A good Halloween.

October 31, 2017
Day 391

It was a good Tuesday.

My kids looked cute in their Halloween costumes this year. They were pirates. Adelyn went like this when she asked for candy, "Aaarrrg, matey! Trick or treat!"

The sunrise was glorious. It made me happy and thankful to be up so early.

We had a hopeful showing on our house this evening.

My parents came over for trick or treating tonight.

Odette looked sweet in her costume. She's sitting up now.

Talked with a great friend tonight.

Tomorrow is Wednesday. Half way through the week.

Today was a great Halloween.

Thankful.

Remembering Bill

Project 365 * 2 -- Day 59

     March 3rd is Matt's Dad's birthday. Matt and I started the tradition of throwing a little birthday party for him every year. We have a cake, we sing, Matt blows out the candle, and we talk about why we miss Bill. Why we loved him. The things he did that made us laugh. Matt and I always talk about how he would have absolutely loved Adelyn and Tobin. And how so badly we wish he could be here to hold them, and see them, and know them, and love them.

     Thankful that we got a chance to celebrate Bill, tonight. Thankful that I was able to see my family. There is too much time that passes between visits with Sue, Steph, and Mario. Thankful we got to sit around, and laugh, and tell stories, and remember Bill. I'm thankful for Bill. Thankful for the sweet man that he was. Thankful that I knew him. Thankful that he loved me. I'm thankful that he and Sue raised such amazing children. Without Bill, my life wouldn't be what it is today.

     Missing you, Bill.

68. Words to Treasure

Day 68. Words to Treasure

     I was looking through one of my old journals tonight. In it was something I had long ago forgotten. I had given Matt's dad, Bill, a Father's day card, and he had sent me an email, thanking me for it. I printed it out, and taped it in my journal. This is what it said:

Christen, 

I wanted to thank you very very much for the beautiful Father's Day card. It made my day entirely. ...I do treasure it!

I am so happy that you and Matt care for each other so much. I think you are wonderful, and inasmuch as a dad wants nothing but the best for his children, I can say that Matt has found, "the best." Thanks for all of your help and love and caring.

Bill

     Reading this little note from Bill tonight made me think hard. About words spoken. I remember how good I felt reading this email from him. It made my day entirely. Tonight, I am thankful for Bill. And his kind words to me. I'm thankful for things that stand the test of time. Like words. That stay even after a person has gone ahead of us. I want to strive to make it so that after I'm gone, people will remember my words as kind words. Not words of hostility, gossip, anger, and hate. But words of joy, truth, kindness, and love.

     I am also thankful for forgiveness. I spoke unkind words to someone I love today. Yet, this person loves me anyways. Thank you.