As many of you know, Allison’s birthday was April 26th so this marked the first one we’ve had to face without her.  With this in mind,  the kids and I decided to do what Allison and I had done for almost 12 years now— headed to Nashville.  This had been Allison and my little getaway to hang out in one of our favorite places, try out new things, and celebrate one of the best things God ever created— Allison Jean Godman.  So even though she wouldn’t be here physically to take the trip I knew I’d still be taking her with me just as I’ve done every day since her passing— in my heart.  Ashleigh and I drove up Friday to meet up with Chris and over the past 3 days we saw and heard some pretty interesting Allison-themed “occurrences.”  Like a picture of the Golden Gate Bridge flashing on the video screen of a food truck in Downtown Nashville and never popping up again.  Music that would’ve been straight off an AGR playlist— Journey (of course), Tears for Fears, Kenny Chesney, Chicago and even an obscure song that she liked only because one of the lines said “Kick their asses.”  Not to mention a guy with a Tim Lincecum SF Giants jersey that I swear I saw head to the bathroom never to be seen again.  We couldn’t help but think Allison’s was yanking our chain but also  reminding  us that life is still about joy and living in the moment.  We ate at a couple of her favorite Nashville spots, walked the Franklin Main Street festival and soaked in as much fun and sun as we could. We made some new memories along the way but did one thing in particular that will be memorialized forever.  Some of you probably didn’t know that Allison was a fan of tattoos.  Greg not so much (smile).  All of hers had a very special meaning— GG Bridge, a sunset, a cord of 3 strands, the infinity symbol and a matching heart one with Ashleigh, just to name a few.  When she passed, Chris, Ash and I made a pact that one day we’d get matching ones that would somehow incorporate a print out of Allison’s heartbeat. With a little liquid courage under my belt, we did just that.  And say what you will, our hearts were revived.  The pictures don’t do justice of how special this was for us.  I couldn’t think of a better place than to have mine than on my wrist where I could always be reminded of our two heartbeats that will forever beat as one.  It’s another way to keep telling her story, our story, and the story that lives on forever for those who trust in the Lord.  To the love of my life that I was blessed to spend 37 of your birthdays with, I miss you so much and can’t wait for the day when we’ll celebrate again together forever.  Like the word of our Lord, you’re forever inscribed on our hearts.