Moving

I will be moving soon into a new house. The anticipation of what it will be like on the day we actually leave the house where Adam grew up is overwhelming. I am okay leaving here it is just that I am afraid of myself on the last day. I suppose it will be like any other event since he left. The anxiety and anticipation is sometimes worse than the actual event. I hope this is the case. It may not be easy but it is possible!

My list of firsts

As you know I like to list my firsts for the past year. It helps me see where I've been and what I've done. Some of them are routine and don't phase me one way or the other. Some of them have great impact like losing our dog and watching my sons best friend get married. They are all a part of my new normal now. It would be great if you shared one of your firsts. It may not be easy, but it is possible!

ARFRD July 15, 2008

Adam's Garden in July

Here are some photos of Adam's Garden taken the morning of July 15th. You can see how the flowers have bloomed since May. It was beautiful and sunny that morning.

Adam Garden

Here are more images from my Adam Garden. Each piece has a special meaning. Most of the items were donated by family or friends. The memorial stone with the dates was given to us by our neighbors. The butterfly tree was given to us by a co-worker of Adam. The sitting angel boy was given to us by my husbands cousin. The fish stone was given to us by a friend of my husband who along with his son had a lot of fun fishing times together with Adam. The white rose bush above the fish stone (not in bloom yet)was given to us by my sister on the one year anniversary of Adam's leaving. It is so beautiful when it is in bloom. The garden stone was given to us by my family. We bought the glider bench so people can sit, relax and remember. It is a magnet in our yard. Someone is always sitting there and hopefully reflecting on Adam and what he meant to them in their life. The garden will be in full bloom shortly and that is where I find my peace and solitude. You do not have to wait for family or friends to give you things to make a garden. It can be as simple as a pot of Forget-Me-Nots on your deck, or a small area of an existing garden. Fill it with something special that reflects who your Loved One is or something they liked. It may not be easy, but it is possible:)

site updates

This month has been a bit of a struggle. I have been down for awhile because I had shoulder surgery. Thankfully I am on the mend and intend to do some site work while I am off. The archives have been updated. Please take note the contact phone number has been changed. The paypal tax codes for those purchasing in New York state are updated as well. Remember, you can always email and ask any question concerning your grief journey or some else whom you may be concerned about. Have a pleasant day and always remember it isn't easy but it is possible!!:)

Amanda Lynn Mabon

Amanda Mabon lost her life here on Earth August 30, 2007. She is a 17 year old blond beauty who had a lot of life still in her. Mandy would have been a senior this year at Oakfield -Alabama High School. I did not know Mandy personally but I do know her parents. They are good people with genuine hearts who do not deserve this. Mandy has a big sister and a little brother. She also has a huge extended family who I am sure will miss her deeply. From what I have learned about Mandy, she has an incredibly bright smile and a friendly personality that made anyone who came in contact with her want to be her friend. I wish I had known her personally. She is someone who loved children and was very active in programs involving children. At Mandy's wake I have never seen so many people of all ages wait inside and outside for up to 3 hours just to pay respects. It is an absolute tribute to the kind of girl she is. Her parents obviously did something right. My wish for Mandy's family, personal and extended, is that they find peace in their hearts and a way to celebrate the life that was taken way too soon.

6th Anniversary Celebration

July 15th was the 6th anniversary of Adam's passing. We had a fantastic day. 82 peope came to support us and celebrate the life of my son. What an honor. We did a ballon launch, played music, and I spoke. Some people in attendance never even met my son. Whatever their reason was for coming didn't matter, they were here. So many people were moved by the action of the balloon launch. Just about everyone sent a message to Heaven. Some of the messages were to their loved ones. It was a beautiful day for honoring and remembering those we no longer have in our physical presence. It was not easy, but it was possible!