When Today's Moment reflects on moments past

Today I will attend the funeral of a wonderful woman.
Mary Darl Mastrine passed away peacefully on Thursday Sept. 29th. Mary Darl was an incredible woman that I have known my entire life. Her daughter Dana and I were childhood best friends and to this day I consider her to be the best friend a person could have. We have grown from the days of playing hide-n-seek in the neighborhood to playing catch up over facebook. From days of imature fights to conversations of support no matter what the situation.
What Dana and I have is "unconditional" friendship. Not time, distance or life circumstances keep us apart.
So as I begin to prepare to leave for this funeral service today I am reminded that while I try to live in the moment, I can't help but relive my moments past.
I will miss Mary Darl and her contagious smile. I will miss her hugs and the way she always made me feel welcome. But I will always have those memories and the friendship of her amazing daughter Dana.
Rest in peace Mary Darl, I hope you and my mom are playing a good game of cards....

il·lit·er·ate/iˈlitərit

It is Febraury in NE Ohio and I have my fill of the cold and snow. This past week brought 1 inch of ice and some snow and now Mother Nature has decided to provide us with another round of snow. I found this view from my front window this morning and I do believe that Mother Nature needs to learn how to read my mind (or least the stop sign)!

Moments from the past filled my moments today...

Today I went to see what is left of my childhood elementary school. As I walked and photographed the one remaining wall I could not help reflecting on all the views I had of that building. There was the view of walking in this entrance for the first time. That building was so big and scary. I entered those doors for 1,309 days of childhood moments and then there was this view...

...the view of my 6th grade class window. From inside those walls I learned about life, friendships, community and the meaning of an education. I will forever remember those moments and I am glad I chose today's moments to revisit what is left of my past.

Thoughts for 2011...

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete.
We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.
Remember, to say, "I love you" to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you. Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again. Give time to love, give time to speak, and give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.
Remeber to live YOUR moments and may God bless your 2011...

Merry Christmas...past and present.

So here it is...my second Christmas without my Mother. Last year I really don't remember Christmas or the months that lead up to it but I do remember New Years. I remember telling myself that I would survive this loss, that 2010 would be a better year and that my mom would want me to be living MY moments not just being there for them.
So that is what I did. I lived every moment of 2010 with a purpose. I made it count. Don't get me wrong, there were many days of tears and missing her but I allowed myself those moments and knew that by having them I would be better off.
I am excited for what 2011 has in store. The new adventures and the trying times that will make up another 365 days of MY moments.

I will keep the faith and know that mom will be there sharing every moment with me in her own special way.