What about......Aug 27th

For those that know me they know what this date means to me.  But for those that don't .......

Aug 27, 2008 was the day our world fell, dropped, exploded into a million pieces, the bottom completely fell out.... it was the day we lost our son in a motorcycle accident.  Okay, we didn't really lose him, we know where he is, so why is this the phrase that is used.  I use it, I hear everyone else use it, but it still doesn't make sense to me.  Is it because of my faith that I know he's not lost, alone, searching for someone, something..... anyway, that's a whole other discussion.......back to the date.

For the past 5 years we - family & friends - have gathered at our house (around that table that I shared earlier).  We receive tons and tons or texts, calls, emails and people that stop by ...... which we absolutely love!!  We love that people remember, that they know what a horrible day it is.  We have thought about this day - We want this day to feel better, be different, not be so terribly sad.  We would really like to wipe this day of the calendar.  But, we can't.

So, if we could put our spin on this one, this day, we would proclaim it Jason's Day.  We would play basketball and soccer, go fishing, leave some tire marks on the road, go to the fair, and yes, enjoy a beer for him while listening to some very loud music.  That's what we're gonna aim for next year.  We will never forget what this days means and we will still look for all your texts, emails, phone calls and visits ( these are what get us through the day and make us stronger ) and, you're always welcome to come fishing with us.

It wasn't planning on putting this on here, but I write here what's in my heart and on my mind.

I remember the day of visiting hours before the funeral, a old friend said to me "time heals, Pam, but there will always be a scar".  I get it..... I wish I didn't.  The scar hasn't healed and I now know it never will. 

So, what about this scar - every so often it "acts up", it might be August 27 or it could be any other day ......... it's like an old battle wound.  Some days I can put a Band-Aid on it and it's okay and other days........ let's just say it "acts up". 

What about..... Friday Fun Memories



 

"Wintah"

place:  Jewettville

when:  December 2012

 

 

This was the snowstorm we missed.   We were in the northwest mountains of Maine when a "Noreastah" hit home.  Hardly any snow in the mountains - but plenty of snow at home.  I sat at camp while receiving pictures from Mom and Dad showing the huge amounts of snow on their deck.  On our way home from camp Dad called to give me the total snowfall amount, to which I replied - "Oh, I wished I'd been home"!  To that he replied "I told your Mother your a good 'ol Maine girl and you'd be sorry you missed it"!

 

So, what is it about August that already has me looking forward to snow.  Could it be August is my least favorite month or could it be I AM a good 'ol Maine good girl - I'm telling ya there's nothing like the feeling of being "snowed in". Clean white snow covering everything. Trudging (is that a word?) through the snow in hip boots.  Shoveling......and shoveling...........   I love it!

 

 





What about..... the table

This is my table. 

 

You can call it the kitchen table or the dining room table.

I refer to it as "the table". 

She's old. She has teeth marks where the dogs chewed, an imprint of a nail that sat to long, chairs that don't match or even stayed together (the seats on the chairs are not attached) and she has a little twinkle when she talks. 

Oh, the stories this table could tell.  This is where we sit with friends. We eat, but more importantly,  we talk, we discuss.  Mostly I sit here with girlfriends - and the things women talk about around "the table"..........


-sewing ideas, blunders, patterns
-food - we talk about food a lot
-we share lots of recipes and some of "the recipe" (the Baldwin sisters would be very proud - good night John Boy)
-our children, grandchildren and parents (I am very lucky that two of these girlfriends are often my mother and my daughter)
-gardening, freezing, canning - somehow food gets back in the discussions
-a little bit of politics - not much - but a little
-religion - again - not much -  but a little
-we make plans - some together - some apart
-we tell hunting stories - yes, we're good 'ol Maine girls - we hunt
-we have figured out (or tried) how to end world hunger and promote world peace
-we curl hair and discuss hair color
-we talk weight loss, nutrition and exercise
-there have been many celebrations
-we talked about technology - cell phones, ipods, ipads....
-yes, there have been many talks about sex
- talks about how to get our feet as smooth as a baby's butt
- we have shared our child birth experiences, in detail
- there have been tears shed as sons leave for the middle-east
-and tears shed for the parents, husband, grandson, brother and son that aren't here to sit at "the table"

The only thing "sugar coated" at this table is the blueberry cake and apple pie


We have planned quilts at this table, hunting trips, menus, hair color, hair cuts, shopping trips, birthday parties, weddings and the list goes on and on.......

So, what is it about "the table" at our house that makes it so much more than a place to eat?

We gather.

From there, the possibilities, friendships and rewards are endless.

Come, sit a spell............

What about.....Friday Fun Memories

Friday Fun Memories

 

 

 

 

"Camp"

 

place:  Jewettville North

 

when:  Sept 1997 - March 2013

 

 

So, this is my camp.  This is where my kids where camp raised, where we took them to play, relax, and spend time with them.  Where friends and family came to "play" and "relax" and "spend time together".  This will always be the place where my heart and soul take a big "sigh".  There is nothing like walking thru these doors taking a big whiff of the wood - or camp smell as I like to call it, and feel my whole body change, it settles......... it breathes simply.......... it simply breathes......

 

 

This camp is now for sale. 

 

We have a new camp.  It lacks the smell and the wood - but we have already started "playing" and "relaxing" and "spending time together".

 

This is where we will "camp raise" our grandchildren.  I don't feel my heart taking the big "sigh" when I enter, but when my grandson arrives thru those new doors it does give off a big smile.  He too, will have the joy of being "camp raised".