In a couple hours, Connor and Alyssa will officially be 8 years old. I remember that night like it was yesterday and I can't yet wrap my mind around the fact that Jeff is not here and he won't be here for any more of their birthdays. I know that all the 1sts for the next year are going to be difficult but I didn't realize that it would hit so hard. Most of the time I try not to think about the finality of what's happened but when I do, I still feel like he's on a trip and will be coming home. Hospice volunteers have been working on making "Memory Bears" for the kids. A couple weeks after Jeff passed, The kids each picked out one of their dad's shirts for their bear. Connor picked Jeff's Little League coaches shirt and Alyssa picked his favorite fishing shirt. The volunteers worked extra hard and had the bears ready on Friday so I could give them a piece of their dad for their b-day. The bears are quilted together entirely out of Jeff's shirts AND they made me on with a little of both shirts. Both kids are snoring holding onto their bears. Jeff's brother Greg and Marade with baby Shelby have been with us this weekend which has been great. It means so much to us that they come see us. Anyways, I just wanted to share our 1st major event without Jeff and how much we all miss him...I hope he knows.

Angela