Papaw--As if anyone can even begin to thank you for everything you've done. Thank you for the unique vocabulary you've handed down to every Richard descendant; for the hilarious memories we all have of you; for all of the times you've bought me cheese fries; for all of the funny (obviously made-up) stories you've shared with me; for your extraordinary patience and incredible example of what a patriarch should be.
Mana--Same goes for you; there's just no way to even remember what you deserved to be thanked for. Thank you for being my grandmother; for being "Mana" to everyone, even those who can't claim relationship to you; for teaching me to play the piano and to sing songs with notes I never thought I'd could hit; for always believeing in my talent as a writer and for unfailingly encouraging me to keep at it; for always smiling; for always saying "JIM!--she's going to believe you!" when Papaw tells his obviously made-up stories. I'm proud to introduce you as my grandmother.
Dad--Thank you for saying "Well, to be honest with ya..." more times in one day than I can even count; for loving Mom and your children so much that it shows on your face constantly; for fighting hard and making it through your heart trauma of two years ago; for teaching me how to shoot and deer hunt; for raising me to be what I am--the girliest country girl anyone will ever meet.
Mom--Thank you for raising me in the Traditional Catholic Rite; fo r being the mother of 13 children; for being the most *truly* loving mother anyone could hope for; for having the patience of a saint; for laughing at my moods; for putting up with my moods; for listening to me rant; for helping me prioritize my life; for encouraging me when I didn't want to be strong; for raising me and my siblings to understand the value of family and staying together; and thank you, thank you, thank for my siblings. Thank you for having the courage, the strength and the patience to give me so many of them.
Marc--Thank you for eating Cheerio's from a measuring bowl while wearing boxers about 16 years ago, that image is locked in my brain and still makes me smile; thank you asking me to be Colby's Godmother; for all four of your adorable children, I love them very much; for having that goofy, one-sided smile; for being a dork when you were younger and complaining about your wallet falling in the toilet; for taking care of me and our siblings for so many years.
Crystal--Thanks for being there for me so many times when I was younger, you got me through some hard times--you were a big sister to me and I've never forgotten; thank you for my nephews and nieces; for calling to ask me to be Colby's Godmother; for making the best garlic dip ever, even though I can't eat it anymore.
James--Geez, man, thank you for a whoooole lot; for singing "John Jacob Jingle Heimer Schmidt" down in the basement at the house in Yukon more times than I can remember; for being one of the nicest guys I've ever met; for Marcus, I love my nephew; for never saying anything bad about anyone; for being the reason I met Jenn, Lexi and Gavin; for being my big brother; for being level-headed when it seemed like no one else was capable of being so; for leading countless Rosaries while Dad was in the hospital.
Heather--Remember how we used to drive down the road in your 240 SX, blaring that Veggie Tales CD and singing at the top of our lungs? Thanks for that. You were the only one I felt I could be immature around back then, and we did it in a big way; thanks for asking me to be your Maid of Honor; for my three beautiful nieces, they truly are gorgeous.
Tom--Thank you for all of the interesting conversations we've had. I learned a lot from you and I miss our talks. Thank you for my nieces,
Kelly--Three words....Fat Tuesday 2007. Thank you for that. If I think about it for more than a couple of minutes, I end up laughing out loud. Thank you for the first two months in the three bedroom apartment, that was the best time of my life and I miss it; thank you for telling the muffin joke; for the in-depth conversations we had; for being my sister.
Mary--Thank you for having the sense of humor that caused you to ask "Is it a LampO for my apartment?"; for the Gilmore Girls marathons; for making me laugh even when I didn't want to; for good times20in our two bedroom apartment; for the first two months in the three bedroom; for introducing me to the Life of Riley, I had great times hanging at the Blue Note; for dating John, thereby giving me a friend that can talk books and authors. ;)
Lizzie--Right. Like I could even list what I want to thank you for. Thank you for being my little sister; for being an awesome example to our little siblings; for having the courage to do what you have done; for having the strength to handle everything you have; for being across the living room to lock eyes with during the Rosary; for laughing when our eyes meet during the Rosary; for calling me for advice and then arguing--I'm sorry...*discussing*--what I say. Oh, and for the roof. Good times....
Bryan--Thanks for the phone calls from Saint Greg's; for making me laugh when we're together; for being strong; for making me proud to be your big sister.
