Sunday, October 16, 2011

Life Goes On

"In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life. It goes on." ~Robert Frost


My sister, Nancy, always used to say that my daughter, Kristen's, birthday party was her favorite event of the year.


She loved laughing and "getting down" with Kristen and her friends.


And so it was with mixed emotions that I planned Kristen's party this year.  I wanted it to be a special day for her but my emotions were racing up and down as the big day dawned. The same cast of characters would be here at noon for the party...family friends, staff from Kristen's group home...but not "Aunt Nancy".


How, I wondered, would I pull this off with such a giant void in all of our hearts?


And then Kristen and her friends arrived.

And reminded me, once again, that what really matters is not feeling sorry for your losses, but living like they do...with joy and laughter in the face of life's challenges.


Sean brought long-forgotten laughter to my sister, Andi's, face...


While seeing Kristen having so much fun brought hope to mine...


And Ryan's wonderful belly laugh made us all laugh with him.


Seeing our granddaughter, Anna, grow reminds me that life goes on too. "Aunt Nancy" held Anna as a baby at last year's party...


  And this year Anna was old enough to decorate her own pumpkin with her Mom.


It took Sean less than a minute to bring joy to the face of Nancy's husband, Aaron.


And no one could hold back a smile when he showed off his take on a Halloween pumpkin.


So as the cake was cut and the the traditional party games were played ...


Our special children reminded me once again that, no matter what...


Birthdays are always good...


And life goes on.


11 comments:

Linda @ A La Carte said...

I love seeing the joy and happiness that this party brought to all of you. I am facing a sadness in my family right now and this helps me know that Life will go on!
hugs,
Linda

Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co. said...

What a touching post! Along with sadness, there are smiles. And life most certainly does goes on.

Pamela Gordon said...

Oh Cheryl, I'm happy for you that you went ahead and celebrated BIG with such special people in your life. Life does go on and we need to keep moving with it or we will miss out on it's blessings. Warm hugs, Pamela

★Carol★ said...

Such a beautiful post, Cheryl! It looks like that party was brimming over with life and love and happiness!

Vickie @ Ranger 911 said...

What wonderful memories, old and new.

Jane said...

Cheryl,
I absolutely loved this post!! The joy on everyone's faces.....it brought a smile to mine. You are in inspiration!!
Jane

Shannon@Cozy Home Scenes said...

I know how hard it is to find joy when there is such sadness from losing someone who is so loved. It was good that you put forth the effort because it looks by the smiles that there was a lot of happiness, too. I hope your heart finds peace and comfort knowing you are not alone and that your sister knew she was so special to you.---------Shannon

Sherry@Back2Vintage said...

I'm smiling through tears....Such a sweet post!!!

Unknown said...

When you look back years from now at the party, all you will see is their smiles.
You will be so happy you did this post !

Ann, Chen Jie Xue 陈洁雪 said...

Hi Cheryl,

I did a post on teens with cancer, and I thought of Nancy.

Robert Frost was my favorite and only poet. I had to study his work for High School. I hope all of your family are feeling bereavement a little easier.

Love,

Ann

Betty said...

You really know how to throw a party. The smiles on all those faces said it all.

I love that American Cancer Society commercial. So many lives are impacted by cancer and it reminds us that although progress has been made there's still a long ways to go.