Category: moving forward

Thank you all that took the time to wish my youngest a first day at school. First day of 10th grade was a great success. More to follow.

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Cheers!

Michelle

I’ve always thought I’m a hard person to love, and maybe that’s why I cherish those that haven’t given up on me.

In every day life, I tend to close myself off, without even knowing it. I long for closeness yet remain guarded. My daughter told me once that her friend had said I was intimidating and it totally threw me back. Me? I just don’t see myself that way. Maybe it’s just what I allow others to see vs. not see…not sure.

I’ve had a few great loves in my life. Some will remain in my heart, but two most prevalent in the last decade or so are my beloved dog Sammy, who’s now playing in heaven, and my youngest daughter, Sophia.

Sophia has been my partner in crime for the better part of the last ten years. My husband travels for work a lot, deploys, leaves for training etc. and my oldest daughter was a teenager at the time (now in her 20’s and still in IL) so was often with her friends.

Sophia has always had such a light around her, but then middle school happened and years of bullying has bruised her shine and it breaks my heart. It’s gotten better, but she returns to high school tomorrow for 10th grade and she’s anxious. So she says to me, “do we have to take the first day of school picture again,” to which I said yes, reminding her we only had to do it three more times.

And then I cried. Like nearly ugly cried, because I just can’t imagine the time when she’s not my partner in crime.

Because she’s loved me unconditionally even when I’ve not always loved myself. And for that I’ll be forever grateful.

Hang on tight my friends. And do my a favor, please. Say a little prayer that Sophia has a good day at school, and a good year.

Thanks,

Michelle

Cheers,

Michelle

Last full day of our staycation with Jordyn and Tyler. Will miss them terribly as they head back to IL tomorrow. So thankful for quality time together. ☀️

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We had a wonderful dinner at Sea dogs in Treasure Island. Highly recommend.

Cheers!

Michelle

Today we finally got a break in the weather so we enjoyed a day at the pool, and went out for dinner to celebrate my daughter’s 15th birthday!! I’ll admit, I got a little teary tonight…hard to believe it’ll be 3 years and she’ll be going off to college or whatever she decides to do. Sigh. Here’s some fun pics from our day!

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Do find time flying ridiculously fast?!

Cheers!

Michelle

Who’s with me??

Cheers!

Michelle

Had another great dinner in Tampa today.

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