In Memoriam

Cheers.

 Cheers to a life well-lived, well-loved, and well-fought. 

June 24. (2012, 2013, 2014) 

I sat down today to write an "In Memoriam" for 2015 and the words have escaped me but the tears are as fresh and as present as they were the day we said goodbye three years ago. You always said "Life must go on," and it has: 2 babies, 2 family vacations, 3 Mother's Days, 3 Christmases, 3 birthdays, and 1,095 sunrises and sunsets without you, physically here with us...but know that we feel your guiding presence on good days and bad days and everything else in between. We love you and we miss you...more.

....

When Ma was sick, a hospital chaplain paid a quick visit and asked her, knowing the days ahead were few, "What gives you strength?" - to which, she responded, "My family, my past experiences, and the Man Upstairs..." 

I think we can all take something away from that. 

So with that, from this June 24th to the next...Cheers. Cheers to the life we were given and to those who have taught us how to do it right: Live, love, and fight hard when given no other choice.

I Hope You Dance

"Turn it up, Mommy"

Not a day goes by that I don't hear that phrase out of the little man's mouth. The request sounds a little like "please..." but has an edge to it that I know a full-on meltdown and a repeat ask, ask, ask is brewing if I don't, in fact, turn it up. 

That's okay. I don't mind. I love music. Always have, always will.

Now, most of you know I'm not much of a singer. Let's just say my dance moves are on par with my singing ability.

That's okay. I don't mind. I love to dance. Always have, always will.

I am definitely not the first one on the dance floor at weddings or parties... but I make my way there eventually. Usually after 3 or 10 Bud Lights. Somehow, though, I think that'll change at the next opportunity because my children LOVE to dance.  

Every day we listen to music. Every day we dance. I may have to drop whatever I'm doing to join in... but that's okay. I don't mind. I love to see my children happy.

And then, my sweet, high-maintance Maddy...Our "happy accident"... she, well, has some moves of her own:

Currently on repeat is "Homegrown," by the Zac Brown Band, and"Raise em' Up," by Keith Urban and Eric Church. Both songs contain takeaways that make you think. The first..."I've got everything I need, and nothing that I don't..." and the latter - which are quickly becoming some of my favorite lyrics of all time...

Raise em' up

Trophy high

Raise em' up

To the sky

Raise em' up

Show everybody that new born smile

Raise em' up

Tall and strong

Raise em' up

Right from wrong

Raise em' up so damn high they can hear God singin' along

I hope these little loves grow and thrive and continue to share with the world their happy, spunky spirits. I hope they dance. I hope they have everything they need and nothing that they don't. I hope they raise up their arms so high they can hear God singing along. I hope they find the beauty of music in their everyday world.

The next time that little voice from the backseat asks "Turn it up, Mommy," I will, happily. Tomorrow. And the next day. And the day after that. Life moves along at such a quick clip, we all have to stop sometimes, turn it up, raise em' up, and dance before it's all over.

That's okay. I don't mind. I love my life. Always have. Always will.