The Road Back Through Jordy's Eyes….

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?

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

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

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...]

MSHS Home Football Game Tonight

It's been three weeks since Mt. Si High School had a home football game... so what else can I say except, "It's about time!"  Tonight's game is the first of three straight home games. There's nothing like a … [Read more...]

In Honor of Cody Botten’s Life…

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 Update – Back to School She Goes

Fresh off her therapeutic pedicure Annie (and her green toenails) went back to school today.  Back to her friends who love her and give great big bear hugs. Her healing journey allowed her two "mom and me" … [Read more...]

Parenting a Teen Through Grief Follow Up

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...]

Cody Botten – A Young Life Cut Short

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

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...]

MSHS Candle Light Vigil for Cody Botten

There will be a candle light vigil for Cody Botten at 8PM tonight, September 14, 2010.  The location is the Snoqualmie Ridge soccer fields adjacent to Cascade View Elementary School. The vigil is geared … [Read more...]

Mt Si High School – Strong Friends Holding Together

Our high school experienced a tragedy over the weekend.  I kept thinking my next post would be about the lessons I learned head coaching my first soccer game.... thoughts about what I learned from losing and … [Read more...]