Sad Fall

Normally fall is my favorite time of year.  Watching the leaves change, Halloween and pumpkin patch activities, but this fall brought upon us lots of sadness.  My Uncle Ray passed away unexpectedly while he was in Michigan enjoying many of the things I talked about above.  I am deeply saddened by this loss and sometimes find it hard to imagine that it is real.  The evening I found out I was distraught and sad for the loss of my uncle, and my girls were amazing.  Izzy sat with me on my lap stroking my hair, wiping away my tears with her shirt sleeves and squeezing me tightly.  Lucy kept asking, "You sad mommy? You sad?"  As she patted my back and sat close by unsure of what to do.  It was an amazing demonstration of empathy and I was amazed to see this shine thru in my girls.  I have an amazing family, and amazing daughters that are growing up way too fast, but also growing into wonderful little "people".  We celebrated Halloween with my cousin Amy and her kids as they flew in for the funeral, and many days have gone by as we try to cope with the loss and "get on" with our lives.  I still find myself teary eyed most days, I miss my uncle and all of the card games we could have played. 

We had ourselves a flapper girl and a skeleton!

Luke-one sad puppy dog!

Elliott trying to eat all the candy!

Alec checking out his haul!

Uncle Ray brought with him his special lady friend Patty.  She was lovely, a true Southern Belle.  Izzy enjoyed her company very much, and they became fast friends. 

Izzy playing with Luke her new found cousin.