Kids Make Such a Mess!

These kids..they make such a mess! 

The laundry is always piling up-the number of loads that one tiny infant can create is crazy!!  The toys, with their extra attachments and little pieces..seem to get everywhere-and don't EVEN get me started on those (insert sarcasm) fun little plastic snappy building toys that always end up under your foot in the dark! It doesn't get better as they get older either...

Seriously, is it that difficult to put away the dirty clothes, or clean off the bathroom counter??  They do hang up their towels, so I'm thankful. :)

From the moment we find out they exist, their mess fills our home, mind, and most of all-our heart. We are so much better for it.

My girls, T & C, have decorated their bedroom walls with a mess of things they love.

C has artwork she's done and tons of pictures all over her room! Her bed is never made, but she does much more. We are so, so proud of who she is-inside and out. :)

T's walls are filled with musical posters, artwork, notes from friends, and lots of pictures. T has also started getting things together for the big move to college in September. I'm really going to miss this girl, and all of her messes. For all of the times in the last 18-1/2 years that I've been irritated for the mess this girl has made..I'm a million times over more thankful for every single moment.

Thank you for touring our mess tonight. Tonight, I close with a picture of my college-bound girl and I, right after she caught me taking pictures of her messy room.

Big hugs ~ <3
~melissa

To New Beginnings..

Sometimes I feel as if I'm an old record, repeating the same phrase over and over again. I'd assume it's to be expected this year for our family, along with all of the other 2015 HS graduates heading to college in the Fall.

I've worked for 8 years at a position in an office where no conflict ever saw a resolution. It was an environment I struggled daily in.

When a call came in to me regarding a new position opening up in a different office, with a much smaller staff, I jumped on it. Some similar work, but a completely different office style and environment.

On my first day, my new desk had been completely stocked with anything I could have needed, along with a flower and "Welcome" note! It was such a touching way to take me in as one of their own, and I immediately knew I'd made the right decision to work there!

God brought me to them at one of the lowest points in my life. He is so Good! They each want the others to succeed, and are so incredibly loyal to one another. What a blessing they've been to my life, and I've only just gotten there!

Remember what a difference you can make in someone's life by giving them a 'cup of smiles' they'll be likely to carry for the rest of the day, maybe longer-better yet-they'll share it!

Big hugs~<3
~melissa

The Calendar Switch

Every January 1st, we switch the calendars out on our desktops or walls, and wait for some sort of "Poof" moment.  The moment in which you feel as if you are starting fresh, without the issues that transpired on dates from that old calendar.  

Some of us make resolutions and gym memberships are purchased like crazy!  We swear to ourselves that we will go at least five days a week.  Then....two, maybe (if we're really good) four weeks later, this or that needs taken care of first and we'd really like the extra 30 minutes of sleep.

Last year, I chose a word to live by in 2014.  It's a learning process, but I think I am getting better at giving my "Presence" to whomever I'm with. I am picking with picking a word for 2015. 

When reviewing last year, I decided to pick what described it... The one word I would use to describe my year is "Overwhelming".

Getting my first child ready for college has been an experience.  We've done the tours, applications, she's been approved, but because she is a music education major, she still has to audition and be accepted in their music program. Her top two choices are the only ones she is auditioning for, and I am so excited to see what's in store for her. 

My second and youngest, started high school this year. Her transition from Middle School couldn't have gone better.   She's very involved with different groups and organizations, and I really think that helped her. The girl makes me smile every single day, regardless of the circumstances.  She is pure JOY, and everyone around her can't help but catch it!

The day before Thanksgiving, our family lost a sweet 17 year-old girl, whom we all love.  She's like a sister to my kids, and her Mom is my dearest friend.  We spent hours talking about the bright future she had ahead of her. I'd just talked to her that afternoon.  It still seems impossible-too horrible for it to be true. She and I have a lot of the same favorites, from books, movies, TV shows, even our love for owls.  Her mom is her best friend.  I say "is" instead of "was" when speaking of her because if you spent time with her, you'd realize that she gave a piece of herself back to you.  So I think of her living on, in the hearts and minds of all who love her.  There are so many who've been forever changed by her and her friendship.  I'm grateful to be one of those blessed people, and my girls are too. I am sharing a picture of her with my girls, taken during one of our shopping adventures.

I seem to be in the rush hour of my life.  There have been many times in which I find myself wishing the next rest stop was close by, that I could take a break from the rush hour traffic and run away. 

