Dear Mom,
You left this world 18 years ago today. It was our first snow of the year and it was a decent snow! Corey was in Montana, Jenni lived in Georgia but was out of that state on business. Phone calls were made, plane reservations were made and cars were loaded up. I met my big brother John for the first time – he and his wife flew in to meet us and say good bye to you. Bill and his bride of many years also came to the services. In your death we have found each other – I know you rest in peace knowing this! We miss you often and wish you could share in our wonderful lives. Since you left the family has multiplied! You have birth to 6 children, your eldest, David left us while you were still here. How hard that must’ve been for you! It was hard for us – I can’t imagine losing a child at any age!
You had a tough life and were not able to watch the middle 3 of your children grow into very fine people. I love these siblings dearly and appreciate them every day! Your leaving has brought all of us together – so for that we are all grateful. Jenni and I are able to enjoy our big brothers and our beautiful sister! The 6 kids you gave life to – gave life to a total of 17 grandchildren. I love every one of these nieces and nephews and have met all but one! I am privileged to be invited to and attend their weddings. They include me in the day to day happenings of their families. I love being an aunt! 18 years ago when you left us the internet was just coming on the scene in homes – you would’ve loved it! To be able to watch these young adults and their families grow up is an honor!
Your 17 grandchildren have brought at least 30 great-grandchildren (with another one on the way in August).
Here are a few quick moments in our lives … I have 1000’s of photos and they all make me smile!
Lorna’s Legacy!
Me and Jenni – just a short time ago! Once upon a time in a land far far away!
Christmas 1999 we all got together! A first but not a last!
Bill and a new grandson – Penny’s youngest!
A couple more of Bill’s beautiful grandchildren. When they were little!
Remember the infant you witnessed taking his first breath? He was married almost 10 years ago, he is also a father – which means I am a grandma!
Family time during Andy’s wedding! Aunt Dee and Jenni’s 2nd grandchild.
In Houston for Andy’s wedding. Uncle John meets Jenni’s first grandchild!
Jenni – we were finishing the wedding quilt for Andy!
David’s kiddos – Jason and Betty celebrating Jason graduating. Along with Jason’s daughter. May 2011
The following photos are from Jamaica 2008
2008 Brittney got married in Jamaica – Here are 4 of Lorna’s kids with their fabulous spouses!
Jenni is happy and Phil is the guy that keeps her happy!
Jenni and Shan!
Jenni and Brittney (before selfies – you had to have someone take your picture!)
Jenni’s 3 youngest (I am going to pay for posting this!)
Jenni and big brother!
Me and big brother!
Jenni and the brothers. Corey in the front – you remember his sense of humor don’t you?!
Kylene’s Wedding – October 2011
John’s daughter with her niece (one of John’s grandkids!)
Bill being a granddad – nothing better than a sleeping grandchild to snuggle with!
Bill’s daughter and her son!
A close up of those eyes and smile!
John’s granddaughter steals the show at Auntie’s wedding!
John’s oldest – with his 2 girls (and now he has a son!)
Missing Jenni – she was grounded from flying 🙁
Various photos…….
This little guy was born on Christmas day a couple of years ago – doesn’t he look just like his momma!
Jenni’s and my grandkiddos go eye to eye!
Our little one made it to 10 years old and boy did we celebrate!
This one may be the younger sister but she is the bigger sister in all the ways she helps her little-big sister!
Jenni’s oldest grandchild is an amazing inspiration to us all. Here she and her younger brother play together.
These are a few of your goofy great-grandkids celebrating at Camp DeeDee in 2012
One of Jenni’s grandchildren – he was just accepted to Georgia’s Target program for gifted children. This photo he is in a mock shuttle at NASA. Maybe he will be an astronaut!
My first niece (that I knew!) and my first grandchild! in 2007
I turned 50 this year – I remember your 50th birthday – I was 9 and planned a party for your half century! (too bad this is a horrible photo of Corey – but the rest of us look pretty good!)
My first blog post was a letter written to my son from my mom – to visit click here.
Missing you Mom! But I know you are never far…..
Dee
PS – thanks for queuing the parade at Disney World to start just as we entered the Magic Kingdom! I so wish you had been there (but you were!)