John--Thanks for the times we've gone horseback riding together; for putting on juggling shows; for being a brother I can be proud of; for always watching out for your little brothers and sisters; for always being willing to do something to help out.
Becky--Thank you for being the cool little sister all of my friends love having around; for being the cool little sister *I* love having around; for always having something to talk about; for the sister talks we have on the cliff; for being so much like me!!; for watching movies with me; for that thi ng we have...you know, that little voice we both hear that tells us to look at the other?
Hunter--Thanks for always meeting me at my car to carry my bags in; for asking if you can help me with anything; for looking out for me while Bryan and John are gone.
Michelle--Thank you for bringing so much joy into my life; for being my Goddaughter; for dressing up and dancing around; for smiling and running to give me a hug when you haven't seen me in a few days.
Therese--Thank you for being my baby sister; for being my "Snuggle Buddy"; for smiling and running to give me a hug when you haven't seen me in a few days.
Uncle Mark--Thank you for being "the Cool Uncle"; for taking your eye out at the funniest times possible; for making me feel like I'm your favorite niece, even though we both know it's really Becky; for raising your kids to be so close to their cousins, they are my best friends.
Theresa--You've been a second mom; you've helped me and encouraged me and loved me when I needed it most; thank you for all of the advice you've ever given me; for your children; for showing them the importance of family, because their understanding of it rubbed off on me. Thank you for being my mom's sister; for the visits to Clear Creek; for marrying my Cool Uncle Mark.
Mandy--Okay...DON'T CRY or I won't write anything for you. Ready? Okay. You are the greatest blessing that came out of the turmoil of two years ago, I wouldn't give up my friendship with you for anything; you've taught me so much about life and how to deal with it; I've never laughed with anyone as much as I have with you; I've never loved a job more than I love working for you; thank you for asking Donovan why he woud eat the toilet brush; for telling the girls not to "velveeta the mirror"; for letting me help you with the cutest kids in the world; for letting them call me Aunt Tracy; for telling me the funniest stories ever to have been told; for understanding what I can't even put into words; thank you for being a huge, huge comfort when I needed you; for being a true friend; for understanding that this list could gone on forever but it's not going to 'cause I have to move on... ;)
Landon--Thank you for your wonderful children and for letting me help your wife with taking care of them.
Ashley--Thank you for being my first best friend; for being my cousin; for the knowledge that you are always there for me; for Girls Nite at your house; for all of the girl talks we ever had.
Chad--Thanks for acting like you hate me, while at the same time giving the vibe that you would do whatever you could to help me if I needed it.
Melissa--Another cousin, another person to thank for girl talks. We've talked and laughed a lot, and been there for each other during some hard times. Thank you for being a shoulder I can cry on.
April--Thank you for being the kind, sweet and caring woman that you are. You have inspired me by your actions. You are someone I know I can turn to during a hard time too. Thank you so much for being there for me.
Robby--Dude. You're just cool. You can always make me laugh. I love that. Thank you for that and for taking such good care of my cousin and little baby cousins. You're a good man.
Marcy--Heh. Um. Yeah. Thanks for everything. Thanks for the letter I still haven't read; for asking me to go shopping with you the other night; for laughing and being excited when I found what I was looking for; for being the one I can't wait to call when I see a Marine; for meeting me at Starbucks a million times; for calling anyone and everyone a jerk when they upset me; for just knowing things about me; for calling me and saying "Geez, we haven't talked in forever" when it's really only been 24 hours; for being my best friend. I love you.
Anthony--Days at Allaus, hours spent writing a song, coffees and guitar music...these are some of my favorite things. Thanks for being such a great cousin. I love that we are so close.
Mason--Swing dancing, dude!! No one can make me look as good dancing to Glen Miller as you can. Thank you for all the good memories of dancing at various parties.
Nancy--What to say to you...you are one amazing woman. You are a wonderful aunt. You have given so much of your time and attention to me over the years, you have touched my life and made it much better. Than you for letting me live with you for two years; for staying up late nights letting me talk your ear off; for giving me advice I will never forget; for teaching me how to play "Devil's Advocate" and learning from it; for teaching me that there are ALWAYS two sides to every story, and sometimes more; for helping me find a new wheel last year when I felt like I couldn't even make a call on my own. Thank you for being there whenever any of us need you. I love you.
Justin--Thank you for putting up with my computer time when I lived with your mom; for that time I fell asleep on the couch and you put a cover on me; for apologizing to me the other week.
