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.