The photo below was one that Josey chose to be in the slide show that the 8th grade kids prepared for graduation. She and Jordy were about 4 and 5 years old here. One of my favorite photos ever.
And here is a photo of Josey and Jordan from graduation night. They've grown up so much. Such pretty girls. Good girls too. A new favorite photo of my two reds.
Lately I have recalled many comments that friends and family have made to me. Comments such as, "Don't you wish they were little again?"......"Don't you wish you could make time stand still?"......"Don't you wish they would just stop growing?"
And here is a photo of Josey and Jordan from graduation night. They've grown up so much. Such pretty girls. Good girls too. A new favorite photo of my two reds.
Lately I have recalled many comments that friends and family have made to me. Comments such as, "Don't you wish they were little again?"......"Don't you wish you could make time stand still?"......"Don't you wish they would just stop growing?"And my silent answer is a resounding, "NO!" I think about the girls being little again instead of young adults. I think about time standing still which would mean my girls would be 12 and 13 forever. I think about my girls never growing to see the big world that lies beyond our little part of the country. My family has been in the position where time stood still. It was the day my brother Jeff died. He was 17. Time froze. He never grew anymore.
Today is Jeff's birthday. May 26th. He would have been 44 years old today. I wish he would have gotten that first car to call all his own. I wish I could have seen him graduate from high school. I wish I knew what he wanted to be in life. I wish I could play with his children. I wish he could be here to see my reds grow up and play sports. But I guess it wasn't meant to be.
So with that I leave you with these thoughts: Wish for your kids to make it to another birthday. Wish for kids to see a bright and wonderful future. Enjoy the now moments. Capture them in photos. Pray that your children always keep growing.
Happy Birthday Jeff! I miss you so much.
Posts
54 comments:
Thanks for that beautiful post. Sending you a big warm hug!!
Mish - this was definitely a beautiful and meaningful post! Your girls are just beautiful - and they'll keep growing and continue making you proud! HUGS to you!!!
Such beautiful girls indeed. I know your brother is looking down at you & is so proud of them & you. I think the same about my kids especially w/my little girl, I want to see her and her brothers grow, I look forward to seeing all they will achieve, see them build their own families, its what I pray for each day. For them to grow & be happy & full of love & feel that love. We lost our baby girl Anjelique in 2006 to SIDS and our Lord blessed us w/our Gabi who is a year younger then her sister. As she grows I can't help and say what would have your sister done but then I pause & say it was our Lord's will & am beyond thankful for what is in front of me. So Congrats to your Josey to all the amazing wonderful experiences your Reds shall have & a big HUG to their awesome mom who captures their moments and is kind enough to share w/us & make us & make us want to do the same. :)
Very beautiful post! I get sad sometimes because I miss the little boys, but I am so proud of the young men they have become. It only gets better, so I don't want to turn back the clock, not really!
Your girls are lovely.
What a beautiful post. Thanks for sharing with us.
Michelle your post today is so heartwarming. They do grow up in the blink of an eye. My beautiful baby boy is now a beautiful man. I treasure him...past, present and future. I already love the children he will one day have and the father he will become. Blessings to you and your family.
What a beautiful post Michelle. Absolutely touched my heart! Love the pictures of your reds!
God Bless you and keep you, Michelle! My heart goes out to you. What you said was VERY well put! The girls are beautiful and they radiate their goodness!
You will be in my prayers today
Love to your family
Susan
I had to walk away before I could even begin to comment...
and I still don't know that I can do this without tears.
Every single thought you expressed...I know it.
I lost my brother on October 13, 1996...
he was 22.
He had only been home from the military for 3 weeks...and was preparing to leave for college in January...
sports medicine.
I will never forget that phone call...
I will always hear my mama's screams.
He was my younger brother by almost 4 years...but he always called me "little sis" because he stood a foot taller and outweighed me (at the time) by about 100 pounds.
And not a day goes by that I don't miss him.
That I don't wonder if he would be married now...if his wife and I would be best friends...if he would be a father.
My oldest son was named after him.
And he has his fingers...his toes...he has his build...his personality...even the small patch of freckles across his nose.
I see my brother everyday in my son.
And even though I do wish I could slow time down...
give me more time to enjoy each moment...
I would never wish time to freeze for my children.
I too, know what frozen time is.
Your girls are beautiful...
and very lucky to have a mom who wishes the world for them.
Thank you for sharing...
hugs to you and your parents today.
What a touching post. Thinking of you today.
Amen!
