Snickers and a Coke

***Disclaimer: Today's post is long and it is not about art. It is completely me just letting my thoughts and emotions out...and that is exactly what I needed. ***

Today is July 20. A day when we will remember how one man’s actions changed the lives of more people than one could imagine. How, with one decision to disobey the rules, a life was taken and a family was hurt. That will never change.

What will change will be the people affected. They will grow up, they will find themselves, they will accomplish great things, they will learn from their mistakes, and they will remember. The hole never goes away, it never grows smaller, but with time the hurt is eventually accompanied by memories and joy. We will look back on our time spent with each other and smile.

*****

Dear Papa,

I remember the day that my life was changed forever perfectly. For two years I have thought about you everyday. I remember when Grandma showed up to our house and told dad that there was a wreck. Dad and grandma left. Kaitlynn was at practice. Mom was in town getting ready to fly to England that afternoon. Payton and I were the only ones at home and we were working on painting the bookshelf in my bedroom. I was trying to stay calm, but something just felt wrong. Grandma was in a hurry, dad had left immediately...and there was just a sense of uneasiness in the air. I tried getting a hold of my mom...she didn't answer. She called me back around 8:30 am. When I answered she didn't even say "hello". All she said was "Your Papa died in a wreck today." I was in shock, and for once in my life I couldn't bring words to my mouth. Mom heard my breathing start to get heavier and faster, "Paxton, you have to keep it together, you have Payton." I will never forget those words, just I will never forget that morning. She had told me that my aunts would be picking Payton and I up to go to town. I went to my room trying to figure out what one wears on a day like this...then I got Payton ready to go. We went to town, the trip was silent, and we drove down the back roads the whole way. When we got to town we went inside and I saw my Grandma crying uncontrollably. It was hard, she came over and hugged me, while mom and dad took Payton to tell him what happened. The rest of that day and week are a blur, with lots of tears, stories, family, and laughter. It's hard to believe that it has already been two years.

Two years of missed birthdays, my graduation, my first year of college, moving into my first apartment, my first serious boyfriend....I know you are watching from Heaven, and I know that I am never alone, but things were just better when you were here, in person. I miss you. There are so many things I wish to tell you, like how I changed my major to art and how I have made 9 memory books, all dedicated to you. I want to tell you how I have decided to look into art therapy because of you, about Rock the Sock...and so much more. One day we will have a lot of talking to do, and I am looking forward to it. Love you and miss you terribly.

Don't forget to tell the ones you love that you love them and let them know how much they mean to you--you never know when they will be taken away from you....and remember, it's the random reasons...

Random Quote.

Usually I don't post twice in one day...but I just couldn't resist when I saw this quote...

"Grandmas are moms with lots of frosting."

Such a true quote! (well, at least when it comes to my lovely grandma)  My grandma is absolutely amazing, as I am almost positive most grandmothers are. She is one of the people who I have missed the most since moving.

Don't forget to tell your grandma or closest person to a grandma that you love her today! You don't need a reason--She's your grandma! It's the random reasons...

JitterBug

Good afternoon everyone! Hope your weekends have all been delightful! I worked most of the weekend, but today is my day off from both jobs...yes, both. Hallelujah! Anyhoo, my aunt and uncle came over today and delivered the dining room table, and the tv stand. Now we can stop eating on the couch and tv can be moved from the file cabinet. Surprisingly I did not intend to blog about the apartment today, that can wait. I wanted to express my excitement about something that will hopefully be a wonderful event full of generosity, excitement, laughter, and fun.

Rock the Sock, my first baby (the second being the new apartment haha), has blossomed into so much more than I could have ever dreamed of. While I am very excited about that, I am more excited that, possibly, in a year, Rock the Sock could be hosting a first annual event that will give so much to so many people. Not just in sock donations, but in fun, community involvement, and a sense of togetherness. A few of my aunts and I have been discussing plans for this event throughout the last few days. One of my aunts mentioned having it around the end of July and doing it in memory of a very important person who is no longer with us in person. This event would be planned by several members of my family and would hopefully help bring all of us closer together. What a blessing. When thinking about this event, I can't stop thinking of new ways that it would be helping everyone involved. What a great way to honor someone who was always thinking and lending a helpful hand to others. I think he would be proud. And that is why I can't contain my excitement for this event. You don't come across opportunities like this everyday, and letting one slip through your hands is unacceptable. It will be a lot of work, and there will be obstacles to overcome, but it most certainly can be done.

For more information on Rock the Sock, check out the blog at http://warmandhappytoes.blogspot.com

As I leave you all today, don't forget that “Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try.” Know what you want, be excited about what you want, and work your tail off to get what you want. And, as always, remember that it's the random reasons...