Mom, I'll miss you until I see you again

It's been a long time since I posted an entry in this blog just as it seems like an eternity since I've held your hand, heard you tell me I'm simply perfect, seen that beautiful smile of yours, and heard you say, 'Go Tribe' and 'God is good.'

Mother's Day 2012 seemed like the perfect time to share my feelings with my readers, Mom, on how I've not come to grips with you leaving, but will never give up hope.

I know you are healthy and whole.  I know your journey came to an end and you arrived at your final destination, God's house.  I understand you are so happy to be with family members that have gone before you, and being Heaven, are shielded from sadness.  You know for a fact that one day we will reunite giving you hope, not despair.  I believe the way this played out and continues unfolding is all part of God's master plan and the way it is supposed to be.

I can't deny my feelings though I am ecstatic that you are where you've worked your entire life to be.  I still grieve every single day.  It's not gotten better.  To me, it seems as if it's gotten worse.  2012 has been a train wreck.  I'm not me.  I'm some unorganized, chaotic being who just tries to get through each day successfully, let alone even thinking about how to get ahead or plan for any type of future.  It's hard getting up in the morning.  All I have the energy to do is the basics, get up, get dressed, try to pay the bills and go to work.  Repeat.

When you left Mom, I lost my best friend.  My BFF who never left my side:  baseball games to concerts to dinners to hearing me sing at church to pretty much anything and everything.  Since you, there's not been another BFF.  When I lost you, I lost the only person who really needed me.  It's an awful feeling not being needed anymore.  I step back and try convincing myself, that too, may all be part of God's plan.  Being a single female is quite challenging.  My married friends don't have time for me.  My single friends with boyfriends and girlfriends are otherwise preoccupied.  I can't tell you how many times over the last 4 months I've been told, "You intimidate men," or "You're so strong and independent, you chase men away," or "I can't believe you don't have a boyfriend right now."   I'm anything but strong but people can believe what they want to believe.

Don't worry Mom.  Each day that goes by I strive harder to be just like you & make you proud.  I will never give up.  I find myself saying things or doing things that you did.  I stop in my tracks and look up to Heaven thanking you and winking at God for keeping your memory alive.

I'm the glass full girl working hard to get out of my tailspin.  I believe, as you instilled in me, that God always provides.  We need not worry about tomorrow or issues out of our control.  Put all of our worries and problems in God's hands.  I believe so much and give great advice.  Sometimes I just have to convince myself of that advice & of my beliefs when it appears my requests fall on deaf ears.

Following in your footsteps, even thru grief, I can never say, will never say, "I'm having a bad day, week or year."  That phrase has been banned from my vocabulary.  I see God's daily miracles which allow me to have highs & lows each day, good moments and bad moments but NEVER full fledged bad days.  Life is too short to dwell on the negative for long.  God is good.  When I'm down in the dumps, someone or something comes along to brighten my spirit, usually my (and your) Cleveland Indians!  Or it could be seeing your trademark rainbow, a lovely sunset, an unexpected text or new friend on Twitter.   The list is endless and constantly surprising at how you & God send me signs that everything will be ok.

Just because someone grieves does not mean they do not enjoy life or realize the greatness of God.  I refuse to sweep my grief and bad moments under the carpet.  That would be unhealthy, stupid, and deceitful to myself & my friends.  You taught me to live each day as if my last.  I do.

I'm simply amazed at how you continue helping me in death, being there for me in death as you were in life.  Honestly Mom, you in death have been there for me more than I'd say 96% of the people in my life.  Every single day you teach me something new.  The light bulb goes off over my head as to why you used to do something or believed an edict.  If I can't find something, you help me locate it.  If I'm doing something ridiculous like having every light blaring in the house, I hear your voice saying, 'please turn off the lights you don't need' just as you did in person.   When I look in the mirror and have dressed in an outfit that needs pressing, I either change it or press it --something I never would have done before.  Everything I've attempted to cook or bake of yours has come out just as you made it.  Now THAT in itself is a miracle!

