Well, this was our first Easter without mom.  Mark, Tammy, Alyssa, and Holly joined us...Laura, Nancy, Adrianna, and myself.  It was nice being with family, but there was definitely something missing.  I remembered that the previous Easter mom was at Mansfield Methodist Hospital.  I remember her saying that she wished she was home for Easter.  If someone had told me that a year from that Easter, my mom would be gone, I do not think I would have believed them.  It still seems weird to me and I wonder if it will ever feel right.  
     Losing a parent is not easy and it does leave your heart aching without them.  I am thankful that both of my parents were Christians and I know that they are each in heaven, but that does not take away the pain that I feel.  I know I feel this way because I am a human here on earth.  A sweet neighbor gave me his condolences one day and told me that,"we miss them too much." I believe he is right.  You never want your parents to suffer and/or be in pain, but you never want them to die either.      Life is never the same without your parents no matter what. You just have to take it one day at a time and make it the best you can.  
     I miss you mom and dad!

   One of my favorite memories I have with my dad is when I was with him and I got to ride on an elephant.  I do not remember what was going on, but I do remember riding on an elephant.  I thought that was the coolest thing.  I don't know if my mom knew anything about this, but I am thankful for this fun memory that I made with my dad.

 I remember a time that Adrianna, mom, and I were at JCPenny and we got on the elevator to go look at clothes.  As the elevator began to move, it suddenly stopped.  None of us were happy about this and those little lights installed in the ceiling, seemed to be beating down on us.  I remember thinking how hot it was in there and that it seemed awfully small.  Luckily we weren't stuck in there for too long.  After that experience, we were not anxious to get in an elevator any time soon.

 When my mom passed away her best friend and her family sent us a peace lily plant.  On the card there was a quote, "Those that live in the Lord never see each other for the last time."  This quote has become one of my favorites.  The words are simple and the meaning is true.  Even though I know it is a true statement, the human side of me wishes I could have had more time with my mom.