Saying Goodbye to another...

Early this morning, my dear Great Aunt passed away. She had been suffering for some time, so it wasn't a big shock that she passed, but still, you can never fully prepare for something like that.

Her daughter, my cousin, is a wonderful artist, and painted this beautiful picture of her mother playing the piano, and in the email she wrote us telling us of the passing, she said that is how she wants to remember her mother, and I have to agree, my cousin did a beautiful job portraying her mother.

I take comfort in knowing she is in heaven with my great-grandparents, my grandmother and countless other family members. I know they are playing the piano and organ and just singing.

I wrote on Facebook about her passing, and about how I wish I had been more disciplined to learn the piano because I come from a long line of amazing pianist. Nobody world renown or anything like that, but still, wonderfully talented people. I will surely miss them.

I wish I had saved some of the pictures from past emails from my cousin, but I didn't. I could kick myself. But, I think that one above is the best way to remember her by.

Goodbye Aunt Ethel. You will be greatly missed. You've touched so many lives, and mean so much to so many people. We love you!

1 yr ago today

One year ago today the LT graduated from College and commissioned into the US Army as a 2LT! One year ago today, we officially started our journey to Hawaii. Sure, we knew we were going to Hawaii before this, but his graduation and commissioning solidified it. It made it more real, if that makes sense. I wish I had some pictures to show of his graduation and commissioning, but I'm not sure where they are.

I forgot that today was his "anniversary" until he said something last night. I felt bad, it was such a big day for him, and I guess I didn't think about it because we have so much other stuff going on, and I've been sick. But he wanted to go to dinner, so we went to Cattle Company because he wanted steak. It was SO good! I was a little bummed, because I thought we were going to Outback and I was kind of wanting a blooming onion, but we got shrimp cocktail instead, and I got a really juicy, cooked to perfection Filet Minon. OMG, that steak was SO good! And I got the onion rings, those were good too. And their bread, to die for. I felt so bad for eating it in front of him, because we think he might be lactose intelerant because he's had some symptoms, so we got him some pills, and the first two days you have to not eat dairy. Wow is that hard for him. I feel bad for him, but only one more day! :) Woohoo!!

Anyways, just thought I'd update ya'll, and write about his 1 year anniversary of sorts! I am very proud of him and he's come a long way. He's learned a lot, and there are some things he wishes he had done differently, but that is how life works, you learn from your mistakes, and short givings and move on.