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Sunday, August 19, 2007

Back to real life

This post is more personal than usual...those of you who are friends will understand it better...

It seems like just a few days ago we were leaving on vacation, and here we are, back already! Vacations always go by so fast. We had a great time, and made lots of memories with the kiddos.

This was our first vacation for my whole family to take since Heidi has died, so it was bittersweet at times. I missed her so much this week, and really felt just how incomplete our family really is still. Drew asked several times (out of the blue) where his mommy was. I guess he has been asking that for awhile now, but I had never heard him ask before. He was so persistent in wanting to know. It was such a painful experience for all of us....not really knowing what to say. I think we all knew this day would come, but yet were unprepared for it. I want to protect him from the pain of not having his mommy here, but I know I can't do that. All we can do is pray for God to give us the strength to say the right thing.

All in all, we had a relaxing week, filled with beautiful weather (mid 70's.....ahhhh, such a relief from the 95 degree temps we'd been having here), sand, waves, and late night UNO games. I feel like another page has turned in this book of My Life, and a new chapter is beginning....filled with new traditions, as well as some old ones.

There are lots of pictures ahead....I have to warn you, I am without Photshop for the week, so no creative touches/editing!

We found these enormous sand dunes! That's Drew at the bottom of the hill (Matt & Andy had climbed to the top- crazy men!)
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This is without a doubt my favorite photograph from our trip. I remember watching this and thinking, I wish Heidi could be here to see this...what an amazing moment between Andy & Drew. My mom was sitting next to me and said at that exact moment "I like to think Heidi can see those two right now, and how much pleasure it must bring her." Words just can't describe how I felt watching this scene.
Flying a kite...

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Tickles

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A common sight on the way up there and back

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Exploring downtown St. Joseph....gorgeous town!

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The whole gang! (do I look out of breath from running to get in the picture?)


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My baby girl :)

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Just a few to make you laugh :)

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Two peas in a pod...
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Hands down, my mom & dad are the best parents, ever!

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The end! :)
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7 comments:

katie said...

Very sweet post! The pictures are great :)
love,kt

girlie girl said...

I was hoping you'd post some pictures of your trip! What great memories! I bet your parent would love a story board for Christmas!

I was also thinking about how different it would be without Heidi. The flying kite pic is absolutly beautiful!!! I makes me cry just thinking about Heidi watching them. Andy's doing such a great job. Thanks for sharing such special and private moments with us...it makes Heidi seem almost touchable. Love you.

Lisa M. (Clark) Mengarelli said...

Hey,

Thanks for the awesome post!! Of course, I started crying when I saw the picture/title of Andy and Drew flying the kite in the sunset. I could just see Heidi's face (BIG smile and most likely a wink) as she watched them. I was praying for your family as you went on this trip...just to give you all comfort and strength through the 'good' times and the 'bad' times. It breaks my heart thinking of Drew asking where his mommy is, but I know that through Andy, your family and all her close friends we will be able to 'paint a picture' of his mommy and show him just how much she loved him and wanted him in her life...but, God had other plans for his mommy. Andy has done a wonderful 'job' raising Drew. Drew is such a little man. I look into Drew's eyes and I can just see Heidi. Someday soon (hopefully the Lord returns soon...it's my prayer, anyway - no more suffering!), Andy will be able to 'introduce' Drew to his mommy in heaven! Can you imagine? Thank you for allowing us into your life through your posts and pictures. I am here if you ever need anything. Thank you for your TRUE/FAITHFUL friendship and constant encouragement! Oh yeah...I absolutely LOVE that last picture and it's 'title'.....made me laugh (and even stopped the tears).

Jessica said...

Summer, this was so touching to read and see pics. Thanks for sharing them. I have heard so many sweet things about your sister Heidi and cant imagine how different your trip was for all of you this year. Thanks for sharing such precious pictures and your sweet memories.
ps...your hair is absolutly DARLING!!!

hartgirlies said...

I am crying too! You guys have always been soooo close, so I can't imagine how it must have been with a piece of the puzzle missing.
Your parents are adorable. You can just tell that they are still so in love. I admire their relationship greatly.
I too think about Heidi daily. There is always something that reminds me of her, even though we lost contact as adults.
Andy is an amazing man and so brave on the journey that he is taking with Drew.
I had to smile when I saw Lisa's comment about Heidi winking. That was a signature trate!

Megan Renae said...

Summer,
I somehow missed this post. I am trying to keep up with yours, but I don't know how I missed it!
I love the pictures you posted from your trip...and ofcourse the one of Andy and Drew and the kite. I have had many of those "moments" when we stay at the White's wishing Heidi could see this or watch Drew do that or hear the words that just came from his mouth. Just maybe she can - only God knows. I just think that picture you took captures more than a Father and Son...it is incredible!
Love, Meg

Sheila said...

That was such a touching post... thanking for sharing! You are always in my prayers. I hope you have many more wonderful new memories to come!