Wow...what a weekend.
I laughed.
I cried.
I'm pretty sure I laughed until I cried.
Lots of up and down emotions this weekend.
Packing is fully under way at the Ritchie house. As a matter of fact, our first HUGE load of things made its way into storage this weekend. It was good, but it was hard. Its a strange feeling to pack things up without knowing when they will be unpacked again. Charlotte's nursery remains about 95% intact...I just can't bring myself to pack up her things.
In addition to packing and loading the U-Haul, yesterday marked 16 years since my Dad lost his long, hard battle with leukemia. 16 years. Thats a hard number for me to wrap my brain around. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about him and I miss him like crazy. I saw that the Yankees beat the Rays yesterday 9-2. I'm pretty sure that Charlotte got to go to her first major league baseball game with Dad to watch them win.
So that brings us to today. The house is quiet. Matt went back to NE to help unload our things at his Aunt and Uncle's house. Its just me here...wasting away a beautiful summer afternoon by sitting inside on the couch. Its August 14th...and the 14th always sucks. Its another month without celebrating. Another month without a "birthday" picture. Another month of me wondering what big accomplishments Charlotte would have made in the past 30 days. Oh baby girl...my sweet, silly baby girl.
I have a whole list of memories that I want to share on the 14th of each month. Today I'm going to cop out and pick the easiest one for the sake of my tired brain!
If Charlotte had an iPod...What Songs Would Be on Her Playlist?
1. What I Am (Will.I.Am, Sesame Street)
2. Elmo's Ducks (Elmo, Sesame Street)
3. The Cave (Mumford and Sons)
4. Modern Love (David Bowie)
5. Forever (Chris Brown)
6. The Hotdog Dance (Mickey Mouse Clubhouse)
7. Anything by her favorite Omaha "Songstress"
8. Sing (Travis)
9. 1, 2, 3, 4 (Feist, Sesame Street)
10. Outdoors (Jason Mraz, Sesame Street)
She loved music! She would eat better when there was music involved (I fully admit that I resorted to Sesame Street videos on YouTube to get this child to eat) and she LOVED when the music would start for our after dinner dance parties! Here she is jammin' out in the kitchen to a little Modern Love.
To my little Dancing Queen...I love you with all my heart and I miss you more each and every day. I have seen lots of butterflies everywhere I've gone today, so I know that you are near. Happy 15 month birthday! I hope that Jesus got you lots of balloons for your party in Heaven.
Kristen & Matt what a priceless video. Absolutely, she was watching the game with Grandpa Paul. We will always miss our Dad's. This was posted by an old classmate from country school today and thought of you. Feel free to share and post.
ReplyDeleteToday we remember babies who were born asleep, or whom we have carried but never met, or those we have held but could not take home, or the ones who made it home but didn't stay. Make this your profile status if you or someone you know has suffered the loss of a baby. The majority of you won't do it, because, unlike cancer, baby loss is still a taboo subject. Break the silence, in memory of Lost Angels everywhere... xx
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ReplyDeleteMade me smile. What a perfect way to remember her, laughing and dancing...:) We think of you and Matt all of the time. I cannot fathom the pain you must feel. Our priest said in his homily last week, "God never takes something from us unless he intends to give us something better". Now, of course there is no better than Charlotte, but know that he has a plan for you and for your little angel, too. Each night, we always send prayers up to Heaven for baby Charley.
ReplyDeleteLaura Giese
That video made me smile and cry. Thank you for sharing special memories of Charlotte with us!!
ReplyDeleteTears. {{{HUG}}} Thinking of you and praying each day!
ReplyDeleteWatching the video made my day!! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteMelissa Lapic
What a wonderful video- I'm so glad you have it. I was laughing and crying at the same time. (((hugs))) Thinking about you guys always!
ReplyDeleteI have no words...
ReplyDeleteJust love and hugs.
That video was priceless.