Ryan--Thank you for saying "You're being...goofy" to your mom when I was living there--it got in my head and I've used it ever since then to describe people who overreact.
Jessica--Thank you for starting these emails going; for making me laugh more times than I can count; for letting me be Braxtan's honorary aunt; for the time you looked at a lamp and said "ow!" because the light reminded you of stubbing your toe; for giving the Richard family a little saint to pray to; for reminding us that our family has a positive side and we have a lot to be thankful for.
Dan--Thank you for falling in love with Jessica; for deciding to wait for her; for marrying her; and then for sharing your story with her entire extended family, as corny as this may sound, hearing that story made me believe in true love and holding out for "the one". And thank you for your children, Jaydlyn and Braxtan. You're a good man.
Colby, Ryan Michael, Nicola, Jackson, Marcus, Regina, Veronica, Amy, Warrick, Huston, Dalton, Madilynn, Emma, Donovan, Kya, Karolina, Carter, Micah, Izabella, Emily, Braxtan, Christopher-- I love you. It's amazing to me that every single one of you have touched my life and made me happier. I hope you have the same chance to grow up together and to be each others best friends like we were before you. I hope you each have the chance to make the same type of memories with our amazing grandparents.
Jaydlyn Jo--Keep praying for us. We miss you. Thank you for watching out for us.
God--Thank You for my family. Crazy as we all are, I love being part of it.
~~To all of you--I love every one of you.~~
~Tracy Marie
Saturday, December 20, 2008
April's Email
Jessica, Mandy's right, you are this family's hero!!
Mana, Thank you for always taking the time to listen to us, for always being here for us no matter what has happened! For all the times we would stay the night, for taking on cousin shopping trips, for all the McDonald's trips, and for our wonderful songs and stories you have written us throughout the years! I love you so much!!
Papaw, Thank you for asking Mana to marry you so you guys could start this wonderful family! Where would we be without you?!? You are the patriarch of this family and you are always here to lend a helping hand or to pull an ear, whatever the case may be. I love you dearly, and I don't tell that you that enough!
Mom, Thank you for all the love you give to our family, for teaching us how to love, forgive and forget. Thank you for always being here for us, in SO many ways, for meeting me at mercy in the middle of the night so many times, for supporting me and helping me the past two years with both sides of Robby's and our family not getting along, for being the MOST wonderful mother I could've asked for! For being a great Mima to my kids and for not feeding Micah any death food! ;) For showing me and telling me the good and hard things about marriage. I love you more then you could ever know!
Dad, Thank you for giving me away to my wonderful husband, for working so hard for so long to support Mom and our family, I know I have not thanked you for that before but I am truly thankful for you! For the talk you had with me when you and mom got in a fight and you called me down stairs and told how much you really loved Mom and you promised me you would never leave her, that taught me a lot about love! Thank you for being such an awesome Dad and Grandawg! I love you more then words can say!!
Robby, Thank you for being an awesome husband and a great daddy to our two beautiful children! Thank you for working so hard for us and for helping me around the house, thank you for staying up late and letting me talk your ears off!! Thank you for helping me get out of bed in the mornings when my belly was so huge I couldn't do it myself! Thank you for being so understanding and for being the best husband in the world!! I love you with all of my heart!!!!
Mandy, Thank you for always being here for our family, thank you for your love, understanding, support, and friendship, thank you for being a wonderful mother to six of my beautiful nieces and nephews! thank you for the AWESOME Christmas party's!! Thank you for being my sister and my best friend! I love you so much!!
Landon, Thank you for giving Robby a job when he needed one, thank you for the tires for the van, thank you for the cell phone, man, the list could go on, and on, and on, thank you so much for everything! Thank you for being a great husband to my sister and awesome daddy to your kids! I love you!
Ashley, Thank you for letting us stay the night so many times! thank you for babysitting my kids when I just needed to get away for a little bit, thank you for always looking after Micah and making sure he doesn't get anything he can't have, thank you for staying so level headed and not letting me do or say anything stupid, thank you for supporting us going to Arita's this Christmas even though you really don't think we should, thank you for being a great sister and my best friend! I love you so much!
Chad, Thank you for letting us stay last winter with you when our house was too cold, thank you for always keeping an eye out for Micah when we are there, thank you for taking such good care of my sister and your three beautiful kids! I love you!
Melissa, thank you for always being there to listen, thank you for your time, your love and your commitment to the family! Thank you for little baby Emily, thank you for making good food on Sundays, thank you for being my sister and my best friend! I love you so much!
