The Thirteenth

Guess what?! Christmas is right around the corner. Work, as it does every year, is gearing up for it's last 2 weeks of the year and is a crazy place. I recently realized that I can't postpone Christmas shopping because I will be on an airplane and will have no time for last minute shopping. I have to think ahead and have things shipped and think about what all I can put in my carry on to bring to Wyoming for family... dang! I've had lots of fun going out with friends to holiday parties, staying in and making Christmas cards or, like last night, Christmas cookies with Emma (Ok, she did tons of baking and then after my swim I frosted like 10 of them), and fighting with my solar powered Christmas lights in the front yard. They do NOT work very well. 

Monday the 13th marked 9 years since my dad passed away. It has been an interesting road, and my grief has taken on different shapes as the years pass. Everyday I wish that I could ask his advice. It's hard for me to wrap my head around the fact that all of the knowledge, experiences, and feelings that he had are inaccessible. I can't tap into any of it because it vaporized the moment he took his last breath. It's frustrating, and I miss him. About 6 years ago, my mom had the idea of taking food, magazines, and little toys over to the ICU waiting room for families to enjoy as they experienced the worry and waiting that comes with having a loved one in the hospital. I do this every year no matter where I am on the 13th. Hopefully it's one less thing for them to worry about and something small for them to enjoy. It's tough being there at anytime and definitely during the holidays. I had all the stuff boxed up to take over on the 13th, but I have yet to drop it off. I feel guilty about that.

About a year after my dad's heart transplant

On the night of the 13th, I went to Washington Capital's player Mike Green's charity event. It was at 9:30 Club and it was 2 and a half glorious hours of G. Love and Special Sauce. SO great! The proceeds went to food donation and to a charity that builds playgrounds! um, YES please! A positive place for kids to play and use their imaginations? That was money well spent.

Love Always.