Thursday, May 1, 2008

Parent Appreciation Night

Last night was Nicole's schools' Parent Appreciation Night. Nicole goes to a school with a graduating class numbering in the 30's, so they can do this-without it ending up being an hours long event. It is hard for me to act "normal" in these situations. The saving grace is that Nicole's friend M lost her father when she was 10...so at least there is one person (her mother) who understands that odd, spacey, not wanting to do this without him, kind of attitude. It was very well put together by the kids with some very funny moments. For me, it was bittersweet. It was what Leonard, even more than I, had looked forward to, planned and parented on. He wasn't there, only present in his name on my bracelet. And all of these moments, strung together like those beads spelling out his name, make me sad. So very sad. So very still not wanting to do this thing on my own.

18 comments:

Rach said...

Another milestone passed. Well done, Laura, even if it was hard and awful.

My prayers are still with you and your family. BIG HUGS!!!

Stella said...

I identify with you two women in the "not wanting to do this without him." One band banquet particularly comes to my mind. Time softens those moments, but they still happen.

(((HUGS.)))

Ronni said...

I have Brendan's graduation coming up at the end of this month. I know I shall feel the same. I just have to suck it up for Brendan's sake.

Courtney said...

What a huge milestone for you. You should be proud of yourself for getting through it. HUGS to you!

Erin said...

Hi there sweetie. I just wanted to delurk to say that I've been stopping by here and read every word you write. At the risk of sounding creepy, I think about you every day. My heart aches for you. I cannot know what you're going through, but my heart still aches.

You ARE making it through. One moment at a time.

Donna said...

One foot in front of the other sweetheart......much love to you!!!hughugs

artemisia said...

I would imagine those events set up to honor and celebrate the entire parental unit would be some of the hardest.

Hang in there.

Nance said...

Nicole was certainly grateful for your presence and very proud of you. You should also be proud of yourself as well as her. Thank goodness she had you there.

Sarah said...

I'm sure you know this, but Leonard was there, too, in you and in his little girl. You were the one who had to be the face for the event. But I hope you felt his presence, at least a little. I'm sure he was proud of you, as was your daughter. And all of us.

Shari said...

Thinking of you.

The Lord is carrying you through this like Footsteps in the Sand.

J said...

Yay for Nicole, and for you, for getting through each day and the events that bring joy and so much pain at the same time.

Karen MEG said...

You are being very strong, for you and for Nicole. I'm sure she was thinking a lot about her Dad at this time too.

Hugs to you and your family, Laura.

Betts4 said...

This was a good step for both of you. It was a difficult step, but you got thru it. I don't know if I could have. Hugs to all of you.

Gina said...

Hugs, Laura. And thinking of you.

Kathy said...

Hi Laura,
I hope you have some sunshine and warmth up there in the north! Just checking in to let you know I am thinking of you and wishing you well.

Rach said...

Hi Honey! I'm dropping in to tell you I'm thinking about you.

HUGS!

Courtney said...

I hope you are doing well and have lots of sunshine! Thinking of you!

BetteJo said...

You didn't want to do it on your own, but you did. That's a mom for ya!