I haven’t written in awhile as the end of school and summer has kept us busy.  Halie is moving on to 4th grade she did wonderful in school as she always does.   Her biggest strength is math, (must have gotten it from Paul, the engineer) she score 98% on the state tests.  Her reading was great also with a score of 96%!  What parent could ask for more?  She has decided to play the clarinet next year, (this came from me as I was always in the band and playing some instrument) so we will be picking that up soon.  She is doing Volleyball camp soon so that will be exciting for her as her big sisters, Katilynn, Megan and Allison are couching this year.  Lastly she is finally opening up about losing her sister.  She said to me the other day, “Momma, I really miss Courtney”, I said me too honey, me too.  So I think things are going in the right direction.  She is really turning into a young lady and has confided in a very special boy that she likes him, and to her surprise he told her he likes her too.  She came home from school the last day walking on air.  Good for her to have a special guy in her life, even Paul is happy for her.  Although we will have the shotgun ready…Just kidding, he is a really nice boy.

Joshua Drew, whom I have known since, well before birth got married on the 20th to Brittney Warren, and Halie was their flower girl, they also recognized Courtney as their flower girl from Heaven, thanks guys.  It was beautiful and I cried a lot thinking back to the little guy that I used to watch, take to McDonalds and try to get his mom to let him watch the Simpsons.  Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Drew!!!! We love you guys.   The mystery cheese cake caper is still being investigated!  I think we are funny!!!!!

Little Layne, who I watched this spring is not coming through the summer as Halie has too many activities.  I miss him a ton as does Paul and Halie.  He brought such joy to us and really help heal my heart.  His smile and little hugs just was what I needed to push me forward.  See, God does know what we need and provides.  He will be back in the fall but I know he be a fast mover and on the go!  I will be ready.  Thanks again Ryan and April for sharing your son and helping to heal a broken family…we love you guys.

We awarded a scholarship to Megan Reed in Courtney’s Memory.  It was given to her on honors night and although we didn’t attend, (something’s are still too hard) we wrote a speech and it was presented to her in the spirit and dignity that Courtney would have been proud of.  Megan is basically the girl’s big sister and the pain that she and her sisters when though losing Courtney break my heart.  No one as young as them should have to endure a death of a loved one.  Megan congrats on graduating and good luck as you pursue a future in veterinary medicine.

Also three large donations were made to the scholarship fund, one from Hugh Gregg School’s staff, one from Lynna Bond and one from Marianne Keeton.  Thank you all, these donations will be given as scholarship awards to children in our community in memory of Courtney.   Also a large donation was made in Courtney’s memory to the Band of Parents by Dresser Rand again many thanks it will help research for all Courtney’s friends with Neuroblastoma and sadly the one yet diagnosed.

So, as I have said it has been very busy, we have continued to keep Courtney in our hearts, the tears still fall, but we must, as we feel her hands pushing on our backs…move forward, not forget just keep moving forward as only she knew how to do!

Thanks for continuing to remember and keep her spirit alive, she is alive in all of us.

Hug, Kiss, Five, Peace Out