Speaking the truth from the heart

This little heart awaited us today at the dedication for my dad. Those who have followed my blog since my dad passed understand what this means!

My family in front of the new memorial garden, along with my dad's faculty.

Dad's little angel holding the plate that will be in the memorial garden.

My family along with my dad's wonderful principal!

A girl that my dad taught with had him for her own teacher and played basketball for him back in the day. She brought the yearbook for the dedication. My handsome dad is on the top row, smack dab in the middle. Look at that smile : )

This photo is blurry, but sooo Paige. Adults usually love on her and try to get her to sweet talk, but this is what she gives...the "rock on" sign. I love this girl :)

My first grade team. They ROCK!!! We have had the BEST and most enjoyable year with each other. Everyone calls us the "dream team" this year. We get along famously amongst a faculty that sometimes have conflict. I love these girls.

Paige stealing a piece of candy from our new fourth grade teacher, Mr. Smith. She thinks he is sooo funny (he really is a hoot!).

My very best friend at school, Dawn. She adores Paige and the feeling is more than mutual. Sometimes D. will call me at night and I don't get to talk to her because she and Paige are talking shop. Paige gives her advice on how to handle "girl drama!"

This is my friend, Jane. We grew up together and shared a lifetime full of memories. We were friends for 30 years. She passed away yesterday. My heart aches more than anyone can even imagine.

Jane and her son, Owen, taken this fall.

Please, if anyone is listening, HEAR me... it is OK if you are sad, depressed, feeling inadequate, struggling with life/parenting, not finding the joy in life. Please call someone, anyone, and share your burden. There are doctors, counselors, hotlines, people at church, someone at the park, a friend that you know isn't going to judge, but rather, listen and care. I am so sad that Jane didn't reach out to any of us. She must have felt so alone. She wasn't. We all loved her so much and my heart is breaking and I am MAD. Not mad at J., but mad that she didn't feel she was worth it. Jane, I love you, my dear sweet friend. You share some of my deepest darkest secrets. Your smile lit up a room and your laughter was contagious. You were always the eclectic, artsy booger and I envied your artistic ability. You were funny and dry and had the timing of a grandfather clock. Owie is the closest thing to you. May he never forget how much you loved him. I love you and will miss you every day of my life!

When my dad passed, Paige began looking at the sun and if rays were shining down, she would say that Dad and God were welcoming someone to heaven. Today, I took this picture and when I was finished, she turned around and said, "Look sissy, Heaven's hopping today!" I hope God and my dad scooped up Jane and embraced her and welcomed her to the greatest of all places.

I post all of this for several reasons: 1) this is my journal and documentation
2) it's therapeutic 3) I hope I reach someone (email me at: sissy2paige@yahoo.com and I will send you my telephone number)...if anyone ever needs a non-judgemental ear...it's here waiting. PLEASE, I ask that if you don't agree with the things I say, don't comment. Remember, blogs are the opinions of those who own them. Your beliefs may be different than mine. I am fragile right now... The only reason I opening up this post to comments is simply because I received so many precious and thoughtful emails this week, gently nudging me to open up comments. I love you all!

God Bless You All~!!!