Marcy, thank you for staying up late with me when I got off work and letting me talk your ears off, thank you for staying with Micah when I had Izabella, thank you for being one of my best friends growing up and now, thank you for being Izabella's Godmother even though she was screaming through the entire thing! Thank you for being my sister and my best friend! I love you so much!
Twan Diego, Thank you for your funny jokes, thank you for hangin' out with my crazy husband whenever he might get a day off, thank you for playing with my kids in the yard on Sunday's thank you for being my brother/best friend and my kids uncle coney! I love ya bro!
Mason, Thank you for helping with anything when we need you, you are always here for us no matter what, thank you for watching out for our kids whenever they are around, thank you for not leaving milk laying around the house! Thank you for being an awesome brother! (my best friend!!) I love you man!!
Aunt Cindy, Thank you for having 13 wonderful children, I love them no matter what, thank you for letting us stay the night when we were little and now!! I love you!
Uncle Bryan, Thank you for always asking if you can help with anything, thank you for always asking how Micah is doing, and making sure your kids don't feed him! I love you!
Aunt Nancy, Where do I begin... Well.. Thank you for letting us call you no matter what time it is, thank you for coming over to babysit in the middle of the night when I was so sick, thank you for always seeing both sides, and trying to make us see them even though we just know we have to be right. ( I don't think anyone is really ever right but me, lol. ) Thank you for having three great kids that I can proudly call my cousins! I love you so much!!
Marc, Thank you for giving me and Robby a job when we needed to make a little extra to pay the bills, God made us family and I love you!
Crystal, Thank you for talking to me and trying to work things out! I love you!
James, Thank you for always showing up! you are a great cousin, I love you!
Heather, Thank you for driving us around when we were younger even though you hated driving! Look at you now, on road trips with three little ones! that's great! :)
Heather & Tom, Thank you for our wedding gift and Micah's baby gift. I love you guys!
Tracy, man, remember the good 'ol day's stain' the night, us waking you up trying to make you laugh, hangin' out on the roof! That was fun! Thank you for being a great cousin, for being there when I need to talk and for thinking my kids are so darn cute! ( or at least just going along with it ;) ) I love you!!
Kelly, Just like I said the other night, I love you way too much to just say good bye and never try again. I love you and miss you and I hope we can talk about things soon so we can hang out like the good 'ol days! Thank you for talking to me! I love you!
Mary, Thank you for listening to all the good advice I give you! :) lol, I love you girl, I can't wait to hang out on Tuesday! It's going to be fun! Thank you for being one of my best friends and my cousin, I love you!!
Beth, Thank you for being such a fun cousin to be around, thank you for always making time for people, I love you!
Bryan Jr., John, Becky, Hunter, Michelle, Therese, Thank you for all the hugs and for always playing with my kids! You guy's are awesome cousins, I love you!!
Justin, Thank you for taking care of your mommy and Jessica, for hanging out, thank you buying Hunter that bike in the summer, you are an awesome cousin, I love you!!
Ryan, Thank you for taking care of your mommy and sister, for hanging out with the baby's and being a great cousin, I love you!!
Heather Fuhr, I don't know you very well, but I like you, thanks for wanting to be a part of this family.
Jessica, thank you for taking the time to write that e-mail, I know you have had a rough year, but we are all still praying for you. You are so strong, so giving and so caring, Thank you for giving us the ultimate gift and sacrifice, St. Jadlyn Jo, I love you with all of my heart! Thank you for being my cousin!!
Dan, I don't know you very well, but I do know that you are someone I can look up to with GREAT respect! Thank you for being so strong for your little babies! I love you!
Warrick, Huston, Dalton, Madi, Emma, Donovan, Kya, K-may, Farter, Emily, Micah, Aboo, Marcus,Colby, Ryan, Nicola, Jackson, Christpher, Regina, Cuppy, Amy & Braxtan,
Man, I love you guys more than you will ever know!! I hope that all of you guys can be as good friends as all of us were growing up! We loved each-other so much, we would do ANYTHING for ANYONE in our family, and we all have Mana & Papaw, and our own Mommy's & Daddy's to thank for that, we have had wonderful teachers in our lives, and I hope you guys will have the same!! I love you all!!
To our sweet saint baby Jadlyn, I'm am sorry you had such a rough little life, I know you know that we were all praying for you! and know you are praying for us now, God knows we need it! I love you! Please heal our broken family!
