Sorrow and Hope . . . .but Remembering and Celebrating . . .

Pretty much stealing that title from e-mails that other family members have written. Last year this weekend our family lost our wonderful nephew Kennedy age 20 and our beautiful niece Maggie age 18 in a terrible house fire that happened at their home. I can't really go into all the details here but it has been a year of much sadness, a whole lot of healing and hope. Many people have been here for our whole extended family and this support, the prayers of so many, and just doing what we think these two wonderful young people would want us to do, has helped us go on.

Kennedy believed in taking care of our environment and he believed each day was a great day to be alive! It was easy to "go green" with Kennedy on our minds, and many of us planted a tree in his memory. Ours is called an Autumn Blaze maple and it is planted at our lake house. I get to see it every day so he comes to mind every day also. I am much better at recycling and composting and just doing my little part to take care of the environment around me because of Kennedy.

Maggie had a zest for life and a smile that would knock you out and lift your spirits just at the sight of her. I think of her daily also because she just gave so much to me with her warmth and love. I miss them both. This weekend our family will gather, please send your prayer our way, I think we will need it.

Maggie is at the center of this picture with Kennedy at the far right.
Also pictured are sisters Bernadette and Clara, and brother Garrett.