Sherry and Jack

A year has gone by and I am still somewhat in denial about what happened this day, one year ago. Since then I have kept busy, I try not to think about that devastating day that changed my life forever. The day my Mommy went to heaven.

A lot of good things have happened in the last year, I got married to Jack, Nicole graduated from High school and started college, Jack and I took the girls to Maine and so many other good things … but still, I miss my Mommy. She has left a void that can never be filled, but has been showered with love from my family and friends. Read the rest of this entry »

May and into June was a busy time for our family. May started out with sadness, but ended great with some achievements worth celebrating. Jack and I both have daughters that graduated this school year.

Jack’s daughter Caitlin, graduated May 31st and my daughter Nicole, graduated on June 6th. Nicole also turned 18 on the 20th. So we were busy trying to get things ready for all the events that was about to happen. Read the rest of this entry »

It’s been a while since I’ve written anything here. Let’s just say, it’s been very hectic these last few months. So many things have happened and I’m now ready to get a little more caught up and share some things with you all.

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As most already know, my mother passed away on May 5th. It’s been very hard for me since her passing, more than I could have ever imagined. I had the most amazing relationship with my mom, I just didn’t realize how amazing until she left this world. I hope to have and cherish the same kind of relationship with my own daughters someday.

I’m told healing is a process. But, does one really heal completely? I am not sure yet, but I write this about my Mom and me, hoping that it helps me heal. That I find comfort by sharing her last few weeks on this earth with you. Read the rest of this entry »

At approximately 4:25 pm, May 6th, Sherry’s mother lost her long battle with Cancer.  She will be missed by all her knew her.  I will be forever grateful for the time I had with her.

I was fortunate to spend some time with her during her last few days.  This poem reflects some of the events from those days with her friends and family.

Home at Last

I lay here in the twilight
Remembering the daylight
Feeling the darkness approach

I watch him working in the garden
I smile inside
Darkness slips nearer

I hear friends telling stories of our youth
I smile inside
Darkness slips nearer

The house is filled childrens’ laughter
I smile inside
Darkness slips nearer

I feel hugs from my family
I smile inside
Darkness slips nearer

I see him watching me, waiting for me
I smile inside
Darkness slips nearer

I hear their tears but cannot speak
I feel his arms around me
Darkeness falls

All is bright
I smile with him
I am home at last

Rest in Peace Janette Sutton – you are already missed.

Both of us have family members that have been diagnosed with Cancer – including both of Sherry’s parents. Our nephew, Colton Sutton will be taking part in the “Relay for Life”, raising money to help fight and beat cancer.  Colton is a tough little guy that knows a thing or two about hospitals – thats part of why he wants to help end cancer.

Colton has been called a walking miracle.  From the day he was born he has had one medical issue after another.  We asked his Dad to remind us of a few so we could list them here – this is what he sent:

1. Coarctation- crimped artery not allowing proper blood flow to heart when he was roughly 15 days old.
2. VSD- Ventricular Septic Defect large hole in heart 8mm in size. Surgery consisted of placing a patch over hole to keep blood in chambers to keep heart from over working. Surgery was to last 4 hours but stayed on by-pass machine for 9 hours due to weak heart. Had to be revived 3 different times on table before he finally accepted to live. Had to leave chest open after surgery due to heart being swollen because chest would not close. Chest is now wired shut with titanium steel. This surgery was performed about 20 days old. Spent a total of 6 weeks in hospital. Ambulance ride from Ennis to Childrens in Dallas.  By plane from Children’s in Dallas to Scott & White in Temple. Black Hawk helicopter from Scott & White in Temple to Breckenridge Children’s in Austin. Had to go every 6 months for cardiologist check up then every year & now on once every 2 years.
3. 4 wheeler accident on May 13 (Friday). Lacerated liver, degloved left arm (removed all skin & muscle off of bone & hanging off hand), broke left arm at elbow,  80% facial fractures, 90% fracture to entire right eye orbit & numerous reconstructive facial surgeries while in hospital.
4. 4 wheeler accident with grandmother where it flipped over giving him 10 staples to back of skull.
5. 7 stitches to left eye brow from running into pole from being chased at school.

Ok, thank you for bringing back memories & making me cry damnit…..lol!

So this little guy has been through a lot, yet he wants to help others. Let’s all help him do it. Sponsor Colton Sutton in the relay for life.

A poem that I found that I like- it reminds me of my mom.

You can see it in their eyes,
in tender hugs and long  good-byes,
A love that only moms and daughters know.

Read the rest of this entry »

The weekend party of the 13 year old…has come and gone. Luckily only half of the invitees came.  Which is good because she invited about 25 kids! So you can imagine what we were thinking… “25 kids, seriously?”  We rented a moon bounce and that was a big hit with all the kids. It was a surprise for Shelby, she had been asking for one for several weeks and finally we found one to rent (I love craigslist!).  It was hard not to say anything all week. She kept asking, “what are we going to do?”  I had to keep making excuses and come up with other ideas for the party. We were happy that the moon bounce folks came early and was able to set it up while she was at Cheer practice. However… on her way home , she could see it from the backside of our  house, Surprise no more. Oh well, at least she was a happy camper when she arrived home. Read the rest of this entry »

Another milestone is coming up in our family. Shelby, my youngest, will be turning 13 this weekend. OMG I am thinking…I don’t think this has really sunken in yet, that she is growing up and is not just a little kid anymore. (She will always be my baby girl whether she likes it or not) From now until June, we will be experiencing many milestones. All good of course (at least we hope), but as a parent, they will be mixed with happy and sadness. Is there such thing as happy-sadness?  Would that be called Sappiness? Ha! Read the rest of this entry »

My future in-laws are coming to town next month (I love saying that!), and we can’t wait for them to get here. Last time they were in Texas was back in June 2007.  When they came, they met up with Jack’s daughters, Alyssa and Caitlin in Dallas and they all arrived together. It was a great visit . Too much time has passed and we are ready for to see them again. Unfortunately, only Jack’s parents are coming this time. We hope that Alyssa and Caitlin will be able to come and visit with us this summer.  At least it won’t be so hot in March – good deck building weather (hint, hint).

Today, I was  putting together some pictures and writing a paragraph that will be going into my daughters senior yearbook. One of the pictures I got  was her graduation pic from kindergarten, then one of her senior pics…ok, yes..while  I was looking at these this morning, I was getting all teary eyed and thought..WOW! how time flies and yet, I didn’t feel like a parent that should have a child that is ready to graduate,but yet its really happening! When they are young, you can’t wait til you don’t have to buy diapers and formula, then they go off to elementary then next thing you know…its where I am today. All I can say, cherish every moment you have with your children…good or bad…they are your kids.