HOPE...

Originally posted - Sunday, November 29, 2009
 The first Advent candle lit today represents HOPE. I have found it defined as confident expectation, anticipation of a sure and certain future.
                               

HOPE could be seen in Tyra's trusting eyes.

   

HOPE was expressed in Tyra's signature smile.

In writing on HOPE, Pope Benedict states "it is not that they know the details of what awaits them, but they know in general terms that their life will not end in emptiness". Tyra's life was full of HOPE & far from empty.
        - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 
I am unable to think of HOPE without also thinking of healing these days. Unsure which comes first. Is it HOPE that allows one to heal or is it the act of healing that allows one to again feel HOPE? Either way I am thankful for both. May your days too be filled with HOPE.

The Journey continues...

and - "The Journey is the reward"

HOPE - PEACE - JOY - LOVE

As I continue on this Journey I have decided that again this year during the season of Advent I will share on HOPE - PEACE - JOY & LOVE. Tyra's stories from last years postings will be repeated as they are  certainly worth repeating, along to which I will update on my own lessons from this years journey.  I continue to smile at the colors, purple & pink, with their own symbolism but so TOTALLY ^TYRA^.

Thankful for...

This post could be neverending if I spoke of all the things, people, and moments for which I am THANKFUL. So instead of a novel, todays posting is an illustrated short story

handwritten...

I am so very THANKFUL for this Tyra original handprint Turkey which is proudly displayed in my kitchen year round.

Tyra had the sweetest, softest little hands around. They were however often kept fisted so getting the perfect handprint could be quite an undertaking.

(She would want you to know that these are youthful 'hand shots' pre-*BLING*)

I am THANKFUL for this fabulous greeting that welcomes me daily as I walk up to our home. 

I am THANKFUL for this lasting impression from Tyra's final day.

I am especially THANKFUL for the many years I had to hold her in my hands.

Random smiles...

The other morning while walking around the park (our path) this song came into my head. Along with the song came a smile. A smile so broad that an unknowing observer might have thought I was hallucinating. While Matthew Fox is 'easy on the eyes' it was the memory of Tyra and I twirling around the living room to this theme song once a week for six seasons that filled me with such happiness. As soon as the show would start I'd scoop Tyra up and we'd spin ourselves silly. Laughing, singing, smiling...

Oh the joy of being Closer to Free.

  

Bumble Bee philosophy...

‎"Aerodynamically, the bumble bee shouldn't be able to fly, but the bumble bee doesn't know it so it goes on flying anyway."

 FLY she did! No Limits - No Boundaries for my lil' Bumble bee!

ADVENTURES...

(Spoiler Alert if you haven't seen the film).

The movie 'UP' has been playing in my head over the past two days. Well, not the whole movie but this particular scene.

This is the first movie I saw at the theater after Tyra died. I went with our good friend Miss Deb and both of us were in tears at Ellie's note to Carl.

ADVENTURES - I'd say this was the theme of Tyra and my life together. Just as Carl wanted to continue his adventures with Ellie - I too would like nothing more then to do this with my sweet girl. This however is not a choice I have been afforded. What I can do, what I can allow, what I believe Tyra would want for me is to "have new ones".

So, on to why the past two days have brought this about. Yesterday, I had an amazing opportunity to meet a wonderful mom and her very joyful little boy. The meeting was to share the Duet, our tandem bike, with this family. Tuesday I had a voicemail at my office from this wonderful mom inquiring about our bike. She had remembered meeting Tyra & I some years before when we were riding through the park. As her little boy has outgrown their bike trailer she was seeking out something new for him. She remembered US! Oh, how I love when people remember US. She described US to a woman from the Board of Ed and was quickly sent my direction. This woman too remembered US. During the visit on Friday my heart was warmed as this mom spoke of all the adventures they can now have with the Duet. We didn't have a name for our bike before but I think I am going to call it Carl from now on. Afterall, it has been a part of wonderful adventures and now it is off to make new ones.

 As for me, since Tyra died I have been riding solo (I take that back - Tyra is always with me). I too, am having new adventures. I have ridden and taken in some beautiful sites and met some wonderful people along the way. I have decided to call my bike Russell, the little wilderness explorer that Carl befriends. 



   

SEAGULL CENTURY DIVERSION



COVERED BRIDGE RIDE



PUBLIC LANDING CENTURY



BETWEEN THE WATERS CENTURY
Today's ADVENTURE

THANKFUL FOR

 ALL THE ADVENTURES!!!



THIS weekend...

THIS weekend has been one of my favorites for many years. Children in our county typically have four days off this weekend. I always looked forward to Tyra having time off from school. Four days to be together, four days to go on adventures, four days to make memories.

It was on THIS weekend that we traveled to the Magic Kingdom

It was on THIS weekend that Tyra went on her first date

It was on THIS weekend that we explored

 the mountains of Shenandoah 

and the caverns of Luray

It is on THIS weekend that Tyra sent me comfort

 dressed as a rainbow

    I continue to be grateful for the gifts of THIS weekend.