OMG - Not another post!

Well, now that I am home from work, I have more time to share the things I have been so wrapped up in for the past couple of months, which have been an emotional roller coaster.

I bought a vehicle all by myself. Can you believe that I will be 40 next month, and I have never applied for anything on my own? I was scared to death. But...I did it, and I love my truck.

In June, one of my VBF's Cindy had to say goodbye to her dad. What a dear sweet man! He was such a hoot, always had a story to share, and I could sit and listen to him for hours. He worshiped the ground his little girl walked on, what a great relationship for a father and daughter to have!

Then, one of my other VBF's Pat took me away on a three day road trip to her hometown of Blue Jay, WV. Oh my, what a great escape. We had a blast. We were in no hurry to get anywhere. Pat has such a great loving family, they made me feel right at home, and the shopping was wonderful. We tried to hit every discount store within 50 miles, plus we hit a Wal-Mart in every state we passed thru. I can't wait to go back to God's country, which I am planning on doing over Labor Day weekend.

Then came the 4th of July. The Laurel Chamber of Commerce decided to dedicate the 4th of July Parade in Gerry's memory. He was very involved in the organization of the parades that took place in Laurel over the past several years. What a tribute. The fire company had a great showing, and there were eleven different fire companies in the parade to honor Gerry. We are so thankful for all that the fire company and local community members have done for our family. I feel so at ease knowing that Gerry's memory and legacy will live on in this community, actually I feel it everyday. The picture of Cindy, Pat and I was from the parade, at the judges stand. Dale and I sponsored a trophy in Gerry's memory for the Best Appearing Fire Company, which was awarded to our neighbors just to the north, Blades Vol. Fire Co.

On Friday the 13th, another VBF Linda, made a dreaded trip across the bay with me to Johns Hopkins. That is where my neurologist is, and it was time for my six month check up for my MS. My doctor was very pleased with my MRI results. There are no new lesions on my brain or c-spine, and one of the lesions I have has shrunk. Also, I had a very good visit with some of "Gerry's Girls" on 5C. The emotions going into that building were overwhelming! Just the smell of the building, which was not a bad smell, made my stomach turn. The sense of being an outsider was a whole new feeling as well. For so many days, and months, I felt like I owned that building, it was our "home" and we have a lot of family still there. This is just another chapter in my life that I am completing, but it will be one of the major rocks that I lean on to get us thru the future!!!!

Unfortunatley, last week was a very sad week. On Monday, Pop Pop Brown lost his battle to cancer. What a wonderful, strong man he symbolized. Aunt Carol put it very well during the service, he knew everything. I could see alot of him in my Gerry. Strong minded, and spoke up for what he thought was right. It is such a comforting feeling to know that now he and Gerry can watch over all of us with their great wisdom and love. The funeral service was on Saturday, which was bitter sweet. It was sad to say goodbye to Pop Pop, and to see Mom Mom so tired; however, it also was a time of celebration, and an oportunity to talk with family that we don't get to see often enough. Gerry's cousin Mike was so right in saying that families need to get together twice a year with happy intentions, not just to say goodbye to another family member. I agree, my family does not get together often enough either, it is time for some change!

Dale is doing very well. He is busy working full time this summer with the U of D Ag Studies. He is also very busy with the Fire Company Cadet program. He has turned into a young man, and I did'nt get the chance to see it, kids change so fast. Gerry has left his mark on Dale in many ways, oh boy!! He can start to talk and if I close my eyes, I swear that Gerry is sitting there talking. I think he was cloned, instead of conceived, haha!! I am so proud of who he has become, he bought a pool table at an auction a few weeks ago, so now we are gonna become pool sharks. That is a joke, huh?

Well, I have bent your ear long enough. I promise to keep this blog updated more often. Enjoy the pix's. Love ya, D