Then I remember this life is so short, and I stop, take a deep breathe, and sit back to enjoy the spectacular view.

Big (hugs)~
~melissa

The Challenge of Choosing One Word

Resolutions, Shmesolutions...  They don't work, at least for me, they don't.

So I'm trying this "One Word" thing out, and we'll see how it goes...I guess....  It took me fooooorever to pick a word. I've read so many blog posts saying the same thing. We could pick 2-3 words, but what makes one word so magical, how does it work in all situations or circumstances?  

There are the easy words.. hope, breath, faith, love, family, etc.....

Then I thought about what I've learned about Mindfulness.  Being present, in the moment every minute of the day, even when brushing your teeth.  Okay, I know, you're probably laughing now thinking, "Yea, right, I'm thinking about what needs to be done before getting in bed or going to work!".  

For example, while holding your daughter's hand, feel her hand, pay attention to the difference in size and texture. (You do know this won't last forever..) Be present in that moment. Giving your PRESENCE to whomever you are with, or whatever you are doing is the greatest gift you can give that person and yourself.  

It has been helping with my anxiety, just to do one thing at a time, as often as possible. I feel like I'm on repeat with: "Hold on, let me finish this first.", followed by a lot of sighs...  Alas, they will survive...and I will concentrate on brushing my teeth while I do just that. 

Big Hugs to You <3

~melissa

Here's to the kids..

Passions? I have a few..
Holding them back had caused me to isolate myself, afraid of what other's perceptions or opinions would be.

What if I fail?
What if they hate me?
What if my friends turn away from me?
What if they are embarrassed by me?
What if they laugh when I walk away?
What if it's never the same again?
What if..?

I have escaped my shell, which has shocked some people. I stand up for who and what I care about, which has had the tendency to tick a few people off.

When it backfires, I struggle with crawling back in my safe shell. I have to remember that I don't do this just for me, or the initial reason.

It's for my daughters. They will (too soon) be grown women, and need to have the courage to stand for something as well.
So there are no more "What ifs"...

I have a tremendous amount of respect for the kids that know their passion and don't let something like popularity get in the way.
It took me over 35 years...

How long for you??

Big hugs~
melissa

30 Days of Thankful Challenge

When asked what we are thankful for, the quick response is usually, "God, Family, and Friends.".  Not always in that order, or even all three.. but you get the picture.

During the month of November, our Facebook news feeds will be full of "Thankful" posts.  I try to be different, so my thankful posts won't list "family" or "friends". 

My FB post on Day 1- "So here begins the month in which we share our gratitude. Today, on day 1, I am thankful for socks..to keep these toes warm and toasty!".  On the next day- "Day 2- I am thankful for Fall back, which gives us an extra hour of zzzzzs this weekend!". 

Coming up with 30 random things will probably be hard, but I think it'll be a little more fun!  

Big hugs to you <3
~melissa

Where were you?

Everyone asks, "Where were you when you heard..". 

So many things were going on.. I was dropping my kids off at daycare so that I could drive Mom to her radiation appointment. She also had her first oncology appointment that day and both of my girls had physicals scheduled...

Mostly I remember the fear that we all felt-one I'll never shake-the loss of that safe feeling you got when you were little and your mom tucked you in "snug as a bug".. Grasping on the new truth of our world-we were no longer safe. 

We all saw it, felt it, heard it, until we couldn't anymore.. That night, I saw the numbers of firefighters and police that were gone, dying as heroes saving lives..

I also heard about that group of brave people on a flight and their refusal to allow their plane to be the next weapon used in killing thousands. 

So here we are, living, going on, regardless of how difficult it can be.. 

Let's roll..

Big hugs to my followers <3

~melissa

Hey Look What I Did!!

Make Art!! Share it!

 

 Every time!!!!  That's all... 

Big hugs to my followers <3

~melissa

My Crazy List

 I'm crazy enough..  Are you?  

 

My Crazy To~Do List

1.  Make a drastic change to my hair 

2. Walk daily before work

3.  Learn how to play an instrument

4.  Take a dance class

5.  Work on my BIG dream-writing a book

#1-Done and I love it!

