1 year ago today

One year ago today, you passed away. I can remember that moment like it happened yesterday. I heard your breaths getting weaker, and there was more time in between your breaths. I nervously watched the heart monitor as your vitals dropped. The nurse must have sensed my anxiety, and shut the machine off. Carol began saying prayers and stoking your forehead. Steve held me close, and tears streamed down my cheeks. I was waiting for the moment that you would take your last breath, and then, at 6:00 you let out one last breath. I touched your hand, and lips, of course, you were still warm, and I checked for a pulse, as I looked at your somewhat peaceful looking body. Your skin sunk in, and you lifeless body, seemed to be quickly aging. I cried, and cried, hugging Steve and Carol.

What a day off sadness, and somewhat relief. No more suffering, no more pain, now, you are in peace.

Today, just one year ago-which by the way seems to have gone by real fast....We went to Marshfield for a Mass Grandpa Sheahen had set up in your name at OLP. The whole fam was there, and Dar and Tom came from AZ-they were visiting fam in the area, and Uncle Harold came too. Of course, Kate and her fam, Sam, Mom, and my fam and I was there too. Saw a few other regular church goers that knew you too.

After the mass, we headed up to the cemetery. My kids found entertainment jumping over gravestones, and running around. It was happy and sad. There was tears and laughter at different points of our visit there.

I tried to be composed because my kids were there, but that didn't last when I saw Sam and Mom embracing and crying.

Afterward, we enjoyed our a traditional meal at Crabby Daves-which I know you would appreciate!
I had a turkey Sammy in your honor, but you probably wouldn't have loved because it was on a croissant, and it had honey mustard on it!

It was nice seeing everyone, sharing memories, and thoughts of you was defiantly the highlight!

I was happy to see Dar and Tom too-and Aunt Dar, thanks for still reading this blog! :)

I will come and visit someday. I look forward to seeing you guys, Mary, the kids, your grandkids, and everyone!

Thanks for the visit!

Today it all started just one year ago...

Well here we are one year to the day that my Dad went to the hospital to find out what was wrong. I am full of sadness, as I reflect back upon those 9 days. What a roller coaster ride. Some ups, but a lot of downs. I went back and read the blog that I so religiously kept. The late night updates, full of emotion and love. I held on to everything that I could, for as long as I could. My faith, strength, and overall being was tested.

I miss Dad today and everyday, some days more than others. I try not to let my emotions get the best of me.

This blog has been my therapy and a great place to vent and reflect.

First and foremost, I want to thank my family. What a lot for a family to go through. I know we aren't the only ones, but at the time, it really felt like we were. The support and love I have received is not forgotten, and is appreciated.
I want to thank everyone for their continued thoughts and prayers.

This year has been full of greatness and love and I am thankful for that.

I have learned a lot though this entire process, but probably the most important lesson is to love and appreciate your loved ones because life is too short.

Thoughts and Reminders

Today is just another day in most people's lives. Well for me it is too. It starts out like most days when I wake up, do the morning routine, and things are comfortably the same. Then, it happens...something remind me of my Dad. This happens a lot and it either send me into a smile thinking of him, or tears missing him...

Last night, it was the fact that my new puppy had an accident and I was shaking my head while cleaning up dog poop. Potty training a dog hasn't been fun. I would rather potty train 10 toddlers to 1 dog-no joke!
Well, I couldn't help but to think of what Dad would say-and the laugh he would have had over the whole ordeal.

Yesterday, it was heading towards Waupaca to have some end of summer fun at a friend's lake house.

I could go on and on about these moments. It's hard to believe it's almost been a year since my Dad has passed away.

Sometimes it seems slow, and other times, the time has passed fast.

I am thankful for those that are still here. I love my family very much and have been trying to make more of an effort to show that they are appreciated.

I will always encourage others to do the same as well.