back to spirit week......

Its been so long since I've posted - we have many things to touch on, but I will have to go a little bit at a time.  During the hard times with Sampson, Shannon and Allan still had life going on and I think we were in the middle of a Spirit Week. 

 I can't remember what day this was, but here they are.  I believe the theme was some kind of future thing.

And they also tried out for the Mesa High play 'Oklahoma', which both made!  Shannon is an ensemble person & a dancer in group 2.  Allan was lucky enough to get Ali Hakim - quite a great roll for Allan, and boy, is he fantastic!  His Persian accent is a riot and his timing is great - He makes us all laugh and not only that, but he kisses 'Ado Annie' each night that the play runs!  His first KISS!!!!!  Or kisses, I should say!

Sampson M Crockett

Today we will have a small service for our sweet Sampson M Crockett.  He was allowed to spend 2 days here on earth so we could fall in love with him completely.

Talking is Releasing

Go ahead and mention my child,
The one who died you know.
Don't worry about hurting me further,
The depth of my pain doesn't show.

Don't worry about making me cry.
I'm already crying inside.
Help me to heal by releasing
The tears that I try to hide.

I'm hurt when you just keep silent,
Pretending he didn't exist.
I'd rather you mention my child,
Knowing that he will be missed.

You asked me how I was doing.
I say "pretty good" or "fine."
But healing is something ongoing.
I feel it will take a lifetime.

Elizabeth Dent

My Mom is a Survivor

My mom is a survivor, or so I've heard it said.
But I can hear her crying when all others are in bed.

I watch her lay awake at night and go to hold her hand.
She doesn't know I'm with her to help her understand.

But like the sands upon a beach that never wash away...
I watch over my surviving mom who thinks of me each day.

She wears a smile for others, a smile of disguise.
But through Heaven's open door, I see tears flowing from her eyes.

My mom tries to cope with my death, to keep my memory alive.
But anyone who knows her, knows it's her way to survive.

As I watch over my surviving mom through Heaven's open door...
I try to tell her that Angels protect me forevermore.

I know that doesn't help her, or ease the burdens she bears.
So if you get a chance, call to her, and show her that you care.

For no matter what you think she feels,
my surviving mom has a broken heart that time won't ever heal.

~K. D'Ormeaux

When No Words Seem Appropriate

~I won't say, "I know how you feel"- because I don't. I've lost parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends, and pets, but I've never lost a child. So how can I say I know how you feel?

~I won't say, "You'll get over it"- because you won't. Life will have to go on. The washing, cooking, cleaning, the common routine. The chores will take your mind off your child, but the hurt will still be there.

~I won't say, "Your other children will comfort you"-because they may not. 

~I won't say, "Never mind, you're young enough to have another baby"- because that won't help. A new baby can not replace the child you lost. A new baby fills your hours, keeps you busy, gives you sleepless nights. But it will not replace the one you lost.

So what will I say?

~I will say, "I am here. I care. Anytime. Anywhere." I will talk about your child. We'll laugh about the good memories. I won't mind how long you grieve. I won't tell you to pull yourself together.

~No, I don't know how you feel- but with sharing, perhaps I will learn a little of what you are going through.

~And perhaps you'll feel comfortable with me and find your burden has eased. Try me.

Written by a pediatric nurse, as submitted to Ann Landers

Baby Crockett...

Jill and Jonathan had an 'earlier than planned' birth of their baby boy.  Baby Crockett - yet to be named - came to earth on October 1, around 3 in the afternoon.  He is 3 1/2 month early and weighed 1 lb. 10 oz.  

 His hand is about as big as someones as your thumb to its first knuckle.  He will have a hard road to follow but we love him so much already.  Please pray for him and his mom and dad.  Sorry about the graphic picture, but that shows his size compared to the doctors hands.

 Homecoming is this Friday at Mesa High and as tradition will have it - School Spirit Week is here again.  I know you all look forward to this time of year when I post my kids' school spirit costumes.  Today, Monday, 5:30 am.  Why am I awake when the moon is out?

Disney Day.  We have for you Jack Sparrow, aka, Allan.  And little Alice in Wonderland is no other than Shannon.  Only 3 more years of this.  

Really?  How can Alice look good at 5am?

Okay, I think this will work.  Just a few minutes is all it took....

Stunt double or what?