1/2/17~ 11 months

I can barely believe it's been 11 months without my Mom.

I woke up this morning thinking and couldn't really wrap my mind around it.  I haven't talked to her in 11 months.  I do write in my journal and I've accidentally called, but it's really not the same.

I have four voicemails saved.   I usually don't save things, but I have them.  Two are from summer before she was supposed to come here just "checking in."  Another was from a grocery trip to our favorite place Ultra...just "checking in"...and the last was Christmas Eve last year, asking me if I had just called her (I hadn't we had left the rehab place 20 minutes before the message), but I'm grateful I have the message.

The message of today is... call your Mom.  Make it a schedule... call her a certain time every day or every week or whatever.. just make the time.

Just do it.  Make the time. ❤❤

Wait til "next year"

Born a Cubs fan... raised a Cubs fan.  The familiar words "Wait til next year.." are the norm.

That is until this special season.

I think back to fall 2015, the Cubs are in the playoffs again.  I'm at the hospital with my Mom and she says, "They are too young, it won't happen this year.. maybe next year."

"OK"... I think and I think nothing of it.

Mom passed away February 2nd surrounded by her family... and the season hadn't even started yet.

Fast forward to April 4, 2016.. opening day, all star break, and the regulars season best record in MLB and NL Central Title.  (Won by 17 1/2 games)....

Next up, the Playoffs... beating San Francisco and then the Dodgers... is this real?

Next up, the Indians.  Let's just call up Chief Wahoo.... seriously... what a matchup!

Down 3 games to 1.... the Cubs came back to win the final three....... and 6 and 7 on the road..... :). Bye bye Billy Goat... Bye bye Curse..... we are the champions!  Mom, this one was for you!

2017

I've been waiting for today for awhile.

A new year, a new page to write.

I've tried about 50 or so times to write last year, but each time something was off.

Now....something is different... there is a renewed spirit.  There is a hope in GOOD.

I write tonight open hearted.  Today is a new day.   It's a fresh year.  It's a year to start living.

I can do it.

Thanks for reminding me it can happen.