 

#2-I'll start next week.. LOL 

Big hugs to my followers <3

~melissa

My Favorite KoolAid

A very wise woman I know, described her different phases of life like this: during her childhood she made the KoolAid her Mom wanted; after she was married, she was stuck with her husband's favorite KoolAid; then made what her son wanted. Story goes on, but after a nasty divorce, she was in the grocery store and realized she had absolutely NO IDEA what her favorite flavor of KoolAid was-She'd never made it for herself!

Around the time I turned 35, I realized that I had lost something. To be honest-I had no idea who "I" was anymore..

Separate from anyone else, if I were to introduce myself to someone-without saying I was a wife and Mom-Who was I? It was an extremely hard realization to come to.. There was a time period that I even mourned the loss of my "self"..

Insert backstory-
My husband and I met during my sophomore year of high school through an after-school job. He went to school in a nearby town. We didn't date until my second year of college, found out we were expecting soon after, moved in together and I was due with T on our one-year dating anniversary.. Yep-that fast.. Anyway, we were married less than a year after her birth. Reason for my backstory- to show how I've never lived on my own. I will definitely encourage my daughters to have time out on their own-because I believe a person learns so much about them self when not responsible for a husband and kids, yet are responsible for themselves (no longer living with Mom and Dad).

Please don't misunderstand what I'm saying-I do NOT regret anything-not one second-none of it. Being a mother has been the most rewarding experience-my daughters fill my life with so much joy-it overflows!

It's just that I didn't know who I was.. What I like to do.. Where I like to shop.. I'm still learning, and it's been umm..an entertaining challenge...but I am proud of myself and how far I've come..

If you're reading this, nodding your head, and thinking, "Who am I?", just follow the advice a smart woman once gave.

Go to the store and find the KoolAid aisle, pick up one of every flavor, take them home and try them all out.

Find out what your favorite KoolAid is!

Big Hugs~
melissa

Flatulence.. it happens..

17 years ago, I was about 4 months pregnant with my beautiful daughter T..
I ran into Walgreens for a birthday card to give a friend. I had been so sick, and it was great to finally feel like doing something. My belly wasn't showing yet because I'd been so sick, most people couldn't tell. Ok-back to my story..

So here I am at the Walgreens and feeling good- you know what I'm talking about ladies-the good feeling when you're finally getting over that first trimester uneasiness... Finally-feeling-like-putting-on-makeup-and-doing-your-hair-because-you-want-to-GOOD!

The guy in the checkout lane behind me was really nice-looking (hey-ladies-we still have eyes-we can look!) and anyway.. He's checking me out! I'm cool, I'm calm, I'm collected, I'm paying for the birthday card, then, as I'm walking out....

I'm no longer cool... Do you know why?? Why I wanted to run back home, wash my face and my hair of any trace that I'd done anything so maybe-I could forget my total embarrassment????

As I was walking away from the register, a very loud-"bwwarrrrrpppppp" somehow came from me-it was a shock-a sudden act of terror from my body to my ego.. So as I continued walking away as if nothing had just exploded from me- as soon as I took a step outside- I heard peels of laughter..

Alright, alright, it was funny.. A lot funnier now, 17 years later, when I can look back and laugh wholeheartedly at my little..ummm..bodily indiscretion.

Big hugs to my followers~
melissa

Letter to 16-Year-Old Me

Dear Sixteen-Year-Old Me,

Don't worry so much. Life's too short for worries.

Pray daily. God will bless you with more than you could ever deserve, even if it seems like He continues to take what you love away.

Enjoy every second that you spend with Mom. She won't live forever.

Hug Dad and tell him you are sorry. The stories someone told you were all lies, so don't waste time by being angry for things he's never done.

Be nice to your little brother. He will grow up to be your best friend and you'll wonder what you did without that close relationship with him.

Forgive everyone. Don't ever forget what they are capable of.

Love yourself - your body, intelligence, strength and compassion. You are beautiful, regardless of the scars and stretch marks to come.

Work hard. Don't give up and settle for less than you are worth.

Something horrible will happen to you. I won't tell you to avoid it because you will find strength that you've never known you were capable of, you won't allow yourself to be a victim for very long.

Be patient. Don't rush your life away.
Do what you are passionate about. You can complete anything that you set your mind to.

Give love freely. Don't hold others' past mistakes against everyone, it will keep you from the complete joy you can experience in life.

You ARE good enough. Don't let anyone get in your head, where they can make you think that you are aren't.

Regret nothing. Appreciate EVERYTHING!

Love,
Your Thirty-something-year-old Self

Big hugs to my followers~
melissa

I was reminded..