I love you all with all of my heart!!!
~April~
Mana, Thank you for always taking the time to listen to us, for always being here for us no matter what has happened! For all the times we would stay the night, for taking on cousin shopping trips, for all the McDonald's trips, and for our wonderful songs and stories you have written us throughout the years! I love you so much!!
Papaw, Thank you for asking Mana to marry you so you guys could start this wonderful family! Where would we be without you?!? You are the patriarch of this family and you are always here to lend a helping hand or to pull an ear, whatever the case may be. I love you dearly, and I don't tell that you that enough!
Mom, Thank you for all the love you give to our family, for teaching us how to love, forgive and forget. Thank you for always being here for us, in SO many ways, for meeting me at mercy in the middle of the night so many times, for supporting me and helping me the past two years with both sides of Robby's and our family not getting along, for being the MOST wonderful mother I could've asked for! For being a great Mima to my kids and for not feeding Micah any death food! ;) For showing me and telling me the good and hard things about marriage. I love you more then you could ever know!
Dad, Thank you for giving me away to my wonderful husband, for working so hard for so long to support Mom and our family, I know I have not thanked you for that before but I am truly thankful for you! For the talk you had with me when you and mom got in a fight and you called me down stairs and told how much you really loved Mom and you promised me you would never leave her, that taught me a lot about love! Thank you for being such an awesome Dad and Grandawg! I love you more then words can say!!
Robby, Thank you for being an awesome husband and a great daddy to our two beautiful children! Thank you for working so hard for us and for helping me around the house, thank you for staying up late and letting me talk your ears off!! Thank you for helping me get out of bed in the mornings when my belly was so huge I couldn't do it myself! Thank you for being so understanding and for being the best husband in the world!! I love you with all of my heart!!!!
Mandy, Thank you for always being here for our family, thank you for your love, understanding, support, and friendship, thank you for being a wonderful mother to six of my beautiful nieces and nephews! thank you for the AWESOME Christmas party's!! Thank you for being my sister and my best friend! I love you so much!!
Landon, Thank you for giving Robby a job when he needed one, thank you for the tires for the van, thank you for the cell phone, man, the list could go on, and on, and on, thank you so much for everything! Thank you for being a great husband to my sister and awesome daddy to your kids! I love you!
Ashley, Thank you for letting us stay the night so many times! thank you for babysitting my kids when I just needed to get away for a little bit, thank you for always looking after Micah and making sure he doesn't get anything he can't have, thank you for staying so level headed and not letting me do or say anything stupid, thank you for supporting us going to Arita's this Christmas even though you really don't think we should, thank you for being a great sister and my best friend! I love you so much!
Chad, Thank you for letting us stay last winter with you when our house was too cold, thank you for always keeping an eye out for Micah when we are there, thank you for taking such good care of my sister and your three beautiful kids! I love you!
Melissa, thank you for always being there to listen, thank you for your time, your love and your commitment to the family! Thank you for little baby Emily, thank you for making good food on Sundays, thank you for being my sister and my best friend! I love you so much!
Marcy, thank you for staying up late with me when I got off work and letting me talk your ears off, thank you for staying with Micah when I had Izabella, thank you for being one of my best friends growing up and now, thank you for being Izabella's Godmother even though she was screaming through the entire thing! Thank you for being my sister and my best friend! I love you so much!
Twan Diego, Thank you for your funny jokes, thank you for hangin' out with my crazy husband whenever he might get a day off, thank you for playing with my kids in the yard on Sunday's thank you for being my brother/best friend and my kids uncle coney! I love ya bro!
Mason, Thank you for helping with anything when we need you, you are always here for us no matter what, thank you for watching out for our kids whenever they are around, thank you for not leaving milk laying around the house! Thank you for being an awesome brother! (my best friend!!) I love you man!!
Aunt Cindy, Thank you for having 13 wonderful children, I love them no matter what, thank you for letting us stay the night when we were little and now!! I love you!
Uncle Bryan, Thank you for always asking if you can help with anything, thank you for always asking how Micah is doing, and making sure your kids don't feed him! I love you!
Aunt Nancy, Where do I begin... Well.. Thank you for letting us call you no matter what time it is, thank you for coming over to babysit in the middle of the night when I was so sick, thank you for always seeing both sides, and trying to make us see them even though we just know we have to be right. ( I don't think anyone is really ever right but me, lol. ) Thank you for having three great kids that I can proudly call my cousins! I love you so much!!
