Mom,
Merry Christmas from Windsor Pines! We are here today; all of us, celebrating as
a family wishing you were here.
Truthfully, we are all in a different place as we deal with your
passing. Some days it is paralyzing and
some days we are stronger than we ever thought we could be. It comes in waves. We often ask, what would mom do? I wish mom was here. You always seemed to
know what to say in the right moment.
You often would say that you weren’t ready to leave us and
you wanted to always be there for us.
Please know that you are. Even
though we are sad, we will persevere.
You taught us well-embrace the struggle and move forward. Think of others. Treat others fairly and put others before
yourself.
We promised you, as you asked, that we would stay together
as a family, taking care of each other, supporting each other and we are doing
just that. Life is very unpredictable,
unforgiving, and at the same time priceless.
We all speak to you in our own unique ways and have our
fondest memories of you. I remember you
dragging me around Cass Lake for hours on end.
I remember you being my biggest fan as you drove around the upper midwest
following MSU football. As a youngster,
you fueled my passion for football. I
think it is symbolic and you should know that today, MSU is playing for a
national championship. I know if you
were here we would have definitely been on a road trip to Kansas City to cheer
on the Mavericks. As the years passed,
my passion moved from football to archery and bow hunting . Wouldn’t you know it, I shot my best buck of
the year on Halloween. I am not sure why
things happen the way they do…I find it interesting that my two passions have
been so unique in their success and memorable this year…I think my angel in
heaven had something to do with it.
Your legacy that you have left me that I appreciate the most
is my passion, love, loyalty, and appreciation for my wonderful family. My enduring passion that will never wane is
my gratefulness and respect for my family.
Family celebrates together, grieve and cry together, find peace and
sanctuary together, forgive together, go to battle together, find joy in the
grind together, laugh together, make fun of each other together, and always
have each other’s back and best interest together.
I love you, I miss you, I give thanks every day that you are
my mother.
~ Chris Fogarty
December 2014
Dear Mom,
That was the speech that Chris gave to start off the balloon send off in memory of you down at Windsor Pines on Saturday December, 20th.
We made it through the first holiday season since you passed. I had a lot of mixed feelings coming into this time of year, but it flu by. Yes...flu by. We got the flu, not the barfs...the Influenza which is nasty and lasts way too long. Before the flu came though, we did get to have a nice weekend down at Windsor Pines before the flu moved into our immune systems.
I think you were watching over us the whole time in many ways. I think you made sure we made the car ride back home Sunday and kept the influenza away until Monday at least.
The twins were showered with gifts and happy with every single item.
As always, Grandpa was there to be silly and make us all laugh.
Glenny is doing well, and he sure misses you.
Uncle Chris is still a super hero in the eyes of the twins.
I showered everyone with calendars with some pictures I took over the year. The month of April has a nice little tribute to you as well. That will be one whole year that we have been without you.
Great Grandpa taught Lilly how to do butterfly kisses. I remember doing these with him all the time.
The twins ran around the cozy cabin like they owned the place.
Ms. Lilly still loves the cool doll house you were given by your late friend Marge.
The moderate temps, and lack of snow allowed us to go up on the ridge.
Glenny and I took our cocktails in the Kubota and went up and brought Charlie and Adam back down. Charlie had to ride up the ridge on Adam's back, so Adam got a nice work out in.
The Cabin looks great. Glen did a great job decorating, even though he was quick to say how it would of looked better if his Pam would of done it.
Chris giving his wonderful speech.
We let our balloons go, but just like at your funeral Lilly wouldn't part with hers. Charlie let his go, but cried after and wanted me to get it back.
The older kids are now big enough to play with fireworks!
Your little Charlie had to go inside, the loud noises made him scared. If you would of been there, you would of scooped him up and brought him inside and let him watch from the window.
In closing, I hope you enjoyed the pictures. Chris said it all very well with his speech.
We survived the first Christmas without your physical presence. It felt different and was not the same, but it was still a nice time to get together with the ones we love. The kids were showered/spoiled in gifts, and that is what it is all about.
I remember you saying...Christmas is for the kids. It really is. I remember growing up, you would give us the best Christmas every year, and I know it wasn't financially easy all the time either.
Miss you like crazy,
Your Little Dew Bug