Beautiful post, Mish. One think that I love about you is your ability to speak from the heart - that is something that's difficult for me to do. Your girls are beautiful young ladies, and I hope you continue sharing photos as they grow. It sounds like they are beautiful inside and out - you are wonderful parents, and can be so proud of what you have accomplished so far. I, too, believe that your brother is just beaming with love and pride at you and his nieces! You are in my thoughts and prayers today, hope you are feelin' the cyberlove - looks like you have many friends! Hugs...
can hardly see to type - what a lovely post. and you are so right - we want out children to grow, learn, and fly away..you raise them to be independent people. that's the best thing. it means we've done our job as parentss. and after they are grown they become our friends also. you take care - i hope that the torndoes have left your area.
take care
Thanks for reminding us about the beauty of LIFE! Enjoy all things, as one day they may be gone. What a heartfelt post-thanks-and enjoy those girls, it is fun to see them grow and change-you are so blessed-Hugs and Happy Birthday to your brother and Thanks to you-your girls are so lucky to have such a special mom!
Thinking of you today. Thank you for the reminder to cherish life.
Hello. I am new to your blog. I found you somehow...{sorry can't recall!} and fell in love with your craft projects! This post was very touching. I agree with you. My wish is to see my children grow and have families of their own one day. My brother died two years ago and he was 45. He left behind his little girl of 7 and loving wife. I think about all the moments he will miss out as she grows from a little girl to a teenager to a young women and it breaks my heart.
Thank you for sharing something so profoundly true and honest.
I am sorry for your loss. We move on and live again, but the pain is always there and we always miss them.
x
Your words are as beautiful as the things you create....especially your girls. Blessings to you and your family.
Beautiful post. thank you so much for sharing. Your words and sentiment and heartfelt feelings are so touching and true.
Michelle your post just tugged at my heart. My girls are now 20 and 23 and the oldest married last Aug. They have so much to look forward to in this life and even though there are times I drift back wishing for just one more day when they were younger I wouldn't give anything for today and the tomorrows with them!. Thanks for your thoughts and your inspiring creations!
thank you for sharing - I'm wiping away a few tears and joining you in praying and hoping for a bright and happy future for our kids!
I just dropped my oldest son off at the airport to go on a trip with some classmates and a teacher. And before I got on the computer I sent him a text to say something I forgot to tell him....."Go conquer the world!"
Thank you for your words....that's why I love your blog so much!
Thoughts and prayers are with you.
Hugs
Well said. Lovely post. The girls have grown up so much in just the few years I've been reading your blog. They are beautiful!
Very touching post, Michelle. Our family has lost many members far too early, so I always say that I want to be OLD! My mom lost her brother when he was 17 - from colliding with another ice skater while he was on Christmas break. Although I never met him, I've often thought about the uncle I never knew - if he would have married and what cousins I might have had. Time does go by SO much faster as we get older. All we can do is try to enjoy every moment with our loved ones so that we never have to say "if only..."
I think you're a wise woman. I'm always trying to find the balance between cherishing who my kids are now, and looking forward to their next stages.
Mish, thank you for such a beautiful post and sharing your family with us. I am sure that your brother is smiling down on you and your gorgeous family each and every day. May God continue to bless us all and like you teach us to cherish each and everyday.
Beautiful, from beginning to end. Thank you for your words of wisdom.
Your post brought tears to my eyes, I imagine you miss your brother every day, he was lucky to have you for a sister. Memories are gifts from God that time can not destroy. Enjoy your daughters at every age, it just gets better and better being a mom.
Michelle...what beautiful post. It truly touched my heart. I also lost my brother and truly believe that he is in a better place and that he watches over me. He was my big brother and I miss him each and every day. Thinking of you and sending hugs!
Hugs!
What beautiful, graceful and wonderful thoughts. My brother-in-law died at age 29 and we have the same thoughts. I love your deep and forward focused love for your "reds." Hugs-Anne
Beautifully said.
I couldn't agree with you more! Mine are 19 and 17, people do ask about 'wishing they were younger' or 'staying little', but I really truly feel that every day is a delight, I'm loving seeing them grow up, it's a delight to see them sprout wings and learn to fly. Your girls are just lovely - and lucky you to have two redheads!
You are so right! Keep on, keeping on. your brother is with you, always. with a smile
a beautiful tribute post and oh so very true.
No truer words spoken, two weeks before Christmas my cousin lost her second battle with brain cancer, she turned 17 the day after Thanksgiving. A life cut too short, but everyday I think of what she'd be doing right now. Loved the post today and as a strawberry red, your girls are just beautiful!
Mish, though we have never met your blog is one of the my little treats for myself via PTI. Your post today is so true and brought tears to my eyes when I thought about the loss of your sweet brother.
My husband is fighting brain cancer right now and more and more I am realizing that each day we have with those we love growing together is a true gift from God. I am leaving in God's hands how much time I have left with my husband. I am hoping for a full recovery but his grade 4 cancer is a tough battle. My six year old son needs his Daddy and I pray that he will be here with him as he grows. But I know that often we do not get our wishes as you did not with your brother. I feel for you and your family. I know that love lives forever and that someday we will all be together in a new place where there is no loss - no separation from those we love most. Sending you hugs as you celebrate your brothers birthday. And your daughters are beautiful! Congrats to your daughter on her 8th grade graduation! All my best to you and your family! You are such a special lady and your blog and sharing of your life holds a special place in my days! Hugs - Jill Norwood
I too never wish the children would stay young - they get more fun as they get older and seeing how they experience the world is a blissful education in itself. Your girls are beautiful and your words were really moving - thank you for sharing today with us all.
