November 23, 2014

A quick blog before church this morning.  We know Griffin's, aka Finn, debut is soon, just not sure exactly when.  The range of emotions in the past few weeks for me has been overwhelming.  I absolutely can't wait to meet her officially.  I already know her, know she is loved beyond words, know she is protected by wonderful parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents, great-grandparents and countless friends and family.  Cindy, I know you are so proud of Anna.  She and Ryan have created a loving home for Finn and will be wonderful parents.  She will know you and feel your love her entire life.  So, when Finn decides to grace us with her presence she will be showered with nothing but love!  I'll be back to blog VERY soon-
Love ya Sista!!

November...oh my what all do you have in store for us!!

So Fall is moving on and the year is flying by-how things can change in such a short period of time.  Addie is 21, can you believe it?!  Such a love, such an angel, so mature and she has your drive and determination.  She's making us proud each and every day-
Baby Finn is due any day now!  Anna and Ryan are ready and have the nursery looking great.  They are going to be awesome parents and she will be surrounded by love!  I know I'll be her great-aunt but I feel a little like a grandmama (crazy I know but my heart is just so full.)  Finn has more love for her already and she hasn't even made her debut yet!  I had some sweet teachers at school today holding my phone for me while I was in the pool with the 4th graders all day.  Just in case that text/call comes through while I'm out of reach.  Otherwise, that phone is attached to me.

It snowed in West Columbia on November 1st...did you have something to do with that :)  Snow brings up some great memories!  Thanks for bringing those on early this year-looks like we could be in for a cold, snowy Winter.

Election Day was yesterday-lots of things happening but for one the bond referendum passed and Lexington Two will be making some major improvements on the school buildings.  Springdale is due for the overhaul and Cindy's Place is still going strong.  Looking forward to a great year and more great things happening there.  I'll upload some pics during the next blog.  Should have some new action happening by then.

Our family is good-never a dull moment!  You're missed beyond words but we know we are who we are partly because of you!  So, you are in each and every day, in more ways than we can share.  I was cleaning out the storage room upstairs yesterday and came across this card you sent me.  I miss you...a whole bunch too!

It's August 2014, really?!?!

I haven't blogged since April, have things changed since then...yeah, just a bit and I am thrilled to share with you!  Cindy's Place is still going along and a shout out to Rosalie and Viki for grinding through the difficult stuff to continue to make things happen.  It is awesome the transformation that is taking place and I see your vision coming alive :) So many behind the scenes people making sure the playground is just right for the kids and their families!
It's truly amazing to me to see how often you are present in life around us.  Just today I attended a funeral for a dear person at our church, Susan Moore. What a lady...fun, dedicated, committed, determined, leader, supporter, confidant, mom, sister, wife, aunt, friend, volunteer, teacher, play-doh player, listener and that list can go on and on.  I love listening to others talk about people like Susan because it reminds me of all that you were to us.  It means that I can continue to see you in others, that I can continue to strive to be more, that I need to stop and play more, be more spontaneous, help others even if it's not the easiest, love more, listen more and so much more!  Working on it Sista, working on it!!

So, why blog tonight?  The funeral was a good reminder but also it's just time!  Mom is visiting which means a little porch time, some Luigi's Italian and just chatting.  It's good to be together and I loved sharing some of our porch moments with mom.  Faith, friends and family...yes, life is good!

Your girls are doing great and continue to make us proud!  Addie is doing fantastic in school (stiill trying to figure out how she's related to me and you in the academic area.)  She's working hard, has a great apartment, roomie and she is so you in her personality and actions!  Anna and Ryan are married and expecting a little girl in November, are we lucky or what?!  They are adorable together and are going to be wonderful parents.  Their new house is so neat and we have already had several celebrations there.  It's going to be a gathering place for sure and I'm already looking for another time to get together and celebrate something (just getting together is celebration enough, right?!)

So, the question again, why blog tonight?  Because it's August and school is in the air!  When August gets here I always get pumped about the new school year.  What other job do you get to start anew each year and see the thrill and excitement of starting a new year?  I LOVE teaching and I am grateful to be able to teach another year!

