Beautiful Sunshine in the Sunshine State

It was great to land at the Fort Myers airport yesterday and see the sun shining and to take my sweater off because it was too warm. I wonder if the warmth and beauty get lost on those who live here all of the time. Maybe we Northerners appreciate it more because it is out of the ordinary for us. Maybe it is because I am on holiday even if Steve is working. Whatever the reason it has been an elixir for my mood. I met up with a friend today and we had lunch overlooking a beautiful setting. All cares seem to melt into the atmosphere here. I have gladly left the rest of the world behind for a few days. The visible netting is to keep the birds out.

Basketball Sunday

Steve, Rocky Rocket, and Enos


The Toledo Rockets finished their home basketball season yesterday and we were invited to attend the game with our new neighbors Enos and Kathy. When Rocky the Rocket mascot stopped by the suite I had to take a picture. Toledo won 74- 69. We attended 3 games this season and Toledo won 2 of them so we are looking for our permanent invitation next season. (their record was much worse than 66%) On another basketball note my Spartans should soon be declared the Big Ten Basketball champs and will probably get a #2 seed in the NCAA March madness.

I want to also take a minute to say thanks to all of you who sent an extra prayer, thought, or hug last week. It was a rough week for me. The grieving process is long but life is good and we will go on.

Friday Morning Sunrise Picture

John Michael Stanford

December 26th, 1980 - March 6, 2008

The reality of your death has hit me like a ton of bricks this week. Every moment that I have been OK has been replaced with that awful pain from the center of my being that cries out no, no, no. I have been taken back to last year in my brain over and over and I cannot escape those terrible moments. But one year ago you did leave and I know you are not suffering anymore. And that is what I hang onto now. I know you could not go on in the condition you were in. I know you gave it your all and that is all any mother could ever ask for. I hope you are looking down on us now and seeing that we are doing OK. We have recieved much love and care this year by our family and friends. They have truly sustained us through the darkest days.

This morning I watched a beautiful sunrise. A new day is dawning and we will continue with our lives but you will always be there John. We love you and miss you.

Great Joy

I have been steeling myself for a one year anniversary. It is not a celebratory date. It occurs tomorrow. So today in preparation I want to remember how happy John made us. I want to remember how much joy he brought into our life. I want to remember and be thankful for the time we had together. I will remain positive and joyful of his life. He was special and I am thankful for the time we did have. But I miss you John. Your legacy lives on.

Tuesday Oh My...

I have not gotten anything done for several days. Even my pictures are boring. No reasonable excuse, just the end of winter blahs. I am trying to stay focused on Florida next week and a visit with Mom and Dad.

We did have dinner with Kristen and her parents yesterday and it went very well. We cooked the Christmas turkey Mike got from Bass Pro. As involved parents, we all seem to have very similar ideas on how the wedding plans should progress. That is great. Kids are still thinking June of 2011 for the wedding.That gives us all plenty of time to figure out the details of budgets and living arrangements.