One Year

Your sweet parents were kind enough to invite us over to their house on Sunday, close to the anniversary of your passing.  For months Ben didn't want to take your clothes out of drawers or closets because then he would feel even more alone.  But the time came to go through your things.  Your sweet parents were kind enough to include us in this process. 

 Lots of delish food and always the best company!!

 Your sweeties playing on grandma's pirate ship bunk beds!

And then the fun began. . . first up your prom dress and high school prom picture.

 Even then you were sporting a cutie bald head . . . by choice not by chemo :)

 An Juice was especially helpful with grandma Betsy.

 You wore this cute pink dress when you graduated from nursing school.

 Tiffy made these cute shirts.  We couldn't find your favorite one that said, "LIFE" and was green.  You wore it all the time . . probably somewhere around Ben's house.

 You wore this little black dress with your red gorgeous scarf to see AZ Broadway theater.  I thought it was for your ten year anniversary, but your mom said it was for your birthday.  

 Bubby gave this fun sequin dress to you. . . I don' think you had a chance to wear it.  Your mom got a kick out of it.  I bet you and Bubby had fun watching our exchanges on that one.

 You wore this cute pants suit on your honeymoon to the Poconos.  

 One of your favorite skirts.

 Aunt Joanie and Wendy came too!  Wendy took this sweet baby girl outfit home. . your cousin Jessica wore it first before it was handed down to you.  Bubby made it.

 Your mom's friend and Leukemia survivor was there for the fun and tears.  I am so thankful that her cancer is currently under control. . . so thankful Diane is enjoying health.

 You wore this dress to talk to the doctor when your pain started coming back again . .  .

 Jaimee and I enjoyed a few tears and memories over clothes we bought with you and for you.  Jaimee got you this cute hat.

 Your mommy had been trying to figure out your head scarf for a few days apparently  . she thought maybe it was a fancy tube top.  You wore this to Rachel's wedding with my cute black and white striped dress. .  we were going to put it on you for the viewing to go with it, but we loved your spiky hair.

 We all took turns reading a few pages from your journal.  I got through one page and it made me so teary.

 Surprise, surprise. . Lans has some silver leather pants!  Your mom got a kick out of this ensemble we couldn't imagine you wearing either of.  My friend Andrea had given these pants to me 10 years ago and I passed them on to you.  It is funny you had them in the closet all those years.

 Your daddy and his sweet loving sisters. . . he wore his shirt just for you.

 And grandma and sweet Marina, who was so kind to come and honor your memory.

 It is always so bitter sweet to think of you. . . how is it possibly we can smile and cry all at the same time every time I think about you? Sunday was no exception.  You amaze Lans.