An Angel's Last Precious Moment

Sunday will mark the one year anniversary of my Mama Comley's passing. It seems hard to believe that a year has passed. Looking back, I was dealing with a flurry of emotions. Joy from Bishop's birth, grieving still from Papa's passing, confusion in terms of God's plan for me, anxiety towards the prospect of a new relationshop, and anger for what I knew was coming.

I remember gathering for our family dinner and seeing the look in my mom's eye. Holding back tears, she was muttering the difficult words. I knew this was the end for M.C. I spent the whole night at the hopsital with my mom and grandma. We watched as she tossed and turned in pain. The medicine not able to calm her or ease the physical strain she felt. Her mind still sharp as a tack though.

Perhaps the most 'hard to swallow' part was when we asked her, "Mama, what do you want?" as she bellowed in pain. Her response, I recall plain as day, "To die. I want to just die." Chills filled the room. I unexpectedly yelled, " No!"

I also vividly remember the following evening, late, when we all gathered as the priest gave her a final blessing as she ascended to Heaven. The pain on my mom's face was all too much to bare. They shared an amazing love between mother and child.

We have completed our rounds of firsts without (i.e. Thanksgiving, Christmas, Mother's Day) Mama Comley. While they have not been easy, they have allowed us to continually reflect on the true angel on earth that she was to each of us.

Here's to you M.C. Thank you for watching over us all! We miss and love you!

Interesting...

While nursing my chronic headache and spooking myself with endless re-runs of Without A Trace, I suddenly realized that my patience (cough, cough) is maxed out when it comes to something that I desperately yearn for. Then as I thought about this more, I realized that the only time I get so excited yet wish to prolong the actual event from occuring is Christmas.

Interesting.

Ever since I was a kid, I have loved Christmas. We still hold true the traditions from when we were little tikes. All 4 siblings sleeping in the same bed/room on Christmas Eve. Presents delivered on Christmas morning from Santa Claus in our respective places. Gifts from Mom & Dad wrapped under the tree prior to Christmas. Poppyseed bread and milk in our festive mugs for breakfast. Naps between breakfast and lunch. Stockings hung, falling due to the overload of candy, and then rehung again (sans as much candy). Getting up incredibly early to see what Santa brought.

As I grew older, my mom retired from her elf duties of handing out the wrapped gifts. Enter moi. Subconsciously, like a little worker bee, I spend my Christmas morning passing out presents like hot potatoes to my siblings and parents. Attempting to distribute evenly is a juggle leaving me with a stack of gifts to open while everyone else has begun transporting their new gear to their rooms.

Something about savoring the moment gets me. Every year. I just don't want to let go. I don't want to let go of my childhood, precious moments without worry, and the innocence & faith that comes with Christmas. It's the believing in something so magical that I just don't want to let go.

Ahh to practice that type of excitement and patience when it comes to other things...

Working Woman's Wednesday (Part Three)

Here's Heather: the east coast, west coast diva.

I know what you are thinking: how do you become a diva of both coasts? It's pretty simple really. Spend half of your life dabbling in the fabulous Hollywood scene and the other half emerged in the glamourous world of SOBE (South Beach for those less familiar with the acronym).

Heather and I met in grad school back in 2005. Wow, 5 years ago seems like forever! We quickly became close friends. We spent our time studying, dining out at Sunset Place, chilling in the Grove, and dancing at Automatic Slim's on the beach. Occasionally, we found ourselves on the beach, Johnny Rockets cheeseburger in one hand and a smile on our faces.

After school, Heather landed at job at Gulliver High School in the Gables/Grove. She has been working her way up to the top by teaching and coaching. She was promoted to Assistant AD for all Gulliver schools. Woo hoo!

In most recent years, we see each other less frequently, making the time spent together cherished. Whether she's jet-setting between coasts or I am touching down in Miami, we always make time for one another. Last weekend we caught up over cocktails, and we will get to relive our college days in about a week.

Love me some Heather!

REDHAWK BRIGADE

For nearly half a decade now, Josh has been turning his passion into our treasure. Inspired daily by those individuals in his life and the ideals he holds strong, Joshua Lee designs clothes for everyday living. His designs are bold, much like his beliefs. His style mixes the American contender with the bad boy feel. His vibe is one that screams bonafide bad a$$.

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In accordance with his beliefs and support of our troops, he has dedicated many pieces to the military personnel of the United States.

Check out Redhawk Brigade for the newest gear.

Don't miss out on the next big thing!

Weekend Wonders

The weekend was spent doing a hodgepodge of things. The lack of structure in my weekend was somewhat refreshing, but I managed to be on the go for most of it. Never a dull moment in this girl's life, I assure you.

Friday night, rested and ready to go, I headed to The Huntley Hotel for some girl time. With 3 friends in town from Miami and San Diego, I knew it would be a comical night. We sat on the dinner side in a poshy lounge area. We giggled and toasted to friendship. We reminisced about stories from graduate school and my less-adult days in SD.

Saturday was a full day as I geared up for Recruitment (have no fear, I am not going back to college; just advising). I pledged Alpha Delta Pi for life, and I am pretty sure I continue to exemplify the for life part. After a productive meeting, I headed down to the OC to watch the nuptials between Jeanine & Graham. In summary, she was a gorgeous bride. I learned a few Scottish wedding traditions, I adore the idea of "A Sweet Bar" (well a sweet anything is good in my book), and I cannot wait to marry my best friend/the love of my life.

Sunday I spent the morning with my RCIA group as well as volunteering at the Berkeley West Assisted Living Facility. I enjoyed my experience immensely, and I felt it fitting for the upcoming anniversary of MC. Lazily, I decided to soak up the sun with Nik by the beach.

But the most exciting thing to happen this weekend was the return of my sweet ;)