Friday Fav - Forward

Happy Friday! It's been awhile since I've posted one of these, and it feels so good to be back! The best part about these posts is the chance to look back over the last week and think about how you've felt and what you've learned.

This has been a post I was hoping would come at some point. I wasn't sure when it would happen, what it would feel like, or if it was even a possibility. But it did and it was this last week.

Of course I have to apologize for the amount of posts that revolve around death and grief, but when you've just been hit with that train, you and your feelings go there before anything else. This last week, Memorial Day specifically, something happened. I received a picture from my Aunt showing me all the love my Pops, Aunt, and Great Grandmother received over the weekend at their grave-sites. (Side note, it's odd to write grave-site and think about your dad in the same sentence.) After looking at this picture and the amount of love brought to them, I lost it. I lost it just like I did when I found out he was gone, I lost it just like I did when I reached the 1-month mark, and I lost it like I think I always will. I lost it right then and there, seeing his resting place, because I've lost him.

Mike came to the rescue, hugged me and help wipe the tears, and together we both had the same stare in each others eyes thinking, "Life sucks." It wasn't far from 2-minutes after this that I got back to the stove and finished making breakfast. Right at that moment, I felt what I was hoping would come and have heard is a part of this process - I continued forward.

Friday Fav - Forward

As we get closer to the 1-year mark without my Pops around, I can't help but look around and find him in different places and things I do. My Pops cooked the best eggs. What happened during this same moment of losing it is my scrambled eggs were almost done and needed my attention. It's weird to think he was somewhere nearby in the kitchen, but I have a good feeling that he knew these eggs and the rest of the breakfast were calling my name, and he would have done the same thing. Moved forward.

Death is the hardest part of life. You might lose your job, you might total your car, and you might even go through the worst heartbreak, but to lose someone like your best friend and dad ... well there is nothing that can top that. With Father's Day around the corner, I can't help but tear up in the card section and I immediately delete any emails with mention of "Father's Day gifts" in them, but at the end of the day and this year, I'm going to do something different ... something he would do - cook the best plate of eggs you'd ever had and continue moving forward.

We never know when our road is going to stop, but we all know how to keep moving. Whether it's planning for your best summer yet, figuring out how to move yourself out of debt, or picking up the pieces after someone has passed away, keep on. Life without my Pops is starting to feel like my new reality, and while it hurts like no other, it's my life. It's my chance now and given this last week to know what moving forward feels like. It's something we all deserve to give ourselves. And without a doubt, it's something that life gives us everyday.

Have a wonderful weekend! 

Update

So often when you go through a few days, weeks, or possibly months without blogging, it's a hard task to sit down and consider, "where do I even start?" This last month has sorta been that way for me. I've wanted to blog, but either didn't have the time, was enjoying having my mom in town, or was off working away. So now here I am with a few minutes to spare and thought I'd fill you in on life lately.

I spent 2 amazing weeks with my mom! When Homegirl gets some time off, she spends it wisely - with me! She's been to Baltimore several times before, but this trip was all about trying new things and having some much needed girl time. We did a lot of shopping, treated ourselves to lots of walks and coffee stops, enjoyed a pedicure, and I took advantage of having her home cooking under my roof. Some of my favorite moments of her trip were participating in The Color Run and enjoying the Preakness festivities!

How cute is she?

The aftermath.

We didn't need big ol' hats to have a good time. We had each other!

Since she left, I can't stop thinking about the next time we'll see one another, which will hopefully be very soon! I'm still working 2 jobs and while it's going well, it is exhausting. I started working my part-time gig over a year ago in hopes of making a few extra pesos and hopefully meeting some new friends. Thankfully, both have happened (minus that I might spend more now)! One day I'll have to write a post about the amazing friends I have here in Bmore! It's been a tough road meeting friends, but those who I have met ... I wouldn't have asked for anyone else! I've also caught up on a little tv - has anyone else watched Polygamy, USA? Kinda hooked!

My Memorial Day weekend was spent thinking of those who serve our country (Thank You), working, and taking care of a sick boy. Mike caught some bug that he's kindly passed along to me. With the official start of summer only 2 weeks away, I'm determined to make this one better than any other. I'm currently creating my Summer Bucket List, which I can't wait to share.

In the meantime and between all that's going on, I've found a few favorite quote via Pinterest that I'm focusing on for all that's ahead.


And with that, I think we're all caught up. I'll see you Friday for another edition of my Friday Favs!

Happy Mother's Day, Mum!

A Mother is the one who can take the place of all others, but whose place no one else can take.

Today, I am so thankful and fortunate to have the opportunity to be with my Mum! The minute she arrived in town is the second I already started dreading her departure. When you live a gazillion miles apart you really have to savor the time you do have together. Today, I'll be taking many second glances at her, smiling and reminding myself just how lucky I am to call her mine. 

Mum, thank you for stepping up to the plate this last year to take care of me when so many stepped back, thank you for giving me the support and extra push to get me where I am today, thank you for showing me that age is nothing but a number and to know life you've really got to go out on a limb and live it, thank you for taking care of me no matter how "grown up" I am, thank you for showing me that through any storm we still have one another, and thank you from the bottom of my heart for showing me that moms and daughters can truly be best friends.

 Mum, I love you and only can hope to someday be the mother and friend you've been to me!

Tomorrow

Tomorrow morning I'll wake up, fluff my pillows, put in a few hours at work, head to the airport and pick up my Mum!!!! Living on the other side of the country as your family is harder than one would ever seem, but somehow I've gotten by for 3 years now ... crazy. Where am I going with this? Tomorrow is going to be amazing!

She'll be here for 2 weeks and giving you all fair warning, I most likely won't be blogging during this time. Instead, I'll be going for walks, drinking lots of lattes, shopping until my her wallet tells us to stop, staying up late chatting our ears off, showing her the beach, golfing and celebrating Mother's Day!

Tomorrow can't some soon enough.