Why blog tonight?  I attended the National PE Institute for the 3rd year.  It is rejuvenating, everyone there wants to be there and is freely giving up their summer vacation to attend.  The most positive environment to be in and a great way to learn so it's a win-win! We had planned to go together that 1st year and you have been with me in spirit every year!

So, why blog tonight? Because I think of you and talk about you each and every day. Because I am who I am today because of you.  Because you are my sister and I strive every day to follow your lead and do what God has called me to do.  Because I feel that much closer to you when I blog :)

I love ya Sista!

Cindy's Place

So, this morning I traveled down to Springdale to work on Cindy's Place...it was cancelled due to supplies issues. Why was that a good thing? I got to spend some quality time with Mom and my body is WHIPPED due to my Fun Run, looking back on it not sure what I could've done.  My kids ran 1,432.5 miles which is amazing to me-we have 620 kids which averages out to about 2 1/3 miles per child in 35 total minutes.  I am in awe of these kids and am so proud of their drive!  Today's kids have a much better understanding of healthy lifestyles than we EVER thought about!  So, today-CRW - WE run because YOU ran!  You worked so hard to make a difference in families exercising together and Friday as I watched kids run with their parents I thought of you so much.  On that same note, we are BOSTON STRONG! The Pirate Way reminds me of the Boston Community as they came together to support each other and show up to run or cheer or provide a safe, secure environment! So, hats off to that Boston Pride!

But when I sit back and think about where I am now compared to where I was a little over 2 years ago.  What is different!?  I still try to do what's right by the kids, I still love my family, I still treasure relationships of friends and colleagues. But, I'm certainly different!  I realize that what I say to someone could be the last thing I say to them. I know that life throws us a curve ball when we least expect it.  I now know what it feels like to take a punch in the gut and be doubled over!  I still have a wave of nausea come over me when I consciously think of the moment I realize you (that is I knew you) were gone. I look back on those moments of being gathered around your bed, standing just outside your room or taking in the support from ALL those from the waiting room and truly would give anything to go back to those days. Only because there was a ray of hope, a sliver of a chance that you would hang around for us. In reality I knew differently, but I still wanted things to go on as they were! Life goes on, life is good, there is so much to be thankful for, and I am who I am because of you!

And because of you, I am happy-I run-I love-I cherish others-I give my best-I look forward-I respect others-
Those of you that read this, what about Cindy makes you who you are today?

Snow 2014

So, it is January 2014- hard to believe that we are coming up on the 2 year mark of that horrific week in February.  I visual it as if it was just yesterday.  It's a snow day, so I'm home for the 2nd day in a row.  It makes me think back on cold times spent with you and for someone that loves her shorts and flip flops, you sure did love the cold weather too!  I look at times like these where we watched Addie cheer and think what a fun time.

 This was the snow in February 2010 when we had presented in Myrtle Beach but came home early because of the snow.  Glad we did because it was a wonderful weekend. Friends and family enjoying being together. It was a magical weekend on many levels.

 Oh how I miss this smile!

 Nothing better than snuggle time!

 I wasn't on this trip but I understand that you may have just slowly made it down this hill...Anna on the other hand flew!!

 And then there was the trip to Snowshoe just 2 weeks before you got sick.  We had a great time in the snow and spending time together.  Snowmobiling was a highlight (we won't mention the poor guide that had to stay back with you as you coasted behind everyone else)

As I brush the snow off the cars and steps and reflect on past snow days, I cherish our times together.  I'm thankful for being able to make more memories, surround myself with friends and family, remember such wonderful times and be grateful that I was one of the lucky ones!  I had Cindy Roof Wilkerson to call Sista and Friend!

As always...I love ya Sista, forever :-)

October 2013

Well overdue blog and so many things to share!
First, I'll post this picture since USC is playing Tennessee today.  This pic is from USC-UT in November, 2008.

Captured at the perfect moment in her COCK-A-DOODLE-DO!

We are well into our Carolina Football season and as with every other time of year, we miss you like crazy!  I was able to go to the USC-Kentucky game and it was a fun time to be with friends and family!

So, now that it's October Sally decided we needed to gather to listen to Christmas music.  Yes, Sista, it is a compromise since you would've already been listening to Christmas music back in September.  We wait until after Thanksgiving so we're meeting in the middle :)

Probably wanted Sal and JH to turn on a Christmas song here! 

