"Seems just like yesterday." This sentiment is seamlessly woven through many survivors' memories when recalling the loss of a loved one. Healing from any loss is an individual process, yet there are common … [Read more...]
The Road Back – Three Months To Three Years
May 15, 2011 by
I was reading my friend Tess's book, Riversong, this morning. It's her fist published novel - an amazing accomplishment. I've had the book for almost a month now. I should've started it sooner. I used being … [Read more...]
The Road Back – Six Months Of Learning To Write
March 16, 2011 by
I originally wrote this post for a friend's blog, Tesshardwick.com. Tess asked me to write about why I wrote. This piece went in a direction I wasn't expecting. I hope you enjoy it. Thank you for … [Read more...]
The Road Back – The Pitfalls Of Time
February 17, 2011 by
Tuesday was bittersweet for my oldest child. It was her birthday and also marked 5 months since she lost her dear friend, Cody. We actually talked about this birthday back in September. A time when she … [Read more...]
The Road Back – At Long Last, Some Happiness
January 15, 2011 by
Something happened in our home this past month. Our oldest daughter, after losing her friend 4 months ago, seems to have found a bit of true happiness. The kind that isn't forced to fake her mom out. The … [Read more...]
The Road Back – The Two Month Marker and Re-Connection of an Important Friend
November 15, 2010 by
Today marks two months since my daughter's friend died. The date may go unnoticed by many, but not my daughter. I sent a quick note to see how she was doing on this day. The response was, "not good but oh … [Read more...]
The Road Back – With Annie's Voice
November 4, 2010 by
The first quarter of the school year ended at Mt. Si High School this week. It's been challenging and gone by quickly. We've experienced many emotions in our home over the past two months. My oldest daughter … [Read more...]
The Road Back – Homework, Quizzes and Now Mom Has My Phone
October 20, 2010 by
Okay, I did it. I cracked. I am officially a crack in the pavement on my daughter's road back to a new normal. My daughter is smart. I don't feel we expect too much from her. We expect what we know she … [Read more...]
The Road Back Through Jordy's Eyes….
October 13, 2010 by
Writing sometimes soothes me. Helps me sort out my thoughts. Gives me some perspective. I offered up this blog to my daughter and her friend if they ever wanted to write. If they wanted to share with you … [Read more...]
The Road Back – I Have How Much Homework to Make Up?
October 11, 2010 by
So here we are... on the road back to a "new normal" for our daughter... and we hit a road block. That road block would be a mountain of make up high school homework. Of course, isn't it always in the honors … [Read more...]
The Road Back – Depression Is Part of the Normal Grieving Process
October 7, 2010 by
I learned something new yesterday. It is normal for a teenager to go through some depression while grieving the loss of a close friend. I think I always knew this. So watching my grieving daughter the past 3 … [Read more...]
The Message of Cody Botten’s Life – Love
October 3, 2010 by
It was a beautiful celebration of Cody Botten's life yesterday afternoon. The high school gym was filled with probably 1,000 people who all shared some connection to Cody's life. The journey forward began … [Read more...]
In Honor of Cody Botten’s Life…
September 22, 2010 by
Just in case some of you didn't open this week's Valley Record lying on your driveway..... The Botten family's letter to the editor was absolutely beautiful. As the mother of their son's friend I will say … [Read more...]
The Road Back – Sometimes a Girl Needs a Good Pedicure
September 20, 2010 by
My husband had a "Yoda" moment this morning. We let Annie take the day off from school today. One day to get caught up on a week's worth of homework. Everything was going according to plan when "Yoda" called … [Read more...]
Parenting a Teen Through Grief Follow Up
September 19, 2010 by
Are there any other Valley parents struggling with their teenager's grief? Am I alone in this healing journey? Guessing not. I just happen to have a daughter who wears her heart on her sleeve and is stuck … [Read more...]
Mt Si High School – It’s A Healing Process
September 17, 2010 by
Mt. Si High School experienced a tragedy this week that profoundly touched its learning community of students, staff and parents. Everyone is struggling to process not only the loss of a special person, but … [Read more...]
Parenting a Teen Through Grief and Loss
September 16, 2010 by
We stayed up late with our daughter last night. She was sad and exhausted. We were exhausted, but we sat with her and just listened as she talked..... I won't pretend to be an expert walking down the path of … [Read more...]
Cody Botten – A Young Life Cut Short
September 16, 2010 by
There is not much to say. It is with an ache in my heart and a lump in my throat that I am making a post I dread. Cody Botten passed away today. Please keep the family in your hearts and thoughts. Please … [Read more...]
Cody Botten Candle Light Vigil Update
September 15, 2010 by
It was a peaceful, beautiful site... 400- 500 people coming together for a common goal. I believe Cody could feel the love of all his friends and classmates last night. What comfort and support our kids … [Read more...]
