In Loving Memory

Three years ago today I lost my mom. 

This is a picture of us in Estes Park, Colorado, my freshman year of college. We made a pit stop there while driving to Rocky Mountain National Park to see the changing trees. My Mom loved traveling and the outdoors and took us out to national parks frequently. That part of growing up really stuck with me and is a huge part of who I am.

Yellowstone with Mom, Grandma, me and brother Alex. 

The Oregon Coast. 

Mom, sister Marissa, and Brad in San Francisco. 

Brad (My stepfather) & Mom. He created a Memorial Website for her. 

One of our most favorite things to do together was to play Scrabble. We would play for hours - well into the night - for days on end. Every year on this day I play Scrabble still with Ross and friends. It's a fun way to remember my mom. 

This is the last picture we took together; it was at the wedding of one of her work friends who happened to be carpooling home with her  the day they died. 

Mom and Chris died when a truck hit their car on Parker Road in Colorado on July 6, 2008. This sign was placed by the Colorado Department of Transportation Memorial Sign Program. Please drive safely and wear your seatbelt. 

I don't get to visit her grave site often since it is in Colorado, and though I wish I could take some flowers I know she's not really there. She's in a better place. I would be better off throwing flowers into the sky. 

My mom also loved with all her heart no matter who or what you were. I still can't believe that nearly 500 people - family, friends, co-workers, my middle school band teacher - showed up to her service to pay respects; it was standing room only. A true testament to how the love of one person can impact many. 

I miss you Mommy. I love you. 

Love always, 

JK