I'm sorry to have been missing for the last couple of months, times have been busy..  Every time I go to sit and have a moment to blog, someone needs the computer or I am finishing a project, etc., etc.
I enjoy volunteering my time for the school, and it can get pretty hectic.

..on the other hand.. I was reminded today that I needed to take this time out for myself, to carve it in- regardless of what else is going on, because I deserve it.  

My mind has been on replay today, conversations that I had with a coworker just replaying in my mind.. One specific conversation in which I'd told her about my love of writing and I read something to her that I'd written when the Sandy Hook tragedy happened last December.. 

She'd loved what I'd written and told me that I should do it-if I want to write-I should just do it!  So, I started my blog... and then didn't make time for it..

Today before work, I had to make a quick stop but I was a little early. Wasting time while parked in the parking lot, I pulled up Facebook.  My beautiful coworker's face came up on the screen with a note giving her year of birth and then "-2013". What? She hadn't been in the office for a week or two, and she'd been sick-I couldn't remember how long it had been since I'd seen her.. My mind was just turning and turning-this could not possibly be true! A quick phone call to another coworker-one that works directly under her and found out that, in fact, it was.   

Needless to say, today was a day of shock as all who came into work found out more about this fight she fought silently and with pride, to protect us..  Our proud friend had been diagnosed with stage IV cancer just 6 weeks ago.  She'd been at work on and off through April 5, and told everyone but her direct supervisor that she was fine, just having some tests done.  

Someone noticed missing personal things from her office last week, so they called her and she just told them that she was fine, she'd be back, and "not to worry".  It's obvious now that she had come in after hours to clean out her office, just so her loved ones wouldn't have to..  

I feel honored to have had the privilege to work with this strong, brave, proud, God-loving wife and mother.  Anyone of faith that knew her, are positive that she is now Home with her Holy Father.  

Big hugs to my followers~
melissa

Valentine's Day ideas

So I figured everyone was going to be jumping on the Valentine's day bandwagon for posting so figured that I'd share my thoughts/ideas also..

Do I think we should celebrate? Hell, yes! Why not enjoy a day when candy is an awesome gift? Chocolate-anytime, anywhere! Lol

Do I think that we shouldn't celebrate those that we love during the other 364 days of the year? Of course I think that we should make time for each other during the entire year but our schedules get filled with games, playdates, and meetings.

I also think though that we are usually setting ourselves- and those we love- up for disappointment by having the big expectations for this Hallmark holiday.

This is what I encourage you to try:

1. Talk to your spouse/significant other with plenty of time to spare and have a spending limit of around $20 if you do gifts. Ladies- this won't get you roses but really-flowers are an "out-of-the-blue" gift. Wouldn't it be better to get them when you have NO idea that they are coming? Flowers on V-day are soooo expensive anyway!

2. Plan an in-house dinner for the two of you to plan and make together. Try a new recipe, but cooking together can be quite the starter- and you won't have to worry about overcrowded restaurants. If you can't find a sitter- feed the kids a frozen pizza and fix yours AFTER they go to bed.

3. Turn on the music after dinner- NOT a movie! Play a card game, dance, whatever- but DO NOT TURN ON THE TV! It'll get the conversation going if you are actively doing something together- instead of tuning everything out. Isn't being with the one that you love really what V-day is for? I have also found quite a few "20 questions" activities for married couples online- some are really funny!

4. During the rest of the year- plan a little rendezvous for just the two of you, schedule monthly date nights, and take a mental health day from work every once in a while to just stay home together.

Happy Valentine's Day to You! XOXO

~Big hugs to my followers
melissa

Oh and by the way- I've got to give a shout out to my husband! I love you Babe!!

Different Roads

Asking for help-why is it so difficult? 

Maybe because we have been told so many times that there isn't anything wrong and get labeled "drama queens" for being unfortunate enough to have had struggles in our lives. 

Why is a woman considered weak if she quietly says, "Hey there-I am having just a really crappy time right now.  I might cry a little, I will probably overreact to anything you say-even if you don't see how it can be misconstrued as being a negative comment, so could you please be understanding?"?  

Why do some women look at the person, who is opening up to us and being honest, and say, "What a drama queen! Get over it already!"?  

Is that how you would respond to your friend, fellow student, or coworker?

 

What if the one that is hurting doesn't want to share their pain?  Does that make their pain less significant? 

