9 Year anniversary. Paramount, CA
It's been 9 years today since you left this old world. Things are so different. Casey is married now. Her name is Jessi and you would have loved her. Billy passed away 3 years ago, that's still heartbreaking to even say those words. It's so sad when we gather together and him not there with us. Your kids are all doing ok, we all miss you so much. We still gather together for most holidays, just in a smaller group now as it became too hard for us to manage what you did for all those years. I showed Jessi a picture of you on Hogue Rd standing in front of the Christmas tree with all those presents behind you. It really is still shocking to see how crazy we actually were buying all those presents. Never have I regretted it once. Money means nothing when it comes to family. You taught me that. Casey wrote the sweetest note to me for the wedding. It was filled with references of you, affirmation of the mark you left on us. You are missed so much, Mom. I dreamed a few months ago that I had 1 hour to talk to you. Just one hour! I remember being sooo excited, wondering what we should talk about first, it was thrilling!! Then I woke up. How I wish I could have that 1 hour with you. I'd happliy take 1 minute. But I'd probably just hug you so tight, there wouldn't be much talking. I know life goes on, but the quality of life has been greatly reduced by your absence.
Today, Butch and I took a trip to where I was born, Paramount, CA. I took a video and sent it to all my siblings on Facebook. Golda I spoke for a good bit on the way back to the hotel about how you took the train with all the kids to meet dad in California. It was good to hear the stories again, some of them I had forgotten or never knew about. I wish you were here to add to her memories. But I'm thankful she was old enough to remember and share them with me.
Mom, I'll forever cherish the 42 years I had being your daughter on this Earth. You were a gift we had to give back, like the gift to the world of Jesus. You were just too good for this old world.
And I was the luckiest.
Love you always and forever.
Shelly