Now we look toward November and I received an email that you are a recipient of the Honor Award for the SC Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance.  Here is the criteria and I think it sums up your dedication to the physical education profession just right!

We all have our ups and downs, I have my own little pity parties and my own celebrations.   But in the end, there just aren't words to describe all the ways I miss you.  I am so very thankful for the years God gave me with you.  And yet, I'm still selfish and want more!!   I love seeing people and talking about all of the ways you touched our lives. I love seeing you so unbelievably strong in Anna and Addie's actions, mannerisms, dedication, perseverance, compassion, desire to do what's right.  I see your face in their face and it makes me smile every time!  When I think of you, it breaks my heart that Mom lost her daughter too soon, that Jacob lost his wife too soon, that Anna lost her mom too soon, that Addie lost her mom too soon, that Mike and I lost our sister too soon, that all her family members lost her too soon, and that her friends lost her too soon.  BUT, aren't we actually lucky?  Because we knew her, we loved her, we experienced her passion, we flourished because of her love for us.  That is just one of our lessons here-treat others like Cindy treated you.  Love others like Cindy loved you.  Fight for others like Cindy fought for you.

Don't know why, but felt the need for a family photo!  haha, gotta love it!!

I love ya Sista!!

As this 2nd Summer comes to a close...

As this 2nd Summer without you with us comes to a close I have been reflecting a good bit this past week.  I read a friend's post on facebook about losing his brother years ago and how he no longer mourns but celebrates his life and his impact on this world.  I'm not there but I do celebrate your life daily and continue to be in awe of your impact on the world we live in. A part of my heart is broken and I'm not sure how or if it will ever heal.  I kinda doubt it and I'm ok with that, I don't stop living or talking about you.  I don't back away from experiences that remind me of you but I cherish them.  I see God's light all around me and I try to live my life the way He wants me to and do what I think is right.
I feel pretty fortunate because I see you in so many different ways, some I've mentioned before in my blog and some are new experiences.

• Sunlight on the grass - you know that glisten on the grass when the sun catches the blades just right, sometimes I see it from the porch or cutting grass and other times I might be riding down the road.
• Grilling - that charcoal smell, the conversations, the rocking/swinging that usually accompanied it, whether we were grilling splitters, hand-hewn burgers or with "Cindy's sauce" the time together was always special.
• Porch - I cherish our porch time and every cup of coffee or Ultra I enjoy on it I think of you.
• Edisto - This one is a long list so I'll just let Edisto say it all!
• Sun through the clouds -  I see it all the time and know it's your smile :)
• Finding old photos - came across a few this week and it reminds me of memories from long ago, how lucky we are to have good memories
• Music - what a strong connection, I listen to music a good bit during the Summer especially and so many songs remind me of you...some make me smile...some make me laugh...and some make me cry...
• My 30th high school reunion is in September - I'm looking forward to it and I'm sure we'll have some "Cindy" conversations there as well.  You touched many of their lives too as my big sister or their child's teacher, friend in the community...

And now, it's time for a new school year.  I've had some good, quality time with Anna and Addie this summer.  I know they are family and I may be a little partial but they are truly awesome people!!  I love them so and LOVE spending time with them.  They are beginning their 2nd year together-Anna and her 2nd year as a 3rd grade teacher at Springdale and Addie's 2nd year at USC.  So unbelievably proud of them both!  I've enjoyed and cherished some time with Mom and Mike this summer too!

Sally started a new job this Summer and she starts seminary in the Fall so I look forward to a little blogging about this new adventure soon! She continues to be a source of strength knowing she also lost a sister much too soon.

My school year starts feeling very empowered thanks to a week in Asheville for the National PE Institute #PEInstitute13 and I was blessed to be able to attend.  Last year, you and I were going together and it was a tough time but rewarding.  This year I took 3 colleagues with me and we were able to have some great professional conversations.

So, I start a new school year as I always will from here on, by thinking of you and all the many lessons you taught me.  Being thankful for having a job that I absolutely love and and listening for your voice. 

Love ya Sista!!