Friday, August 10, 2012

Life....

This past week my brother-in-law passed away.  He had life-long health problems but never let that stop him from truly living life to the fullest.  Thinking about him makes me want to do the same.  "Stop and smell the roses"...and some of the poignant sayings that mean "make the most of each moment" now  help me to remember to do just that. 
Tim and Cooper came for the funeral and stayed till the next day.  These sweet hours with them were so much fun! 


Cooper  loved "driving" the boat while Paw-Paw directed.


Sometimes the quickest moments are etched in my mind as they pass and later that night in bed, I savor them. 

Learning how to fish....Paw-Paw's dearest wish!

Wearing Grandpa's chef hat

My favorite thing is just being there with them and watching it all happen


Best buds.....

Yes, they finally caught one!!!

Coop's real best bud!!!!

The time goes so quickly but could not be enjoyed more


Later that day after Tim and Cooper left, Bryden came for a while.  A package came to the door.  This little guy LIKES packages! He was anxious to open it.

It was a hand made book from Vicki...her blog is 2 Bags Full.

It was absolutely gorgeous!! 

It is a treasure for sure.  She said  a friend had made it but her handiwork is just as beautiful! 

Each page has deep meaning just as the pages of our lives, I think.  I'm trying to enjoy each  minute as a huge gift!


19 comments:

yaya said...

It's too bad it takes those sad moments to make us stop and reflect on our own lives. It's also a blessing that we have family and friends to cheer us up, help us through them. That Cooper is so handsome and his face reflects how sensitive he is. Love the book! Vicki is such a sweetheart and so talented...so are her friends! Have a good weekend.

Molly said...

Donna, I'm so sorry. I think for this life - 'now' is all the time that any of us have. Families are very special. Love the pictures.

Julia said...

Donna, I'm so sorry for the untimely passing of your brother in law.
Today is really all we got because yesterday is all gone and done with and tomorrow is so uncertain. How wise your are to savour the "now moment"

What precious photos of Cooper driving the boat with Pawpaw... He looks so intense. I love the pictures of him and his dad butting noses. Just so cute.

Of course Bryden loves packages. Don't we all?...Such a thoughtful gift from your creative blogger friend and so meaningful.

I hope that you are doing well with your treatments. It's no picnic I know but it will soon be all behind you. Hang in there dear friend. Hugs, JB

Tom Stephenson said...

Oh I am sorry to hear of your brother in law's death. But - on the ongoing side - what a boy Cooper is, and his dad. What a fish too. Keep on jumping.

rjerdee said...

Some summer this has been for you, Donna! But it looks as if you are taking time to smell the roses as often as your health allows!

acorn hollow said...

So very sorry about your brother in law.
What blessings you have in your life. those grand kids couldn't get any cuter.
It is good to see a post still in my prayers.
Cathy

Katya said...

Donna, I am very sorry for your loss. Hang in there.

Kerri said...

Donna, so sorry to hear about your families loss. Thanks for the reminder to live life to the fullest. Sometimes in our day to day routines, we can easily forget.
What a handsome little guy Cooper is...those eyes! The picture of him and his dad is precious...definitely frame worthy!
Happy belated birthday...somehow I missed your last post! I hope you are doing well.

Cro Magnon said...

As usual the grandchildren steal the show. Very sorry to hear your sad news. Hope you are now feeling better; Cro.

Stacy said...

Sorry about the loss in your family. I'm glad you are enjoying the little moments in your life. When we take time for those things everything else seems to go away.

I love that fish!

karen said...

Your grandchildren are so, so cute, and how nice that Cooper and your son could stay for a while. Time spent with family is special, and, with my brood scattered all over the place, I've learned to savor those times whenever they come around! I'm glad you're feeling so well (at least you make it sound like you are). Now that my dad is starting chemo, I'm sort of watching you even more closely as an example of what to expect.
That book was a lovely gift - so pretty and precious!

Kim said...

Donna, so sorry for your loss. It's a shame it usually takes something like that to remind us to savor every moment.
Beautiful shots of Cooper. He has very soulful eyes.

Susan Anderson said...

What a thoughtful and lovely gift.

And I am so sorry to learn about your brother-in-law. Glad you had some family time to comfort all of you.

=)

Deb Shucka said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. I love that you followed that news with evidence of lives lived to the very fullest. That Cooper is the cutest guy ever.

Vicki Boster said...

Donna--
I'm stunned at your loss and so very sorry. We all know how fragile that life is- perhaps you more than any of us.. Your cherish each day attitude is spot on-- we should all be doing that every day--

I had no idea that you had shared Susie's beautiful scripture boom here on your blog. I'm so glad you love it-- she truly is a talented artist-- I'm proud to give her creations to friends that I cherish.

Your family pictures are both beautiful and priceless--

Love
Vicki

Amy and Craig said...

That Cooper is one handsome little man!! Looks like a lot of fun!

Judi said...

Hadn't seen Terry for years. He and Larry really did look so much alike. Duh. Guess as twins, of course they would!
I am sorry for your loss.
This has been a terrible year for you and your family.
I pray that it is all positive and downhill from here.
Downhill... doesn't "uphill from here" sound better? That is a strange expression.

Debby said...

Somehow I missed this. It was probably when my computer had a virus. I was thinking of you and came to your blog. I hope you are feeling okay. Are your tretments close to being done?
SO sorry about your loss. It's always hard no matter the circumstances.

Rebecca said...

So many life lessons packed into your days and hours lately...You are showing all of us who come to "visit" how to pack a lot of living into life!