A message from Chris (Jim's wife):
When a loved one dies all we are left with is countless memories of that person. Often common objects, sounds and smells will trigger that memory. The other day I was pulling out a box of Honey Bunches of Oats cereal (Jim's favorite) for the girls, and I suddenly burst into tears, to which Lauren replied, "Geez Mom, what did the cereal do to make you cry?" I tried to explain to her that it wasn't the cereal, but that it reminded me of daddy, which made me cry. Later on in the day I was snuggling with both Lauren and Dana on the couch and we were talking about some of our favorite memories of Jim.
We realized how many of our favorite things had been repeated enough that they could actually be considered a family tradition. It's these traditions that I know Lauren and Dana will remember most about the short time they've spent with their dad on earth, and will keep Jim's memory alive in their hearts for as long as they live....
The annual apple picking trip to Cardigan Mtn. Orchard, The Ehrlich Easter Egg Smashing Contest (I've won 2 years in a row now!), Saturday morning pancake-making, Saturday chores of going to the bank, Dump n' Donuts, playing Monopoly, Scrabble or Life on the family room floor, and the Christmas Morning Santa Scavenger Hunt, just to name a few. I would encourage anyone with small children to form family traditions of their own, because the kids remember these precious times, and they laugh and smile whenever they think of them. ~Christine
We realized how many of our favorite things had been repeated enough that they could actually be considered a family tradition. It's these traditions that I know Lauren and Dana will remember most about the short time they've spent with their dad on earth, and will keep Jim's memory alive in their hearts for as long as they live....
The annual apple picking trip to Cardigan Mtn. Orchard, The Ehrlich Easter Egg Smashing Contest (I've won 2 years in a row now!), Saturday morning pancake-making, Saturday chores of going to the bank, Dump n' Donuts, playing Monopoly, Scrabble or Life on the family room floor, and the Christmas Morning Santa Scavenger Hunt, just to name a few. I would encourage anyone with small children to form family traditions of their own, because the kids remember these precious times, and they laugh and smile whenever they think of them. ~Christine
Chris,
ReplyDeleteThanks for encouraging us to create those family traditions of pancake mornings and monopoly games, etc.... the little things that amount to alot of sweet memories! I'm so glad your girls (and you) have those memories of fun family times together. I'm praying for you and love you!
Judy