Another year past and it feels like yesterday

Another year has past and it still hurts.Words can never express the hurt I feel during the month of February. There is just so much loss and memory in the month for me. And today, well today is by far the hardest of the entire month.

February 25th is my mom's birthday! She's been gone for just under 15 years now, March 28th. No matter how long she's been gone I still think of her every day. Although, I may be able to get through her birthday better each year thinking not of the loss but reminiscing of her wonderful legacy, I still can't help tearing up. I miss her so very much!

There are so many things I want to share with her, show her, and have her watch Jesse and Zoey grow up. I know she would have endured this weekend's two day meet with them; loving every minute of it. 

Dad's birthday was February 1st and he passed away 14 years ago on February 14th. I think of him often and wish we had more time together. Although we weren't together during my childhood like I would have liked we were just getting to have a relationship during my adult years. He's one of the main reasons I chose to go to USM. I knew I would be closer to him and get to know him better.

I don't have many pictures of us, especially of the three of us, but this one from my USM graduation is one I will always cherish. When I think of my parents, I always think of this day.

My grandparents were such an integral part of my life. I spent so much time with them! Grandmom passed away on mom's birthday just a couple years ago. Pop Pop passed away on February 26th just a couple years after mom passed. Two more reasons why February is not my favorite month. I miss them all so much!

Here are Tom and Elsie the Christmas before mom passed away. This was such a fun evening celebrating Christmas with the Garside gang. It's the last Christmas that I had everyone with me. I'll treasure it always.

Although I have tears running down my face as I type this post, I truly am happy that these four wonderful people are no longer suffering and are with each other in heaven. My mom visits me all the time in my dreams or when I'm having a difficult time in life. Dad knows just when to show his presence too.

So many things remind me of my grandparents. Jesse's musical talents remind me of Pop Pop and Zoey, oh the many sides of Zoey. She reminds me of all the strong women in my family. The strongest of all was my Grandmother!

Happy birthday mom! May you rest in eternal peace!