Mom, there are so many good people who continue supporting me, because they respected you.  I know that but I can't help feeling alone at times.  When you died, besides our immediate family, NO ONE visited me for nearly seven months.  No one dropped off casseroles or checked in on me periodically.  I appeared to be an afterthought when others were bored and had absolutely nothing else on their agenda.  Maybe they all thought I had a plethora of support?  It was awful and unfortunately a memory I will never ever forget.

But, just because during those seven months it seemed as if no one cared, I knew I had you and God, our family, and most importantly, ME!   You always said, 'You and I are fighters and survivors, Babe.'  I will never forget that.  I AM a fighter.  I get that from you and knowing I still have you by my side, I am fearless.  "I believe, I believe, I believe."


I must apologize, not necessarily to you Mom, but to everyone else.  I am broken and far from being whole.  Because of that, I find I can not help those family members and friends who may need my assistance.  I can barely help myself let alone be there for anyone else.  I know there are countless others grieving your loss.  It's not just me.   And over the last 30 months, I've witnessed so many others around me endure heartbreak, death, injury, defining moments.  I've tried very hard to be there for many of them but I feel like I've fallen short in many respects.  It's an awful, helpless feeling being so frazzled myself that I can not extend my hand to others --which is what you always taught me to do.  Maybe that's part of the reason they've not been there for me.   I'm working in the 'airplane oxygen mode' right now.  I'm trying very hard to take care of myself, place the oxygen mask on me first and then help those around me who are in need of assistance. 


Mom, what will never change is how much I love you, how much I miss you, and how I know you are constantly by my side, no matter who else may or may not be there.  I believe if I keep the faith, never give up, and follow in God's and your footsteps, I can make no wrong turns.  I eventually will get out of this dead end maze I feel I'm lost inside.  I am still the glass full girl who has a lovely life.  All I can do right now is get up, thank God for allowing me another day, live that day to the fullest, believe, never lose hope, pray, talk to you, and ask myself, "What would Mom have done?"  

Can't go wrong with that attitude & vision because 'God IS good' and so are you Mom!

I love you MORE, a million bazillion times MORE!   xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Least favorite holiday weekend

When I was a little girl, Labor Day weekend was tolerable. On one hand it meant I'd build a fort in the living room and have my own sleepover watching the Jerry Lewis Telethon all night long. At that time it was more entertaining though it included its share of inspirational stories. However, I'm not sure that they had as many stories to tell or share. That's where I became acquainted with so many stars, entertainers, musical groups, and really broadened my horizons learning so much in that 24 hours. I think I also gleaned my passion for music and dance at that time.

By Labor Day weekend, some years school had not begun. Other years, it had just begun and we already had a boat load of homework which I'd just plug along through all night long.

Labor Day Weekend meant the end to summer, which saddened me. Still does today.

There were a few bright spots through the years. Labor Day weekend meant the Cleveland National Air Show and Cleveland Indians' baseball. My Mother, God love her, wanted to be a pilot and even skydive. Well, she never did either, but I'm sure she's doing them both now that she has entered Heaven. Uncle Johnny was in the Air Force. Wherever we'd go visit him, we'd stay on the Air Base with him surrounded by planes, Air Force personnel, and that regimented way of life.

I can only imagine what it must feel like being a pilot because watching the beautifully intricate maneuvers of the Thunderbirds and Blue Angels brings chills, tears, and wonderment every single time. It never gets old and never will.

What would be perfect would be sitting at old Cleveland Municipal Stadium during the air show so you not only saw the ballgame but planes buzzing around the entire time --many times scaring the bejeebers out of the ballplayers at prime times during the game.

No matter all the good memories, the summer coming to an end always made this particular holiday weekend bittersweet.

Looking back over the last 5-7 years, Labor Day weekend became more depressing. I'd usually ask for the day off, mainly so I could take Mom to a different dialysis session, then she could rest up a little and if she felt up to it, we'd hit the Indians' game. While Mom was at dialysis, I'd do a little cleaning. Well since I've not really cleaned since Mom has passed, the house is really due for a fall cleaning session this year.