Every person in this world has their own road to travel, hundreds-maybe even millions of bricks will be passed by each soul- if God willing.  No two people will take the exact same course.  Each will take turns on their own, developing as they grow, and then, hopefully, building a bridge to connect and share their road with others by creating their own family.

While on the road each travels in our life, we have struggles-broken hearts, loss, chaos, illness.  No other person knows our struggles as we do.  Even if they have been shared, they haven't been lived by any other human being in the exact same way.

Think of this if you come across a coworker/classmate that seems unusually quiet, or if you see a tear fall down their cheek.  Don't always ask, "What's wrong?" because they may not want to share, or talking more about it could be difficult for them. 

Give them a tissue and say, "Anything that I can do?".   Just that simple act will show them that you are there if they need someone.  That, really, is all they need.

But hey-I'm not a psychologist, no PhD for this girl.  I'm just a girl that has lived this crazy life experience full of ups and downs, broken hearts, and also more joy than anyone has ever deserved. 

Big hugs to my followers~
melissa

Dealing with Disappointment

I have never really understood what the fuss was all about.. What really IS so bad about giving all kids a trophy for participating in a sport?  My big "wake-up call" came this week.

Thinking that it would boost their spirits after a no-win soccer season, when C was in grade school, the parents bought medals for every player. It was all for fun...right?  

Or were we teaching them that no one deserved to stand out? Or even worse-that it would be selfish to be recognized because it would hurt the other players' feelings?  

This isn't just apply to sports, but to all things that kids have to try out for-plays, band and vocal competitions..  What about when they apply for colleges and scholarships?  There aren't an unlimited number of spots available.

Why do we not congratulate those that shine? Why do we not build them up?  We instead say, well it was really difficult for "so and so" to not achieve what you did, so could you not say anything about it around them?

If we only gave awards (even when they are younger) to the winning teams, to the MVPs, to the top Artists, and gave them in front of their competitors, maybe it would give the others that motivation to work harder.  Or maybe..they will find what their own niche really is.. 

I have learned that when we don't start when they are young, we are setting them up for disappointment later when they don't get the trophy, award, spot, role, etc..  And-they will have no idea how to deal with it.  Our kids haven't learned (neither have we) how to deal with disappointment when they don't do well.  

Instead, all of the anger gets thrown at the person that earned that coveted spot on the list.  The person who should be proud of their accomplishments is then, no longer proud, but ashamed.  They begin to believe they are selfish to even think of being excited about it because someone else is so upset.

T has tried out multiple times for different musical roles or choir spots, and hasn't made them.  I've always explained to her that maybe that one just wasn't for her.. Maybe it was meant for someone else.. 

We've never allowed her to reassign blame to anyone else either when she doesn't make it.  It goes both ways, we tell her.  You can be proud when you do well and accept that accomplishment as your own, but if it doesn't go well, you can't pass the blame on the coach, teacher, weather, etc.. 

As parents, it is our job to teach our children by example.  Don't blame the kid that got the scholarship, is playing the entire game, or earned that spot on the roster.  Look at ways your child can improve and encourage them to try new things.  Let them know that it is okay to be sad, talk about it, then move on.  If we are stuck in it, they will be too.  

I've seen disappointment on my children's faces, and it is heartbreaking.  Let's learn how to lift them up from that sadness, instead of wallowing in it with them.  

Big hugs to my followers~
melissa

Friday Favorites- A Variety

A few of my all-time most favorite things ever are in this very cool collage! 

 

Big hugs to my followers~
melissa

Top 5 List.. Pet Peeves Anyone?

Much needed ranting is ahead, beware..   

Everyone has pet peeves.. EVERYONE does. Here are mine.  Feel free to comment and share your own!

5.   Just flip the switch- Seriously people, turn off the light when you leave a room.

4.  Secrets- Don't whisper and talk around people in a way that makes someone else feel left out.
 
3.  The bum bum bum that comes from the bass in a car stereo blaring late at night outside your house.. and you live in a subdivision.. Common sense-not so common.

2.  Parents not forcing their children to accept responsibility for their own actions and decisions- Can I get a HALLELUJAH?  Parents are actually doing their children a disservice by not allowing their children to learn that sometimes it is (OMG HOLD YOUR BREATH) their own responsibility for their failures and accomplishments-not the responsibility of the teachers, coaches, parents, etc.. 

