The first day of August…

The first day of August is a day to celebrate…and remember.  Today is my beautiful sister Gerry’s birthday.  No doubt, she is celebrating in Heaven with my family who have gone before…but I miss her.  I miss her sweet Southern voice and that forever smile.  I know I will see her again in Heaven.

Today is my sweet daughter-in-love’s birthday…my younger son’s wife.  She has the same kind, all-encompassing and loving spirit that my sister Gerry had.  I was with her and my newborn granddaughter when I received the call that Gerry had lost her battle with ALS.  The tears rolled down her face as she listened to my conversation on the phone and felt my pain.  She is a wonderful wife and amazing mother to my 22-month-old granddaughter.  She is due to deliver their second daughter any day now.  I can’t wait!  Happy Birthday, sweetheart!

Photo below:  their wedding.  I was surprised and touched to see the blue cotton plaid handkerchief tied around her bouquet at the wedding.  It had belonged to my Dad…

The first day of August is my precious daughter and sweet son-in-love’s wedding anniversary.  Today marks 21 years together and a life filled with four wonderful children and joy.  I’m blessed to be this amazing young man’s “other mother”!  He has been there for me over the years – especially this past one – and I am so thankful for him.  Happy Anniversary!  Tonight, I will “babysit” (read have a lot of fun) my four granchildren as the two of them go out for dinner.  I’m looking forward to it!