SHOPPING FOR RAEGAN'S BIRTHDAY

Hi Dave,
I was trying to shop for Raegan’s first birthday party. Knowing that you would have gotten her the BEST present ever, I wanted to see if I could find that best present for her. I thought about it and what better present for you to give her for her first birthday, than your favorite gift from your first birthday…a Little Tikes yellow and red car. You loved that car. When you left this earth, you had some money in your banking account. I had that money in a drawer, waiting for the perfect reason to spend it. This WAS the perfect reason. I went to the envelope and pulled out some cash, enough for the car and then a bit more for a card. I didn’t know how much I had in my pocket; I just knew there was enough for the car. I went to Target and first I stopped and tried to find a card for you to give to her..that perfect card. It was not there. I looked for about 45 minutes. So I gave up and went to the little girls department. I needed something else to give to her from Dad and me. I looked and couldn’t find anything that would do. I thought, ok just the car is all I need. I got the car and was on my way to the register and decided to look one more time in the little girls department. The first outfit I saw was a pink sweat outfit with monkeys on it!!!! Where was this outfit earlier? It was so cute. I thought that is was a good outfit for Dad and me to give Rae. I proceeded to the register knowing that I would need to pull some money out to cover the monkey outfit. When the lady rang up the car and outfit the total was $73.32. I reached into my pocket and pulled out your money. I had EXACTLY $73.00!!!! I said, “I guess the monkey outfit wasn’t supposed to be from us, it was supposed to be from you”. Why would I have exactly that amount??? I just gave the lady .32 and shook my head and all I could say was “amazing”. You were with me!!!
I did find a card, not at Target and this is what it said
“Twinkle twinkle, you’re the star, Wonderful is what you are…..
So here’s a wish that’s just for you—May all you birthday dreams come true!!
Love Uncle Dave
If she was a little older, I know her only birthday wish would be for you to be here with us. I am sure one day she will blow out her candles and wish for that…If only it could come true.
Love Mom

VALENTINES DAY 2011

I hope Valentines Day is beautiful in Heaven. It has to be with you there. Brittany and I took Bruce to Rose Hills. He had never been and we thought it was fitting that he goes on Valentines Days since Brittany gave Bruce to you 4 years ago as your Valentines present. She says you were so excited and you two were inseparable. You even took him into stores in Colorado and he rode in the carts!!! Oh Bruce....He misses you. He thinks you will come home one day and I don't know how to tell him you won't. He looks so sad at times. He wanted me to open your side of the closet the other day. I did and all he did was smell your clothes and then he was fine. Maybe he just needed to smell you. I remember when you were a little boy and you would be outside playing and you would come in and tell me "let me smell you mommy". I would and you would go back outside and finish playing. Oh how I wish for those days again.

One year ago today......

Dave,

I have been thinking about this post for several days....actually several months. I knew that it would be a difficult one to write but I never imagined it would be has hard as it has been.

Today, Valentine's Day, is supposed to be a day marked with love and happiness. And yet, for me, it was a day of sadness as I remember the past. I remember that just one year ago today you took Raegan in your arms and became the most amazing and protective uncle she could ask for. It is only fitting that she met her Uncle Dave (the one who loved her so much) on this special day symbolizing love. As Raegan grows up, Valentines Day will serve a dual purpose. A reminder of those she has in her life that love her and the anniversary of the special bond she created with you. No Valentine can ever replace you.

Know that today wasn't an easy day for any of us (Mom, Dad and Britt included). But we move forward with each day remembering the love that you had for each of us and the love we have for you.

Happy Valentines Day to our Heavenly Valentine! We love you this day and all the days to come.

*Sis

P.S. Your thank you post is coming for Raegan's birthday is coming. I couldn't handle any more tears today.