It still makes no sense, I suspect it never will. However,  I take comfort in seeing him in our smiles. And hearing him in our stories. And feeling him in the air around me. 

I miss you Dad. 

I Am Grateful

This past weekend we drove back home to my parent's to have Thanksgiving. We ate a delicious dinner, ate a plethora of desserts, cooked breakfast alongside my Dad, had eggs Benedict for breakfast, drank wine, met my nephew's new miniature pony Maggie, Anna rode Maggie & took her for a walk, chased the neighbour's dogs from the yard, watched chicken's run around, cuddled / smothered my nephew Brayden, bounced in the bouncy house, devoured a large jar of my Mom's home made pickles (that was just me, I needed no help). It was a wonderful weekend.

I am Grateful.

For "I Love You's" from Anna and the tiny kisses that follow.

For hugs in Cory's arms and kisses on the forehead.

For a body that does what I tell it to do.

For waking up every morning with the chance to try again.

For my Dad, his sense of humour, his teasing, his pokes in my ribs as I walk by.

For my Mom, her amazing cooking, her appreciation for home made, her love of holiday decorating.

For my Micheal, Lyndsey, Brayden and Baby W.

For my dear friends. 

For owning my own business and being able to work from home.

For a home.

For make believe and princess costumes.

For a passion that helps me remember through photos & words.

For laughing.

For red wine.

For three very hairy fur babies.

For time to myself.

For coffee.

For popcorn.

For handmade gifts.

For people that remember what is important to me.

For my blog, it's readers and your comments and your silly emails.

For books & magazines.

For a pay cheque.

For cheese ;-)

For texts just to say I am thinking about you.