Very stress-filled moments and days lead up to Labor Day 2011. I was not looking forward to this weekend at all but was going to try and make the best of it. Cleveland always has exciting events & fun stuff happening year round. Labor Day weekend kicks it up a notch with a bazillion festivals including the Great Geauga County Fair, the Oktoberfest, the Air Show, baseball and many newer happenings such as the Taste of Hudson, just to name a few.

So I, though broke, was determined to try something new every single day. My mantra has always been 'you don't have to have money to have fun.' I truly believe that fact.


Saturday, my nephew's band Founding Fathers played at Market Square. It was simply a beautiful summer day. Family first! I ventured over to Market Square and enjoyed cheering on my nephew and his fellow band mates. They are wonderful! I had front and center seats on the curb right in front of the band. It was perfect. And my heart was filled with joy as I watched people walk by dancing to the music, especially this cute little boy and girl, who could not have been more than 2-4 years old, dancing up a storm to my nephew's music. So proud. In between sets, I buzzed around The West Side Market. What an absolutely divine day! I've been visiting The West Side Market my entire life which included familiarizing myself on the main stands there through Mrs. Donley's freshman colloquium class. You don't even have to buy anything. Walking around people watching all day satisfies the soul. I did buy some fabulous chicken because I decided to try my hand again at Mom's famous breaded chicken and fine tune my mashed potatoes, should I ever have to whip them up for a potential new beau (he said mashed potatoes are his favorite, nothing else, just a huge plate of mashed potatoes!). Nothing tops off breaded chicken, homemade mashed potatoes and corn like a nice Molson Ice! Living the life, I'm telling you!

So far, so good on this bittersweet weekend.

Sunday could not have turned out any better. I headed down to work where I had a front row seat of the Air Show AND the Cleveland Indians' game WHILE I worked out in the gym! Pinch me. I've been trying very hard to get a great work out in every day and so far, so good! Sunday night, though I did not really have plans with anyone, I ventured solo to the Taste of Hudson. A new experience for me. My co-workers' band was playing at the event and later that night Michael Stanley and Tommy Dobeck. How could I go wrong?

Sure enough, I ran into a few other co-workers, heard phenomenal music all night long and even ran into one of my dearest grade school buddies. I could not have asked for a better night! Well, I could have, but I did not want to be greedy and press my luck! Wink, wink!


Through this all, in the back of my mind, unsettled thoughts of a dear friend who is going through a really rough time....yet I am trying my best to deal. God does not give us more than we can handle at one time. And in Sunday's gospel and homily Father shared that if no one else loves me, God does. The Lord calls us to imitate Him. That is what I am striving to do. Uplifting thoughts this bittersweet weekend.

Added to the mix, we just found out that a lifelong family friend is on her death bed. Again, all we can do is pray for her and her entire family.


I can not complain about anything. Compared to what my new friend is going through with his Mother passing away and our family friend who is preparing to see the Lord, I have absolutely no right to feel down about anything. Adversity and life in general puts everything into perspective. Mom taught us to do God's will and be there for our friends (well, she taught us so much more, all good!).

That said, I am human. I may know in my head what to do but my heart says something else. The Labor Day Weekend up 'til Monday was fantastic. But there was that underlying presence of stress and a heavy heart. Let's face it. 2 people dying. Summer coming to an end, which for me at this particular time is a symbol of a new budding friendship which unfortunately, has been cut short and is coming to an immediate end forever.

Monday I was heading to the Indians' game with a co-worker-- a very cool guy who I really enjoy spending time with who makes me laugh.

As we walked to the game, he suggested popping into the bar across from Jacob's Field for a shot of Whiskey! PERFECT idea. I told him, if the Indians win, this must be a regular tradition. Regardless, it took the edge off of my stress-filled week and made for a phenomenal end to Labor Day Weekend 2011. The Tribe lost but I had an awesome time at the game with my friend laughing and enjoying my boys of summer! Jacob's Field is my home away from home!