1.  Pity parties on Facebook- Pick up a phone book, look up a therapist and CALL ONE!  Posting a "Woe is me" status or picture ever 15 minutes actually encourages others to avoid you instead of helping you.


Sorry for the negativity, I really needed to vent a bit.  Thanks for letting me...

Big hugs to my followers~
melissa

P.S. Good News to share! I need to congratulate my girl T for getting the role of Chava in her high school's production of Fiddler on the Roof! She worked her A$$ off and deserves it!

iTryitTuesday..on hold

iTryitTuesday is on hold for now.  I just have too much going on right now to keep it up, the way I want to do it.  Besides, there is so much more I'd like to chat about!

Big hugs to my followers~
melissa

This is my story ~ Facing the truth

This is my story on why I face the truth with my kids.. 

When my mother was diagnosed with cancer, my oldest (T) was almost 5 and my youngest (C) was 1 1/2.  

The cancer was non-small cell lung cancer that had metastasized to the brain, where it had grown rapidly. At first, the Doctors said that she had maybe 4-6 weeks.  Mom was diagnosed in late August 2001 and she passed away in June 2002.  

Those 10 months that she had with us were precious, and why I made the decision to be honest with my young girls.

I remember telling T that Mama Vickie was very sick, that she had to take medicine to make her feel better but it would push her hair out..  It sounds silly, but to a child of that age, it completely made sense.  She wasn't shocked or upset when Grandma walked out one day with no hair and was excited to try on wigs and hats with her!

I told her that Grandma would be going to heaven because the medicine couldn't take away all of the cancer inside of her. I told her that Grandma wouldn't have to be sick anymore when she went to heaven, but that it wouldn't be for a while. She had a lot of questions, and I answered as best I could.  

I explained that we all would catch up to her in Heaven, but hopefully not for a very long time.  I told her that Mama Vickie's Dad had been there for many years, and she'd be able to see him again when she went to heaven too.  

When Mom took a turn for the worse and we knew it was soon, I went to my sweet T and told her that Grandma was ready because her body couldn't be sick anymore.  We laid in a bed for an hour while she cried and told me that she loved her Grandma and that it wasn't fair.  I agreed that it wasn't fair, I agreed that it was going to be very hard to say goodbye. 

I didn't hide the cancer from my kids.  That was precious time that they would have missed with her.  C was only 2 1/2 when she passed away, but still has memories of sitting at her table eating pretzels with Grandma.  Those memories wouldn't be there if I had hidden it all from them.

They loved rubbing her feet and head with lotion.  Her skin was so dry, and it was something they could do for her.  Love- it was all around my Mother and girls while we cherished those months of borrowed time with her.

When we were told that it was the end of her time, T came in the middle of the night to tell her Mama Vicki goodbye.  What I am telling you is the absolute truth of that night, and it gives me chills to this day.  

She hadn't opened her eyes for 2 days due to being in a med-induced sleep.  When my sweet girl went over to her and said that she loved her and kissed her cheek, Mom's eyes opened wide and tears fell.  Her eyes closed as quickly as they had opened, my sister and I just stared at each other in amazement at what we had witnessed.. 

Later that day, after Mom had passed, the girls went to spend the weekend with my in-laws.  My mother-in-law called my husband and explained something had happened on their drive making her realize that whatever it was that we had done to prepare the girls for this loss, we had done well.  

T had seen this bright star in the sky during their drive and told them that it must be Mama Vickie, because she would be watching over them from heaven.

 

I'm sure some will read this and think: 

Why would you let your kids see all of that?  My answer- Why wouldn't I?  Life is tough-it isn't always pretty.  You can see that on the TV or in the papers every day, why would I hide her Grandmother, who she loves? 

Why would you tell a 4/5-year old that her grandmother is going to die?  That isn't what I told her, how I explained it was that she would be going to heaven. Also- that we'd eventually go to heaven, so we would meet up with her there someday, hopefully a long time away.

Every family has their own way of doing things, and this is what worked for us.  I share to see if it can give someone ideas on handling an issue in their own lives.  

I don't have a PhD- I am just a Mom, a Wife and Daughter that went through this life-altering experience.  My mother had 6 children and 16 grandchildren when she died.  Her life, cancer, and death, affected every one of us differently. 

This is my story.  Thank you for reading it...

Please let me know if this meant something to you, or struck a chord.. 

Big hugs to my followers!~
melissa