A Year of Firsts

Today marks the end of what I have called "The Year of Firsts." All the firsts one must go through after a loved one dies. I remember reading a fictional book once on how we might respond if we knew that we would be experiencing a "last" with someone. I think we know some of those, but then there are lots we don't know.

My Mom went to be with the Lord a year ago today! The year has gone by fast. I find that I haven't grieved a lot. There was so much relief when Mom died. She was very ill..knowing that with the Lord she is whole and healthy is a great grief reliever! Same for my Dad...I know at times I have felt guilt because I wasn't "consumed" with grief..I know though that whatever grief we feel, go through, etc is ok..My Mom would have wanted us to carry on, because that's how she responded in life. She was one to always carry on!

I wish I could post my slide show, but computer issues are in the way!

I know all who may read this and who knew my Mom know that we lost a classy woman! A wonderful woman! Please know that she truly is in a better place because she had a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. It's there for all of us..salvation is a gift given to all of us that just needs unwrapping. I know my Mom would want to see all her friends in eternity.

Life goes on. We are having our second grandchild on August 3rd..unless by some miracle Emily goes into real labor fast!! It is a boy who will have a funky name, thanks to his Daddy. He will be named Ravis Allen Maier.

I retired last September from work to recover from the loss of my folks and this past May 27th, I went back to the chiropractic office to take over the billing! Life goes on..it doesn't stop for death, birth...it just goes on!

I pray the Lord's blessing on all who may read this blog!

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day! Another first! One more to go and the year of firsts for both parents will be over..It's been easier than I anticipated, but then there were times when it's been hard....Last Mother's Day was the week after my Dad died, so it was a hard one too..

This past Friday and Saturday I delivered flowers for a local florist. The flowers were beautiful and a great gift, but, saying Happy Mother's Day to your Mom in person is so much nicer. I know it's very much appreciated. But, when distance separates, the flowers are a nice touch.

So, here's to you Mom! I miss you so much, but I know that you are having a great celebration with Jesus!

Remembering......

This week last year was the last week of my Dad's life and I'm remembering all that went on that week..It was Monday that Dad was moved to Hospice House and I had to leave work early to sign all the papers. On Tuesday I had gotten a call from the Hospice social worker saying my Mom knew something was going on and was very agitated. So, after work I had to go up to see Mom and tell her about Dad...Wednesday of that week was quiet for me..I remember being so relieved..On Thursday, Hospice volunteers brought my Mom to see my Dad for what turned out to be their last time together (well, on earth that is).. Debbie, Emily, Tillie and I also got to see him. I feel so bad for David because he couldn't get there that day..I think it bothered him too..I remember calling my boss and saying I wouldn't be there on Friday because I just felt I needed to be with Dad...Never did I imagine he would pass so quickly..

This Saturday is May 2nd..the first anniversary of Dad's death..I miss him so much..I miss being able to call and say hi..or tell him what 's been going on in my life...

I am most likely going back to work soon at Shelton Chiropractic. I took time off to recover from 2008..It's been a good break, that's for sure. I will only go back 3days a week. I don't want to let myself get overwhelmed again. Well, for now, I guess. There will be time in my life where I might get overwhelmed. I am thankful for my Lord who sees me through the rough times..it would be hopeless without Him!

6 & 9 Months

Nine months ago today my Dad went to be with Jesus..and on January 28th it was my Mom's 6 month anniversary..the time is going by so fast, but oh Lord, I miss my parents..I have some health concerns going on right now and it makes me miss them so much more. I think we will always be children..(Yes, Emily..even you! ) :)

My niece, Shannon, and I have been messaging each other and I made the comment about not knowing what I want to do when I grow up...Her advice was don't grow up..My Dad never did and he did just fine! I needed to hear that today..Thank you Shannon!

In March, Debbie and I are going to take a walk down memory lane and 1. go visit old homes, our grandparent's gravesites and 2. have a reunion with our cousins, Susan and Doug. They are the children of our Uncle Jimmy who was Mom's older brother. It's been a long time since we last saw them and have recently reconnected through Facebook! Here's my plug for Facebook!! Sign up...see who you can reconnect with..it's WONDERFUL!

I have many "things" on my plate these days..anyone who reads this, please pray for me! I would be very thankful for that!

Happy Birthday to Me!!

When you lose someone close you have that year of firsts...until yesterday I was thinking of the firsts like their birthdays, mother's and father's day, Christmas, etc...I didn't realize that one of those firsts could be my birthday, but here it is and my parents can't call me to sing Happy Birthday..or in recent years me calling them to say Happy Birthday to me! Last year was my 50th and a few days before both Debbie and I were visiting Mom and Dad was there too. That in itself was different as Dad liked to visit separate from us..anyway, my folks gave me a card that they had both signed..and that was hard for Mom..I still have the card as it was very special to me!

Debbie, I didn't even think about this on your birthday..I don't know if you had these feelings too..I'm sorry I didn't figure that out back in September..

I have had a good birthday though..good friends and a wonderful family!!!

Some more pictures

I found some more pictures. This is September 2006, the week after Emily and Anthony got married and before Anthony headed back for Iraq..Mom is holding her great-granddaughter, Tillie Anne. The name Anne goes 4 generations now..Mom was Anne, my sister Debra Anne, my daughter, Emily Anne, and now Tillie Anne! Tillie is now 2 1/2!

This is Dad and my son David when David and I came home from Anchorage, Alaska, where he was born. This is the first time they met..It was such a neat time. A group of friends from Hosea (Folk mass group at our old church), were there to greet us too! David had the distinction of being the first grandkid and he and his Grandpa shared a special bond.
Me, Dad and David! 24 1/2 years ago!!

Seeing these pictures has me a bit emotional..mostly because I miss my folks, but seeing where David is now in life and how fast the time has gone!!

"And the Sky Was Bright With a Holy Light, Twas the Birthday of a King"

This is a picture of Debbie, Mom and me at Christmas..I would guess it to be 1962 or 1963..2008 is our first Christmas without parents and to be honest, it's been difficult. But, as Debbie and I talked and cried, we were glad that they are with the Lord celebrating with the angels..The real deal.

The words in the title are from the song "The Birthday of a King." Dad sang that song for years at the family Christmas sing..for years and years and years, the Hagopian family gathered for the annual Christmas Sing. It was so fun...there was even sleigh bells on leather straps for the kids when we sang "Jingle Bells." One kid on each end of the strap. The memories are real fresh right now as I am missing my parents.

Jesus was born in this world to give us access to the Lord. It is through Jesus that our sins are forgiven and salvation is given. He is our hope for eternal life with our Heavenly Father. A gift given to us that only needs unwrapping.

Luke 2:11 says "Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord." It is this hope that makes this first Christmas without my parents bearable.