All in all, Labor Day Weekend 2011, even with the stress and sadness, had its glimmering moments. However, this will never be a favored holiday. No matter how great the weekend may be, at the very end, you are always reminded that the summer is coming to an end....fun times are slowing down.....and the cold harsh winter (which could be construed as the cold, rough times of life) is right around the corner. Grrrrr.

5 games plus Jim Thome: Pinch me!

I'm determined to get my life back on track, take care of me, and continue scratching duties off of my overwhelming 'to do' list.

It was an amazing beginning....the hard part will be continuing on the straight and narrow.

Out of the goodness of his heart, a dear friend who used to help me with Mom has taken on the task of being my personal trainer. He's absolutely awesome! I worked out with him all week long...and am back down below what I weighed when I turned 40 years old. I've made such great strides I never ever want to ever find myself back where I was -- which is 40+ pounds heavier.

Not only have I revved up the workout schedule, but I saw five Indians' games last week, including the return of the beloved Jim Thome! Two weeks ago, I'd never have believed that I was so into my workout schedule and that Thome would be an Indian again.

I guess miracles can happen and anything is possible.

The day that boosted me over the top was the day-night double header. Walking back and forth from Progressive Field is an amazing workout in itself. Walking back and forth 4 times in one day with a rigorous hour long workout in between just blew my mind, but I did it and felt so pumped up at the end of the day, not to mention, I caught a foul ball at the first Indians' game --that REALLY revved me up!

Let's try and keep this streak going.....not only the baseball streak but the workout as well as organizing a pretty messy life which is a great life, but in total chaos at this very moment! :)

Tangled in a spider web, sinking in a sand trap

Against my better judgement, I've gotten sucked into the huge spider web and can't seem to find my way out. Or I feel like I'm sinking in a sand trap.

Though I'd rather meet someone in person, get to know them, and make new memories 'THAT' way, I've gotten roped into the way kids today talk: via texting.

I enjoy conversing with my new text buddy but my head is spinning. We chat like buddies then we have crazy conversations like we are more than buddies.

Frankly, I am confused. We've discussed soooooo much, I do feel as if I know him. I do feel akin to him and I've told him absolutely EVERYTHING about me. I can share anything and everything with him. I feel so comfortable with this fellow human being. But there is no freaking way I should let myself get attached to anyone until I meet them in person. That has not happened thus far and every time I ask if it will, there is no definitive answer and I wind up in the dog house.

Last week after I received a text of six little words, I actually ran to the bathroom at work and threw up. Yes, it was stupid. First, ridiculous thinking I knew what my text buddy was saying in the context of a text. I will be the first person to say text messages are meaningless. They are words that could go anyway and you don't know what they mean until you hear them in person.

Second, to get upset over a guy is going against everything I believe in--no one should get upset over a guy via text, over the phone or in person.

Yet, yes, I feel close to this kid. I so would like to start a friendship, friends only situation, with this awesome individual. There have been dozens and dozens of signs over the last three weeks convincing me that we should be friends. I believe in signs. When two people text the same message to each other at the same time, it's a sign. That's what happened one night during a thunderstorm. When in casual conversation I shared the random fact that I love the smell of Skoal Wintergreen and that's his brand, I take that as a sign. When I tell him one of my favorite beers is Molson Ice and he is drinking that beer at the time, that's a sign. There have been so many other coincidences that I can not let this friendship go, not just yet.

Not sure what's swirling around in his head about me? I'd like to think he feels the same bit I just don't know.

Yes, I got so upset over a guy it made me physically ill. It was an absolutely chaotic hour. And what really gets me is that I was messaging a friend of mine....and my text buddy was responding to the texts I was sending my friend. That irked me a bit. I wanted to talk to my friend in confidence and it appeared as if she was sharing my situation with my text buddy by his responses to me..... not good.

