Never "Goodbye", just a "See you on the other side"

It goes without say that funerals are horrible, awful, hateful things. However, one of the hardest things I have had to witness is my family burying their first daughter/first granddaughter/big sister/niece and cousin.
It seems beyond the realm of my understanding to watch parents bury their child. I have close friends who have gone through it and my husband had to bury his son. But I was not in their lives during that storm. To me, it was something out of a book that still breaks their heart and encompasses them with sorrow, but isn't something I went through with them. I have always been a "reader" not part of the story.
Watching my cousins bury their child was beyond devastating. There is a feeling of helpless that I have that is completely new to me. It isn't something that I can fix or make better.
The service was amazing and full of hope and the promise that we will all be together again. If there is such a thing, it was the most touching service I have been witness too. He spoke of this live just being one of many, and that those we lose here, have just gone on to another part of their journey, and that even though we cannot see them, they are still with us always.
That said, See you on the other side Ash. If you don't mine; PLEASE put in a few good words for me when you get a moment. ;)

The Dash

The Following poem was read at my cousin Ashley's funeral this past Saturday. It really touched me and gave me much to think about on the drive home that afternoon.

The Dash

by Linda Ellis

I read of a man who stood to speak
At the funeral of a friend
He referred to the dates on her tombstone
From the beginning to the end

He noted that first came the date of her birth
And spoke the following date with tears,
But he said what mattered most of all
Was the dash between those years

For that dash represents all the time
That she spent alive on earth.
And now only those who loved her
Know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not how much we own;
The cars, the house, the cash,
What matters is how we live and love
And how we spend our dash.

So think about this long and hard.
Are there things you’d like to change?
For you never know how much time is left,
That can still be rearranged.

If we could just slow down enough
To consider what’s true and real
And always try to understand
The way other people feel.

And be less quick to anger,
And show appreciation more
And love the people in our lives
Like we’ve never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect,
And more often wear a smile
Remembering that this special dash
Might only last a little while.

So, when your eulogy is being read
With your life’s actions to rehash
Would you be proud of the things they say
About how you spent your dash?

Wordless Wednesday

Loss

My very young cousin (23) passed away in her sleep this week.
Nothing ever prepares you for the shock of that type of news. My heart is breaking for her family. It is a tragedy that has no cure. You will be greatly missed Ashley, God speed.

Pots and Pans and Ingriedents OH MY!

My youngest step-daughter is addicted to the Food Network. She is the only (8) year old that I have met who would much rather watch Rachel Ray then iCarly.
For years I have been wanting to utilize my kitchen for its actual purpose, and Holly has pushed me to march forward into that frontier. She is excited that we are going to go on this adventure together. Holly, Me, Rachel Ray and a fire extinguisher.
My new partner in crime (PIC) is convinced that with just a few cookbooks, some DVR'd Rachel Ray, and some new pans we can be making amazing food in not time what so ever.
I am not THEE smartest cookie cutter in the drawer (pun intended), but I am confident that I have enough smarts to at least make something edible... I think. The next Giada? Notsomuch. My PIC on the other hand already has a list of what we need to procure and whom we need to serve it to. She has an affinity for all things chocolate, so first on her list was the double fudge torte with strawberries on top...If you know who the Patron Saint of Cooking is, please feel free to light some candles...

Manic Monday: Quake

Every once in awhile we all need a good shake up in our lives, a metaphorical earthquake. Without the occasional bumps in the road to trip us up, we may never see what we are passing.
I am very guilty of charging forward and then realizing way too much time and distance has gone by without an ounce of recognition from my direction.
Quakes can "move your cheese" just enough to keep you on your toes.

I am just going to stand right here...

Much like most of my life, I stumble into things. I believe the conversation was something like:
"We need another girl on our team or we are not league sanctioned"
"and?"
"Do you know what a softball is?"
"sure"
"okay, you are our catcher"
And now, for the first time in my life, I am on a softball team...
Granted, I am the catcher. So, from what I can tell, I stand there and throw the ball back. Bat when its my turn, and run like hell, if and when I hit the ball. My team is in the "A" Division and very competitive and already disscusing things like "play-offs"...I am still standing on the field thinking "how did I get here again?" :)

*Cloud of Dust*

Could my blog BE any dustier?!? (Not a word Kelly)
Hello Blog, I have missed you too...