Her Daughter’s View

This passed weekend happened to be Memorial Day weekend. Quickly I would like to thank those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, and may God bless our fallen heroes, and those currently serving. Mark and I took a quick trip up to Rochester, NY (where most of my family is from) for my cousin, Shannon’s, wedding during this long weekend. It was a bit overwhelming, to say the least, for him to keep up with all of the branches of my family tree. However, I do give him props, because he really did a good job with names! There was plenty of extended family, and other familiar faces I hadn’t seen in a while, but what struck me most was that it was the first time seeing all of these people since we lost Mom. My Dad sat this one out, he wasn’t quite ready for all of that yet, and honestly I don’t blame him. There was a lot of the inevitable “I am so sorry’s” and “how are you doing’s?” which don’t get me wrong, are VERY appreciated, I know how loved Mom was, but it is hard to be at the receiving end of that, when you still aren’t even sure how to answer any of it. But, on the other hand, it was extremely refreshing getting to love on all of these people who reminded me so much of my favorite lady. We took lots and lots of pictures, one of which being one with my Mom’s first cousins, her closest cousins. It should have been my Mom in that picture, but it looks like I was “filling in.” Which is very bittersweet. I feel a little like an imposter, but I also am so happy that even though Mom is gone, I still am able to be so close with her side of the family. I included the picture below. The women on each side were my Mom’s sisters, Kirsti and Kelli, the woman in the back is our cousin Joelle, and beside her is her brother Johnny. Definitely an interesting event for sure, and reflecting back on it, I am not sure I was ready for all that either, but I am glad a stayed strong and made it through, and Mom definitely sent signs the whole trip, so I know she was there with us! Check out her beautiful picture on the “angel table” at the wedding below too!