Reflections

On Friday, I attended a workshop and one of the people presenting talked about the professional benefits of a reflection journal.  I thought "hey, I've been doing that for years on my blog".   Sure, here I reflect on a little bit of everything from work to family, trying to focus on the positive side of things.    And then, before I got too smug in thinking "oh, I do that", I realized it had been a little too long since I sat down and reflected or blogged...so here it goes...

For starters, last month I reflected on goodbyes, and I will start out this entry with yet another goodbye.   This one clearly falls in  the category of an unexpected goodbye.  

 Hubby and I were waiting to hear from our friend, Bobskoots.   He and his wife were due to arrive at our house for a visit last week.   I was really excited to meet Yvonne, having heard so much about her through the years that we've been friends with Bob.  

 On our trip up to the mountains, Hubby and I reflected  that it had been a couple weeks since we'd heard from Bob.   He's one very connected internet guy so to go almost 2 weeks without a peep from him, seemed very odd.  Yes, we started to assume the worst, but really didn't let our minds wander in that direction for too long.   Nah, nothing bad could have happened.  Maybe he had simply encountered mechanical delays or technical difficulties?

On Monday, we learned the reason for his radio silence.   While on an epic US road trip with his wife, Bob died of a an apparent heart attack while in Nashville.      Our heartfelt sympathies go out to his wife Yvonne and his two adult children.

Yes, Bob died living his life, doing the things he enjoyed and from that we can draw comfort.   Yet, such an unsettling reminder for us all that we never know when our time is up and whether we will have an opportunity to say a final goodbye to those who hold a special place in our lives.

Bob did indeed hold a special place in many moto-bloggers hearts.   He inspired many of the quieter types to get out there and meet and ride with each other in real time. Step away from the computer and get out and visit with one another.   

   Thank you Bob for sharing so much of yourself with all of us.    You will be missed for sure!

*Don't they look like they are related by more than just a love of motorcycles?

Next up in a long winded reflection post, is noting how much things change in that blink of an eye...

Seems it was just yesterday when these cuties were parade spectators....

And now look who is in the Homecoming parade...

Thing Two has dove in head first into all things High School....from Friday Night football games to joining the lacrosse team.   He's even sustained his first concussion (Being a non-sport family, we failed to remind him of the dangers associated with running from the grass to the concrete while wearing cleats.   Face Plant time!)

One of the cardinal signs of a concussion:   emotional changes.

this one can best be described as punch drunk....talk about the selfie-crazed teens!  

And now, on to happier reflections....

When the babysitter is this cute as an awkward pre-teen (12), you just know she's going to make 

A very beautiful bride...

And with sisters as tight as these three have always been, 

It's a given that they will be beaming all afternoon...

And if this guy can have fun with just some veggies...

His day to really shine was as Father of The Bride

Eric and his mama, Big V, proud grandma of the bride

And while I know first hand how much this wonderful lady loved a wedding...

Judy as our Nanny at Ling and Carlos's wedding circa 2002

Her daughter surely learned from the best...

And put together one heck of a great wedding...

Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Morris!

Thanks for letting us share in your wonderful day!