It was a crazy 48 hours filled with emotion. I'm not sure what to do or how to handle this situation. All I can do is first and foremost pray to God and Mom to help me, to give me the strength to do nothing and put this situation in their hands off of my shoulders. Next, I just need to be me, be the person Mom taught me to be, be a good friend and a good Christian and hope that in the end, I will have been a good friend to my new text buddy.

They have tons happening in their life, but so do I.

Fortunately, Saturday night, when I received another text that seemed like our friendship had been disbanded I was with two very very good friends who told me how lucky I was, who reminded me they and so many other good people are in my life and conked me on the head telling me how absolutely blessed I am.

I would not in any way shape or form hand back the last 21 days for the world. I've enjoyed conversations with my new friend. I've enjoyed meeting, if only via text, someone that 3 weeks ago wasn't even a blip on my radar. He has made me smile every single day for the last 21 days. I've been on cloud 9.

God is good. I need to keep saying that....God is good....God is in charge. What will be will be and God never ever hands us anything we can not handle.

At the very least, this summer in my life --May thru the present, will make one hell of a romance novel! Thank God I've been taking notes and jotting down the most important memories! Whew hoo! I am the glass full girl and I, of anyone, know how to make delicious lemonade when handed a basket of sour lemons! HA!

We need more cowbell in the rain!

The last week has been one I'd never ever imagined, concocted, or even scripted in a dream in a million years!

Just the simple fact that I have a new text buddy who, most of the time is amazing.....yes, we've had a few rough spots but always seem to get back on track.

I had a schedule change due to vacations. A very nice change of pace! And honestly it seemed I was at the station MORE because of it as I would work, work out and then hit the Tribe game! Going to the Indians' games has become beneficial to my health as well as a great source of pleasure! I park at my office and walk over to Progressive Field. Those days I get a workout in, BONUS! The days I don't, I still get a nice downtown walk going!

One of the days I worked I totally overslept! I NEVER do that. I jokingly the day before told my relief to call me if I wasn't in at a certain time....sure enough, I jinxed myself. I got up 18 minutes before I was supposed to be at work! I called him and said, dude, I'm up but I may be a few minutes late!

God was truly on my side. I threw on an amazing outfit, gathered my lunch, and headed to work. I made EVERY SINGLE LIGHT! I was not speeding but it was a different shift than I normally work and the light pattern had changed. I got to work only a few minutes late and knew that I owed God a HUGE HUGE favor!

And then it was the Feast of the Assumption weekend! A family tradition! Sunday I went to the Indians' game which wound up being rained out and postponed. Even in a delay, I had the most delicious time at the ballpark. We played a few innings--David Huff was pitching a doozy! Then the skies opened. So I ventured up to the Terrace Club and just sat in my place on the floor watching other MLB games! 1/2 way through the delay, the most delightful little boy and his father came over to sit by me. He was a doll! We had the best conversation about beginning school and his lunch breaks at school....and how the administrators are quite annoying with how they quiet people down and get attention. It was absolutely awesome! He shared his fishy crackers with me and then when the couch opened, offered me a seat next to him on the couch!

He really was a doll and reminded me of my friend's adorable little boy, who hopefully one day I will meet.

Finally, they called the game and off I went to change for the Feast of the Assumption. I was NOT going to pass this up.

There may be a little rain in the air but it's tradition. I needed to get my Italian food fix on and light the candles we light every single year at Holy Rosary church!

I changed and headed down to Little Italy. I was meant to be there! It all came together! I was supposed to meet two friends but they got chased away by the rain. I wound up seeing my sports producer and his friend! Then I saw an old colleague, Commander Tom Stacho. I did my normal walk around and taste and squirrel away food to take home plus I grabbed some to give to my Aunt when I saw her at mass the following day....

But my highlight, besides lighting the candles and saying a little prayer, was visiting my friend's fried dough stand! ALWAYS a delight! And this year just made my week!

