Sunday morning. Feeling…
exhausted
reminiscent
emotional
loved
Yesterday was the benefit for Justin in St Paul. I was jittery all week about it… the day looming over me. Honestly, I had no idea how crazy hard is would be to see your child’s face on a poster for a benefit. It’s one of those things you look at and you say, “that just can’t be right.” Justin’s co-workers and friends are so AMAZING. What an outpouring of love this event was. Al and I had friends trickle in as well… it’s a good 2 1/2 drive from Brainerd to St Paul so we didn’t expect many to come from Brainerd but were happy to see a few that made the trek.
One nice surprise was a girl I graduated with. Tina and I go back all the way to grade school when her mom made us Little House on the Prairie dresses for something going on at school. I remember we both had the long dresses and bonnets and thought we were “it.” 🙂 It was so good just to have a chance to catch up a bit… part of the craziness of all this that is going on in my life is the amazing support of friends and this is just another example.
and then before we left part of the staff at Sweet Pea’s came and had a picture taken with Al and I.
So today… laying low. Another holiday, Father’s Day. Brad is coming over later with his girlfriend Brittany and we will grill for dinner. Looks like it will be a beautiful day here in Central Minnesota and that is good. I need to find the beauty in each day. Maybe a little reading on the deck this afternoon and maybe I get to mow a bit (you know I love to mow).
Book Journey 
As hard as it is, it has to feel good to know that a young man you nurtured made such an impact on the world. I’m sending hugs your way.
Thanks Kathy. I wish it wasn’t so hard but at the same time I know it is because we all love him so much.
Reblogged this on xHibit Magazine.
Sending you hugs!
Thanks Vicki – to you as well… I know today is probably not an awesome day for you either.
The support that comes during these times is definitely an amazing bonus…I remember the unexpected warmth from unexpected people during some of my losses. One step at a time.
Thank you Laurel.
Sounds like a difficult day… even with all the love and support. Sending you a hug.
It was…. hard to go to a benefit for your child who is no longer with you. It was nice though.
I’m glad it went as well as it could. Tina and you could be sisters!
Thanks Elizabeth!
Thinking of you and your family today, Sheila. Hugs.
Thank you Joy
Glad the event went well and how nice to get to reconnect with a friend from way back. Take it easy today and here’s hoping you get to mow and listen to a bit of book while doing so. Hugs.
How blessed you are to have so many people around you who care so much for you and Al and for Justin. It can’t take the pain away but I hope it is making living with it a little bit easier.
I am glad that so many friends helped you honor your son. You continue in my prayers.
Sheila, I’m so happy you had this event. It is always uplifting to see how many people think so much of your child, and I know you need uplifting moments. Hugs.
Sending you a ton of hugs, Sheila.
Shelia, thank you for the update–sending hugs to you!
Prayers for you coming from Sri Lanka.
Wonderful to hear all went well. So nice about your friend came and you could catch up.
HUGS.
Lots of {{{hugs}}}
Sounds like a wonderful event and tribute to your son, Sheila. I know you were a bit anxious about it, so I’m glad to hear it turned out well overall.
I love the story of your old school friend and her mom making you both Little House on the Prairie outfits! I would have loved that!! I do have old home movies of me wearing a Holly Hobbie t-shirt – lol I see you were a book lover way back!
Thanks for sharing your experience here. Thinking of you –
Sue
so lovely of people to turn out to pay tribute to your son and show you how much he meant to them also
I was thinking of you Sheila -about how hard the day would be for you. It’s wonderful that so many cared for your son so much. Sending you hugs…
Mowing & gardening can help. I’m so glad the benefit went okay and you had a lot of support. I’m sure it is hard for all. I feel for you& your family. it is a nice tribute to him
I can’t think of anything more bittersweet. The outpouring of love for you, your family, and certainly for Justin, is moving beyond words oxox