I choose to believe that Jeff is there looking down on you and the reds, keeping an eye on you all, just as my dad is keeping an eye on me.
I love spending time with my 18 and 16 yo, nearly adults but not quite yet, having conversations with them, just love it.
Thanks for a wonderful post.
Linda in AUS
Mish,
I am a redhead and so love seeing your "reds". My son also will go on to high school next year. I am so enjoying watching him grow and maturing into a fine young man.
I lost my sister 26 years ago and bury her on Memeorial Day weekend. She was a "red" too.
Life can give us some tough times. But, it is what you do with it that makes us who we are.
Would love to introduce my son to your daughter in about 20 years.
Love you Mish!
Beautiful post. Your reds are precious . I'm so sorry for your loss. They do grow up fast, I never really thought of not wishing they would stay young in quite that way. Freezing time. Something to pass on. My children are much older but it seems like it was only yesterday. Thank you for sharing.
Beautiful girls. Beautiful sentiment. Thoughtful remembrance. Perfect way to start Memorial Day weekend. Have a great time with your family!
You have beautiful daughters and I agree with your post. Enjoy the now. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us. It is a beautiful memory about your brother.
Clara
So often I'll say that I want to freeze time where it is because I feel as though it's going too quickly... but as quick as I think that, I know that I would be devastated if my girls did stop growing - and I often think of parents who have children with diseases that prevent them from growing or aging the way they should. It's easy to forget how lucky we are to have 'normal' children that grow up way too fast...!
Mish
Ypu have a beautiful family buy how could that not be when you are a beauitful lady.
When our children are born we teach them to be independant and when they reach your childrens age some sayÏ wish they were babies again"
You are one wise woman who wants them to continue to grow.....you will be beside them on their journey.
Blessings
Christine
A beautiful and thoughtful post. I never wanted my children to 'just stay in one moment' of life. Each new year was an adventure to enjoy. They are all adults now and still growing with knowledge and adventures in this world of ours. My your girls have the same!
Right on Mish! My husband died at the early age of 33. Every birthay is a good one. My oldest child just reached the age of 34, already living longer than her dad. How I hope the same for her two brothers. I love looking at the pics of your 'reds' as my husband also had red hair. Even though none of our kids had red hair, I am always hoping for a red-headed grandchild.
hi Michelle
I found you non pinterest and i absoloutely love all the stuff you make!
will be back on here again
Hugs
Grace
xx
Your girls are beautiful. You can see their spirits radiate through their smiles. Every year I enjoy your reminder of your brother and what life is all about! I can only imagine how it is to have lost someone so dear to you but you have no idea how your loss has helped me to cherish each day. Thank-you and congratulations to you and your daughter. They next four years will be a blink of an eye....Enjoy each moment!
Sorry for the loss of your brother....your Reds are lovely girls who, with Mum and Dad's help will grow and mature into beautiful women to be proud of. I can never understand why some women (mostly, but there are some men too) don't want to remember their age or anyone to know it's their birthday. I celebrate every birthday thankful for another one and trust I have many more to come in God's will. I always say that no matter what beauty routine one follows you cannot hold back time....well, the beauty companies will not agree with me. We can certainly help our looks a little but hey, lets grow old gracefully. Thanks for a lovely post.
Had to walk away to clear the tears before replying. I have 2 little boys and get asked that question a lot...what a great response you gave. It's a wonderful reminder to all of us parents that it is a good thing our "babies" grow up and that they move on to other stages of life. We really wouldn't want it any other way and I truly appreciate your heartfelt message that reminds us that life is a beautiful thing and we should cherish every single day. My prayers are sent up for you and your family during this difficult time.
Thanks for sharing your talents and your stories. Your daughters are just precious. This post touched my heart. I lost my baby brother when he was 28. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't miss him. He is the only one of my siblings to call me "sis" and not hearing that really stings. I agree that you have to keep growing and praying for wisdom and guidance. i lost my husband after two years of marriage and again, I wish I had more time. I am now "growing" again in a new marriage and feel as if life is to be enjoyed each and every moment.
Your post brought tears, Though I didn't lose a brother, I lost a nephew and for my sister, time has stood still. He left behind a beautiful wife and unborn son. That little boy has brought more happiness and joy to my sister's life~~truly a gift from God. Life is beautiful, something we need to enjoy each and everyday~~
Your post brought tears to my eyes. I do wish my girls would stay little forever but thank you for putting this in perspective for me! Your girls are beautiful and I enjoy your blog very much and your wonderful creations.
Post a Comment