In the meantime, my new pal and I had been texting back and forth.....it was nice. But I was on a mission and he was going to have to wait. Especially after the skies opened again.....one downpour and I put up the umbrella. It lasted about 5 minutes and away the umbrella went! I went to Michael's stand and saw he and his lovely wife and children. After talking just a few minutes the skies opened yet again...but this was furious and would last longer. So he ushered me under his stand to safety and we all talked, shared memories, caught up, feasted on fried dough and made new wonderful memories.

At one point, it was apparent the rains would not be stopping for a while so the band in the center of the venue started playing to entertain those stranded.....and that's when the fun really began. A stand two down from Michael's had all of these instruments --cow bells, horns, tambourines, anything you could imagine. They started doling them out, passing them down so that everyone could play along with the band! It was magnificent. The kids had the most fun of course! This vivid image that will last with me forever IS truly what makes new memories --surrounded by friends, family, tradition, and the guts to live life to the fullest and make lemonade when you are handed lemons!

U crazy kids & ur texting

I still have the old archaic phone. I'm ok with that for now because I don't have enough money to get a new one and I don't have a job or position that requires me to be attached to my email 24 hours a day.

I did up my texting plan because every single guy I've met this Spring and Summer seems to want to text rather than talk on the phone or meet in person.

What is it with young kids and guys and texting rather than having a heart to heart conversation?

I'd much prefer talking to someone on the phone so I can hear their emotion, their inflection, and get a detailed rundown of a conversation rather than abbreviated words to get a possible point across?

I'd much rather be in the same room with someone holding a conversation with them as we get to know each other, fire question after question immediately as it pops in our heads without that delay from "oh wait, I have to type on my cell phone the proper response" only to have the person on the other end misconstrue what the heck is being said.

I've been speaking with a new friend for a few weeks via text. For some reason, he doesn't want to speak on the phone. He's had much adversity in his life just since I've known him so I totally get why we've not met in person yet plus our schedules have not meshed. But one of my mottos is if something is important to you, make it happen. I personally would have stayed up really late or gotten up really early to accommodate his schedule. I've found that guys soooooo do not do that for females. Or maybe I've just not found the right guy who thinks of the girl first.

I must admit some of our conversations, scratch that, pretty much all of our conversations via text have brought me great joy, smiles from cheek to cheek and much laughter. You could even say they bring butterflies to my belly and fireworks! So yes, speaking via text has the same effect as in real person but it's quite weird. My friends will ask, "Have you met him yet?" I say no but we speak for hours on end each and every single day. They say, "He needs to ask you out on a real date." And I concur.

My older relatives say "Whatever happened to picking up the telephone and just talking?" Yes, I agree with that too!


But at the end of the day, looking back at some of the texts of the day have made me beam, have brought butterflies to my stomach, and have made me want to press onward with whatever 'this' is.....

If I'm having a bad day, looking back at an old text will brighten my day. It's quite amazing.

We have gotten to know each other on many fronts via the text method....but there is sooooo much left out there for us to explore and learn about each other.

We've even shared nice pictures so both of us know what the other looks like....

Since we've been talking we've said goodnight every single night and good morning every single morning. It's simply wonderful. But I miss that one on one in person communication. I really crave that right now. Just friends everyone. I just want to meet this new friend and pal around, watch a game, watch him play hockey, share a pizza, or anything innocent just to get to know each other a bit better.

Unfortunately, his mother has become ill so he had to head back home to Vancouver. Something that I can say has never ever happened to me is having a hot man text me that he had to climb up on his roof to talk to me. My pal told me before he left that reception is awful at his Mom's home. I really did not expect to talk to him for a week or two while he was tending to his Mom. Then poof --one day at work I received a text that just made my week. He said he had to climb up on his roof to talk to me because he wanted to talk to me. I admit, my heart melted over and from a text message. And yes, I can understand how this mode of communication can not only be easy for those who have a hard time speaking but easier to say what's really on your mind ....and yes, brings great joy as well.

