service, thoughts, and snow day

Somewhere in my dreams tonight
I'll see you standing there
You look at me with a smile
"Life isn't always fair"

You say you were chosen for his garden
His preciously hand picked bouquet
"God really needed me,
That's why I couldn't stay"

It's said to be that angels
Are sent from above
I've always had my angel
My brother - whose heart was filled with love

Wherever the ocean meets the sky
There will be memories of you and I
When I look up at that sky so blue
All I see are visions of you

"While there's a heart in me, you'll be a part of me."

 1 The service was quiet, respectful, and something Danny would have loved. My family and friends were there and we supported each other. It was overwhelming at times, and I could see how his death affected so many people in a positive way. I hope we can take Dan's positive attitude and make it our legacy too.
1a I am sad my sister didn't come but am glad she's alive and recovering.

2 I'm lost in my thoughts again. Thinking about the past, what might have been, and hopeful for the future. We did a personal development course on the weekend which created this introspection. It's good to look inside and see the things we bring to the table. See the things that shape our decisions, and adjust as needed. Remind me to tell you the story of the beans.

3 The snow comes again. The flakes are huge and stick to the ground once they've landed.  I like the look and smell of fresh snow but like most people I think I'm ready for spring to arrive. Sigh, it's only January.

Danny

When I think of what a brother should be I just think about mine.

He was a gentle, sweet guy and tender hearted.

I couldn't have asked for a better brother.

Dan is four years younger than me but it always felt closer.

He was so sweet when he was little it was hard to ever be angry with him.

Danny has that special smile that went right into his eyes. His hugs were just right.

I saw him before Christmas and it was one of the best visits we had had in ages. We laughed and hugged and hugged some more. We said I love you.
Always in my heart 

May the music of the angels
Be the sweet sounds that you hear.
As you're rocked in Heaven's cradle
May you never shed another tear.

I'll wear your memory proudly,
My only brother...my true friend.
May my love for you reach Heaven above
Until we meet again.

it comes in 3s, brother, and Emma

1 January came in with a vengeance in our family. But we are still standing and moving forward.
My sister was hospitalized and is in a very slow recovery, my brother unexpectedly passed away, and daughter in law's grandfather also passed.

2 My brother was a great guy. He was diagnosed with schizophrenia at a young age and that presented him and us with a few challenges. He lived a good life, independent and with some very good friends. He was so big hearted and giving. It's hard to imagine life without him. Gosh, he really like blonde jokes.

3 Emma has been with us for a week now. She's very sweet and has told me lots of things about her life in China, her search for a new private school in the US and her travels abroad. It's been a pleasure having her with us while Nick was away in Dubai.