My Sweet Lesa

My sweet Lesa passed away this morning.... Memorial Day, at 2:30am. She fought a never ending battle against an unfair and ruthless enemy. While cancer won the battle, Lesa won the war. Her mortal body is now at peace and rest while her spirit soars. Lesa was an incredible woman whose courage and strength in the face of unthinkable adversity never wavered. She loved every part of life... she took nothing for granted, and will be blessed in the eternities. Well done, Lesa. Enjoy the next step on your journey.

Prom Night 2010

L~R.. Zach, Kayla, Shannon, Lindsay, Britani, Carley, Emile, Eric

WEST YORK AREA HIGH SCHOOL PROM 2010
WISEHAVEN BANQUET HALL

Emile went to her first prom last night.




She's gone to homecoming twice, but this was her first prom and from what I heard, she had fun. Before she and her date, Eric, left for Wisehaven Banquet Hall, they came over to John and Lesa's house (where I'm still helping as Lesa is dying) so I could see them and take pictures.

Emile and Eric looked so nice together. I was so pleased with how beautiful her dress was.... especially since it only cost $10.00. Em purchased it at the Cinderella Shop in East Berlin. It was a perfect fit... She was radiant. And Eric was very handsome as well in his suit and complimenting vest. I just love their smiles.

The funniest thing about the entire evening was the fact that the girls had to do the driving. Neither one of the boys parents would let them drive.. SO, Em drove our van and Kayla drove her car. It looked so cute seeing the girls driving off with their dates safely strapped in beside them. My how the times have changed. I'm glad everyone had a fun and safe time.

Lesa's Last Days

Lesa is in the final stretch of a long and hard fought battle. She has been so strong for over 5 years now... and her body is finally shutting down. I've just come home from spending over 24 hours with her. She's in a state of fairly deep sleep and has been very peaceful since 6:30 this morning.We had a few precious minutes yesterday afternoon to say our "good-bye's." She was so weak that I had to put my ear to her lips to hear what she was saying... "I need to tell you something. I want you to know I love you... you really are my sister." I told her how much I loved her as well and let her know it was time for her to let go of her body so her spirit could move on. Lesa took my hand, put it on her heart, then covered it with both of her hands. We sat like that for a minute before she became short of breath and had to put her oxygen back on.

I'm so very grateful for the time I've had with Lesa. She has been such an example of faith and strength to me. Her countenance has radiated her absolute love for our Heavenly Father. Lesa has been a true and trusted friend to me. I know I will see her again... and to quote her, "We'll raise Hell in Heaven." I love this special daughter of God with all my heart. Rest well my friend.

Mother's Day 2010

Today was a special day. Of course it is Mother's Day... which in and of itself is a special day, but it was especially special this year. Em and Brie made me breakfast in bed. I was served heart shaped pancakes, sausage, strawberries, and orange juice. It was delicious. I enjoyed spending time with the girls in bed... just talking and laughing. When they were little we spent lots of time together in my bed. We'd read, play silly games, "draw" pictures on each others backs, and take naps together. Now the girls are more independent and it isn't as cool to hang out with mom in bed.

Sometimes I wish I could turn back the clock for a brief time. I miss rocking my babies. I miss feeling them close their little hands around my finger while they looked up into my eyes. I miss their giggles in the early morning hours. I miss kissing their tiny toes. I miss the smell of baby lotion just after their bath. I miss them hugging my knees. I miss them thinking I was the very best person on the face of the earth... the person who could kiss their tears away and make it all better. Oh, what I wouldn't do to be able to protect them from all the "owies" that life is going to throw at them in the years to come.
So for now I just enjoy each day as it comes. I find the joy in remembering the times spent together and look to the future for what is to come. Before I know it the girls are going to be mom's themselves. I suppose then they will understand the tear that falls down my cheek as I watch them growing up.

Happy Mother's Day....

Cinco de Mayo

Today is a very popular day in America. Today is the celebration of Mexico's victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla in 1862... better known as Cinco de Mayo. Contrary to popular belief, it is not Mexico's Independence Day. Further, according to a paper published by the UCLA Center for the Study of Latino Health and Culture about the origin of the observance of Cinco de Mayo in the United States, the modern American focus on that day first started in California in the 1860s in response to the resistance to French rule in Mexico. The 2007 paper notes that "The holiday, which has been celebrated in California continuously since 1863, is virtually ignored in Mexico." Basically it's a day for Americans to have an excuse to party. And why not, it's always fun to get together and eat great Mexican food while hanging out with friends!!It's been several months since our last get together meal we have as friends (the "everything pumpkin was the last time), so the Brandt's decided it was time to get together. What fun to have everyone together in Mike and Angie's new back yard on a beautiful evening. We had pork chimi's, taco's, rice, chips & salsa, guacamole, and Mormon Margarita's. Everything was delicious. All the kids had a great time and the "adults" got to visit and shared a few laughs as well.Looks like Andy and Jamie were spicing the festivities up!

So with summer just around the corner, I'm thinking we may have to twist Mike and Angie's arms for some more gatherings at their place. Next pics up should include the pool. Woo Hoo!

Happy CINCO de MAYO!