With the good also comes the ugly. I don't even know this guy yet we've had a few 'arguments' via text. I did not think they were arguments or even worthy of cross words but apparently the person on the other end of the text mistook what was being said, twisted it, and hence WHY I would rather speak via the telephone or in person! VOILA!

I do vote for the phone and in person. I fear that will not happen for a while or ever. But for now, I'll take this mode of communication.

And I thank God every single day for my new text buddy.

Congratulations Colleen and Jeff!

What a whirlwind week! It began just over a week ago as I met someone new, if only through texting....but the real buzz of the first week of August were all the preparations for my youngest niece's wedding!

We've known it was coming for months yet it's been action packed with shopping and hair and nails and final preparations for the big day!

Colleen and Jeff are simply perfect for each other! They definitely complement each other and the love exudes for all to see.

It was a no brainer when Jeff entered the picture that he was truly a member of our family even before the official reciting of the vows of matrimony.

So Monday I got a dress.....Tuesday I shopped for accessories for my adorable party dress including amazing matching shoes, a wrap, a clutch, and a few other items. I usually hate shopping because that constitutes spending money which I never have. However, this trip to the Mall rocked as I was texting my new friend the entire time. He makes me laugh, he makes me smile. Those 2 attributes are quite important to me.

Finally, mission accomplished! It was only Tuesday and I had everything I needed for my niece's wedding! I contemplated Spanks --NOT happening. Those are awful. They are made for women who are thin and don't need them. There is absolutely no freaking way someone like me with a belly can yank those suckers up around my belly and hips. Thankfully that company has the rich and famous thin models brain washed into believing that they need them so those rich folks can spend all their money!! HA!

Got the nails done.....finally, THE DAY!

Colleen's vision and planning for this wedding simply amazing. She did everything! She was in charge of every idea, every decoration, every final flower and candle placement. We all gathered at Manakiki Saturday morning to put the final touches on her big day. Yes, there were many nerves inside everyone but that's expected. The bottom line, we did it. We set up the three rooms she and Jeff were using for their nuptials. Everything looked beautiful. Could not have had a better day or place to tie the knot.

After a quick lunch....and giving Colleen an early surprise gift: her long lost Elephant hat which we purchased in Canada about 25 years ago, we were all off to get our hair and makeup done.

Then back to the venue for the real deal.

Everything went off without a hitch. It was a bit warm but it was perfect and every single wedding guest had the most memorable time. Colleen was so worried it would rain. It did but God (and Gram) had everything under control.

During the wedding ceremony, which was outside under the trees and sky, you could hear the rain but no one ever felt it. God made it just so that it cooled the day, and enhanced this miracle about to occur, but did not affect it in any way shape or form! It was simply perfect. And at the conclusion of the service, the rain ended, the sun came back out and it was party time!

We all danced, sang, and ate the night away surrounded by close family and friends under the beautiful Cleveland sky....Sara gave an amazing speech and Colleen had the most delicious lemon cake made just for family. Honestly, everything was P-E-R-F-E-C-T!

I concluded my day talking to my new buddy......and then meeting Colleen and Jeff back out at Manakiki Sunday morning to finish cleaning up and fetching last minute items we'd left the night before.

I royally pissed off the golfers as the management let us park at the snackbar doorway to load our cars. Oh, well. Get over it! As one final parting gift from Manakiki, the girl Colleen was working with gave us the most delicious grilled hotdogs I'd ever tasted! MMMMM.

We all gathered at my sister's to unload and reload and eat, for there was a ton of food left over from the wedding, and more importantly visit with my friends, "the girls" --Colleen's 2 chihuahuas!

I could not believe how exhausted I was but everyone was......I headed home and took a nap.....Sunday was pretty much a wash out!

And fortunately my boss gave me Monday off due to me working the following weekend.....every minute of that 4-day weekend was definitely needed to recoup from the wedding of the year!

I raise my glass to two of the nicest, classiest, most adorable people in the world: Colleen and Jeff....and love you so very much! I am blessed to have you both as family! I love you! XOXO

Love,

Auntie Dani (one of the coolest people you know)