Monday, March 14, 2011

The weekend has gone bye, bye. Hoorah!

It was a long and tough weekend. On Friday, I knew what Saturday was going to be like. At least, I had an idea of how I would feel and behave. I would feel like my entire world crumbled in on top of me, just like it had a year ago on the 12th and I would behave like a stressed-out, distressed, depressed, inconsolable mom and wife. Wanting to prevent this from happening, for the sake of my husband and children, I had a thought (more like a wish) Friday afternoon. I thought that if I held my breath long enough, Saturday would just disappear - not to be seen until next weekend. Although, I knew that the next weekend was going to be (almost) just as hard. What I really wanted to do was to go away for the weekend. Ignore the date, ignore the anniversary, ignore everything that happened last year in March.
Our family has a favorite place in Tucson where we like to go to and relax. I looked up the place, checked dates and almost made reservations. I felt guilty about spending the money, using a tank or two of gas to get there and back, and making my husband, Mike, drive 2 more hours after an already 1 hour commute. Wresting kids, trying to decide what to drive-thru for dinner, and then trying to tame the kid's excitemnent of staying in a hotel (my kids really dig that), had me thinking twice about packing up to leave. While pondering this decision, I remembered that Mike had something very special planned for me on Saturday. He, along with the help of my brother, planned on installing a flag pole in front of our house as a tribute to my brother and as kind act for me. I knew that Mike took a great amount of time thinking about what he could do to show me how much he cares about me and my feelings and to make my day a little brighter. I decided not to make reservations and to stay home and let Mike carry out his kind deed.
While he and my brother fetched supplies, I took the kids to eat lunch with the in-laws. By the time we got back, this greeted me at the door:
Later on that day, under the encouragement of the kids and before the cement was dry/set, Mike installed the remaining posts and the flag. Just look at it wave in all its glory! Ain't she beautiful!
We ended the day with a trip to Jump and Shout and dinner at a Greek eatery. I survived the day, barely.
Sunday was better. A little better. Next weekend? I may wish it gone before it comes.....

6 comments:

Salsa Mama said...

that is AWESOME! I will make sure to tell Paul, he will be so happy for your new flag pole. Looks great, and what a sweet memorial. Kudos to Mike. :)

ajwhet10 said...

Your post brings tears! I admit that knowing about your flagpole actually helped me get through the day, and I'm sure it helped Jed and Mike as well. Not to mention lots of love and prayers. I am so happy for you to have that beautiful statement and tribute permanently in place in front of your home!

Edna Guerrero said...

It was tough to get through your post without tears. I am SO jealous that you have a flag pole in front of your home. I have had a flag for several years that sits folded on my piano. I can't hang it up outside becasue of HOA rules! Isn't that just crazy!!!!! You are so lucky to have such a great husband to want to do that for you and a wonderful brother that was willing to take time away from his family to help you out. Keep your head up and stay strong!

Stef said...

Beautiful she is. I am glad you made it through the weekend. I can't even begin to imagine how hard. But what a great memorial to him.

Anonymous said...

Super Cool!

Kambria Smith Robinson said...

that looks amazing! what a fantastic memorial and reminder of how blessed we are as a nation!