Another Year of Firsts

As we learn to navigate another year of firsts, we have now entered our first holiday with both of our parents gone. This moment came upon us quickly as it has been forty-seven days since the passing of our mother. Three thousand one hundred forty two days for Daddy.

Momma –
Michelle is taking care of Bub on the daily and I couldn’t be more thankful. He is a broken boy missing you terribly. We all do. He broke my heart this evening as he and I sat together eating the absolutely amazing Thanksgiving meal that Michelle and her mom prepared for us all this day. I looked over and he had those huge alligator tears welled up in his eyes and I saw a little boy sitting there. Heartbroken. Missing his momma extra today.

It dawned on me yesterday that he wouldn’t have his Butterfinger Trifle and Colossal shrimp you always made sure that he had for the holidays. And it never crossed my mind that Gregory wouldn’t have the cold pumpkin pie that you always made him and kept in the garage fridge just for him. So, yesterday I gathered the things to make sure that they both had what you would’ve had for them.

Gregory worked today. Coal keeps the lights on!! He stopped to see McKenzie on his way home and to bring the pup back home with him as she works early tomorrow. The plant purchased a Thanksgiving meal for the coal yard. GW went and picked it up from Bob Evans catering side and he said it was very good. We all had our bellies full.

You know how Dakota loves the Oreo Truffles I make him every year. Well, I made a new truffle out of Little Debbie Christmas Cakes. The Greats loved them. Bubby, too. D prefers the Oreo Truffles which we all know I will make him for Christmas Eve. But, aren’t these so pretty?!! And, so easy! I’ll share how I made these another time.

Virgie made her famous cherry pie. I brought a couple of pieces home and wish I had brought more. They requested my cheeseball which you know I always serve in a pie plate. I left it for them to share and Michelle said that Virgie highjacked it and took it to her house and then Michelle highjacked it back and brought it back up to her house. 😂 Next time, I will make two. Bub hasn’t had any pop or energy drinks since your service. Michelle asked me to make him sweet tea – which I did – and promptly forgot it at home. I so hate that I left it. I offered to go get it and she said no. At least I didn’t forget the dessert, shrimp or cheeseball!

Rick and his girlfriend, Tina, came in from out of town. They arrived at Bub’s as I was leaving. McKenzie and I came back to The One Four One where she gathered some clothes and went back to your and Daddy’s house. It is where she feels the closest to you and him. And why wouldn’t she? She has spent almost as much time there as she has here over the last twenty-two years.

Friday – Gregory and I went to Huntington. The parking lot was full clear to the road. It was like it was the 80’s and 90’s all over again. It was great and truly felt like the beginning of the Christmas season. As we walked past Santa at his location in the center of the mall, I looked over and he waved at me. I wanted to cry. I feel the tears welling up now. The magic of it all – even at 54 – I am blessed. I did an online order for The Greats favorite hand soap from Bath and Body Works – Crushed Candy Cane – and scheduled it for pick up. Gregory was impressed when the line was clear out the door for the register and I walked up the side of the store to the register and they handed me my purchased and we walked out. It was fabulous.

Saturday – I spent most of the day setting up my new printer. I love it. The Buckeyes beat ❌ichigan! It was fabulous!! We just hung out here. Gregory picked up a Lorobi’s pizza for the game. He hung up new Christmas lights on the garage and front of the house.

Sunday – it was cold, cold, cold! We went up to see the Spencers in the evening. Shamefully, we haven’t been up there for quite some time. Life. They understand. The kids are getting so big and are so stinking cute.

Monday – December 1st – a new month. Another new month of firsts. Together, we are stronger and will support each other to the fullest. We will continue to keep that promise to you and honor you and Daddy forever and always.

Until next time – I love you more.