This time last year....

This time last year, my heart broke in two. I said goodbye to my mother. A huge component of who I was...was gone. Over the following days, weeks, and months....I had to learn how to fill empty spaces of my time. The last year has gone by so quickly. It's all really been a blur. But, one thing for sure...I thought of her all the time. I always do. There are times when I am at the store, working, in the bank, or at a school function...I smell her. It sounds so weird to say such a thing. But I do. The other day, Jere brought a box from storage and one of her bags that had a her bible and some books in, home for me to sort through. And our whole house smelled like her. A good smell. The kids came home from school that day, and the first thing Anna said, "It smells like grandma KiKi!" And the house was somber. I find her picture under Anna's pillow when I strip her sheets off to wash, and Dustin periodically becomes tearful. But other than that....we move forward. Carrying thoughts of her with us. I am so thankful that my children have more good thoughts than bad ones of her to remember. Mom's last three years were good. And for that I am so grateful. So today, in memory on my mother....I will visit her grave, go through some pictures, and I even spent some time with my dad before going to work. I miss you mom. Dad misses you and thinks of you often....especially lately. The kids miss you, terribly and like to talk about you. Your dog Elsie, she is in a loving home. Rest peacefully, and know....you are loved.