The sweetest part

The sweetest part of every one of my days is when I get to kiss the kids goodnight. Every night I fix their covers back up for them, kiss them and tell them I love them. That little part of my day feels like I'm putting everything right for them in that moment, making them snug and cozy and warm, all right with the world. I treasure it.

To be loved by Kiki

Story time at the condo in Daytona, Sept. 2006

I wanted to write more about my Mom's passing, but honestly it has been so hard. As much as I am sad about not having her around for me, the hardest part is knowing that she won't be around for Aly, Reed and Amy. Those grandkids were everything to her, and it breaks my heart that she won't get to see them grow up, and they will no longer have the incredible experience of knowing they have a grandmother who thinks they're the best thing since sliced bread. I'm not sure that our kids will be able to remember much about her since they are so little, but I'm grateful we have loads of pictures where it's totally clear how much she loves them. 

This is all I can manage to write. We miss you so much already, Mom, but know you're continuing to watch over us all. Thank you for loving us.

Beyond sad

Just a very few words for now, from Kiki, who died on Wednesday, May 26, 2010 at 7 p.m.

She wrote this to Aly, Reed and Amy on August 2, 2009...

Always remember these two things –

NOBODY loves you like your Kiki

and

I am always with you.
Check the stars and know I'm there,
loving you from Heaven.

We miss you, and we love you more than words can say.