Six days ago marked the 5th anniversary of mom's passing. I would like to say that each year that goes by is easier, but that is not true. Each year that goes by is a reminder of the time that I will not get to spend with her. It is hard to watch Gregory grow up not knowing the wonderful woman who was his granny. However, the little amount of time they did spend together seems to have rubbed off on him. He loves Halloween and Christmas as much as mom did, and he spends days decorating and making sure everything is just right. I miss her more than words can say, and I treasure every moment we shared.

Today is the 3rd anniversary of mom's passing. I can't believe it has been three years since she left us...I still pick up the phone to call her, so I can tell her what crazy thing Gregory has done or said. Chris, Gregory, and I sold mom's house in August and moved up to Corvallis, OR. It was really hard to sell the house, but her memory is not there...it is always with us no matter where we go. I sit in the living with the fireplace on and look out the windows to the forest watching all the wonderful wildlife and think about how much mom would have enjoyed the deer wondering through the yard every morning. I can even picture her next to me drinking coffee and laughing at the crazy squirrels trying to get into the bird feeders. I know she is with me when I see the hummingbirds hover over the flowers and zoom through the sky. Oh...how she loved to watch the hummingbirds in the backyard.

Thinking of your wonderful Mom Sandy! Prayers are with you today and through the holiday season. May you be blessed by many warm happy memories of your parents today and always!

Yesterday was the 2nd anniversary of mom's passing. It was a rough day, but with the holidays approaching, it put a smile on my face by remembering all the wonderful holidays we spent together. Chris, Gregory and I spent this Thanksgiving in Mammoth Lakes, CA. As I sat in the ski lodge with Gregory watching Chris ski down the slopes, I thought to myself...Dad would have loved skiing with Chris, and Mom would have had a great time playing in the snow and sitting in the lodge with Gregory and I drinking hot chocolate. I miss them both so much but hold them in my heart each and every day.

Sandy was an amazing person. She could always make me smile when I was having a bad day just by being around her. She was a wonderful mother-in-law and I wish we had more time together. I will always miss her.

Sandy will be sorely missed. She was kind and considerate and was a fine friend and an amazing wife to Greg. She so bravely stood by Greg during his illness and passing and demonstrated what "in sickness and in health" is all about.
Rest in peace.