Halloween has passed with the same tradition here on fourth street. Children wearing costumes of all kinds arriving by vehicles, strollers, wagons and crowds walking the streets.Kayla had decorated out front with things that "go bump in the night" which scared many a youngster. Suprisingly tho it never kept them wanting there treats. It was so good to see everyone once again, Crystal with Nolan and Bailey and children that I had kept in the daycare now all grown up. Times have changed a bit, no more egg throwing that I saw but plenty of toliet paper being used. All in all, it was a good night with family over to eat Kayla's fixings such as cheesy chilli, hot dogs, chips and dip, cupcakes, spider webb brownie and a mummy wrap. Yum, Yum!! Yes, thoughts of you stayed with me during this time of Halloween......we certainly had good times.
Yesterday we held a memorial at the cemetry in honor of you. As I placed the pot of Lilies beside your pictures, Aunt Jeanie, Aunt Sharon, Jennifer and I gathered around as we each wrote personal messages onto green and yellow balloons to be released into the wind. As each one soared higher and higher until completely out of sight, one could only imagine where they would end up. It was very windy but a beautiful sunshine day for this. Jennifer then read a song that she made changes in the lyrics to tell her story of days when ya hung out.....When it Rains by Kid Rock. She did struggle with this at one point....and Aunt Jeanie began to say a sweet prayer... Jennifer then was able to finish the lyrics. It was good! We all laughed and talked for awhile and began to look for a seat, as us older folks needed to rest our legs. So we three sisters sat on the heads of 3 separate tombstones and Jennifer sat in the grass. Of course Jennifer had to take our picture, she said that just aint right. We look like the three stooges. It was a good day....I could sense you smiling and laughing at us the whole time!! Justin, you are loved by so many people....we miss you dearly!
MY version of Kid Rock's song...."When it Rains"....I LOVE YOU CAIN!!!
Like a deer in the headlights, I stood frozen in my tracks
And the weight of the news, It nearly broke my back
It was late April, and I remember oh so well
I put a rose in the bible and placed it on my shelf
Now when it rains, it pours
Wish I didnt know now the things I never knew before
Now when it rains, it pours
Wish I didnt know now the things I never knew before
Back then when you were 17
Time was on our side
Holes in our jeans and a pocket full of dreams
The future was Friday night
And we would hangout down by the levees
Singing our favorite songs
Laughin and drinkin, smokin and smilin
Now those days are gone
Now when it rains, it pours
Wish I didnt know now the things I never knew before
Now when it rains, it pours
Wish I didnt know now the things I know for shore
Like a deer in the headlights, I stood frozen in my tracks
And the weight of you not here nearly broke my back
And the tears they fell like a monsoon
Underneath the cold fall moon
Somehow God put his hands on your shoulders
Way too, way too soon
Now when it rains, it pours
Wish I didnt know now the things I never knew before
Now when it rains, it pours
Wish I didnt know now
No I didnt know now
What I knew before
As I was watching a news review today on the tragedy that happened in Tuscon, AZ a couple of weeks ago, I asked God why did He allow this little girl's life to be taken by this gunshooter. Suddenly my answer came to me as.....Mona, I allowed My only son to be taken as well, (just like Justin). Everything is for a reason, even in death!! So hard to understand why things happen as they do in life...that's where faith steps in. Thank you Lord for not leaving me alone, thnak you for loving me no matter how many times I stumble and fall!!!