April 30...

April 30 is a day I will never forget. Not only did I become a mother for the first time, I became an aunt.  My heart was full, and my life was changed forever!

Tomorrow is J's 22nd birthday... it will also be the first birthday in his 22 years that he is not here.  I will not get to sing happy birthday in the morning, I will not get to have a birthday dinner, and I will not get to hug his sweet neck and tell him I love him.  But...while I am here, he is out living life to the fullest and this makes my heart happy!   I could not be more proud of the loving man, brother, cousin, grandson and son he has become.  His free spirit is something I admire, and his love for others is contagious.  He is getting to wake up on his 22nd birthday living out his dreams!

Not only is tomorrow J's birthday, it is also my nephew B's birthday. I could not imagine not having this sweet boy in my life - I love him like he is one of my own. J & B have been partners in crime for their whole lives,and not only are they cousins... they are friends!   B is living out his own dream of a music career, and I can assure you I will be there cheering him on every step of the way, and will always be his #1 fan.

These boys not only changed my life, they have changed the lives of others while proudly displaying their love for their family, friends and God.  Happy Birthday to you both!!

And his adventure begins...

For anyone who knows my kids... they are all three completely different!  I have a free spirit, a happy go lucky one, and a princess.  AND... I would not change any of them for anything!  About 6 months ago, J began talking about his dreams and what he wanted to do. It was a very simple dream... he wanted to travel and see the country.  As a parent, I thought - perfect, go ahead, get on a plane and explore.  Well... that is not exactly what happened.  On April 10, after one last family photo (we all know how I love pictures) -  J pulled out of the driveway in his truck for the adventure of a lifetime.  He was on his way to meet a friend in Telluride, and backpack/hike the western United States. 

 

As he got in the truck that morning, he turned around one last time and said "I love you mom" - and he was off.  I stopped myself all morning from calling and checking on him, I knew he would be fine on his own, but it was REALLY hard to let him go.  He called a few hours into the drive just to let me know it was going good and he was well on his way.  He called again when he reached Topeka, KS that night to let me know his plan and where he was going to stay so I would not worry. Then, he called one last time that night to let me know the adventure had started.  He pulled into a hotel for the night in Salina, KS - after checking in and getting settled in his room, he opened the door to go back to his truck.  He did not expect what he saw next - a body bag (yes... a dead person) being removed from the room next to him.   I got a phone call shortly after and he said, "mom.... can you just talk for a minute?"  We talked for about 30 minutes, and I was completely thrilled that for just a minute - he still needed his mom.   

On Tuesday, April 14 - I received a photo letting me know he was in Colorado and all was good. Telluride is on the other side of this valley.

On Saturday, April 18, he let me know he had been in the desert in Moab, UT for four days and he was on to the Arches National Park.  It has now been two weeks, and I sure am missing that kid.  But... I am so happy and excited that he is making memories that will last a lifetime!