Marc, Thank you for giving me and Robby a job when we needed to make a little extra to pay the bills, God made us family and I love you!
Crystal, Thank you for talking to me and trying to work things out! I love you!
James, Thank you for always showing up! you are a great cousin, I love you!
Heather, Thank you for driving us around when we were younger even though you hated driving! Look at you now, on road trips with three little ones! that's great! :)
Heather & Tom, Thank you for our wedding gift and Micah's baby gift. I love you guys!
Tracy, man, remember the good 'ol day's stain' the night, us waking you up trying to make you laugh, hangin' out on the roof! That was fun! Thank you for being a great cousin, for being there when I need to talk and for thinking my kids are so darn cute! ( or at least just going along with it ;) ) I love you!!
Kelly, Just like I said the other night, I love you way too much to just say good bye and never try again. I love you and miss you and I hope we can talk about things soon so we can hang out like the good 'ol days! Thank you for talking to me! I love you!
Mary, Thank you for listening to all the good advice I give you! :) lol, I love you girl, I can't wait to hang out on Tuesday! It's going to be fun! Thank you for being one of my best friends and my cousin, I love you!!
Beth, Thank you for being such a fun cousin to be around, thank you for always making time for people, I love you!
Bryan Jr., John, Becky, Hunter, Michelle, Therese, Thank you for all the hugs and for always playing with my kids! You guy's are awesome cousins, I love you!!
Justin, Thank you for taking care of your mommy and Jessica, for hanging out, thank you buying Hunter that bike in the summer, you are an awesome cousin, I love you!!
Ryan, Thank you for taking care of your mommy and sister, for hanging out with the baby's and being a great cousin, I love you!!
Heather Fuhr, I don't know you very well, but I like you, thanks for wanting to be a part of this family.
Jessica, thank you for taking the time to write that e-mail, I know you have had a rough year, but we are all still praying for you. You are so strong, so giving and so caring, Thank you for giving us the ultimate gift and sacrifice, St. Jadlyn Jo, I love you with all of my heart! Thank you for being my cousin!!
Dan, I don't know you very well, but I do know that you are someone I can look up to with GREAT respect! Thank you for being so strong for your little babies! I love you!
Warrick, Huston, Dalton, Madi, Emma, Donovan, Kya, K-may, Farter, Emily, Micah, Aboo, Marcus,Colby, Ryan, Nicola, Jackson, Christpher, Regina, Cuppy, Amy & Braxtan,
Man, I love you guys more than you will ever know!! I hope that all of you guys can be as good friends as all of us were growing up! We loved each-other so much, we would do ANYTHING for ANYONE in our family, and we all have Mana & Papaw, and our own Mommy's & Daddy's to thank for that, we have had wonderful teachers in our lives, and I hope you guys will have the same!! I love you all!!
To our sweet saint baby Jadlyn, I'm am sorry you had such a rough little life, I know you know that we were all praying for you! and know you are praying for us now, God knows we need it! I love you! Please heal our broken family!
I love you all with all of my heart!!!
~April~
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Mana Light Verse
My Mana is a funny girl,
She makes us laugh a lot.
She's always looking for her keys,
Right in the parking lot.
She used to watch us once a week,
On Thursdays we would go,
And she would watch us very close,
Lest someone stub a toe.
Or choke or trip or fall or slip,
Or break an arm or leg.
She always made us buddy up,
We didn't make her beg (much). :)
She sang us songs about ourselves,
And it was so much fun.
We liked to listen to her tapes,
When every day was done.
My Mana is the best of grams.
We'll love forever more,
The grandma who, despite our falls,
Just loved us even more.
She makes us laugh a lot.
She's always looking for her keys,
Right in the parking lot.
She used to watch us once a week,
On Thursdays we would go,
And she would watch us very close,
Lest someone stub a toe.
Or choke or trip or fall or slip,
Or break an arm or leg.
She always made us buddy up,
We didn't make her beg (much). :)
She sang us songs about ourselves,
And it was so much fun.
We liked to listen to her tapes,
When every day was done.
My Mana is the best of grams.
We'll love forever more,
The grandma who, despite our falls,
Just loved us even more.
Papaw Triolet
Oogly Googly Goo!
Hey, Hey, good lookin'.
I am speaking the language of you-know-who.
Oogly Googly Goo!
Keep your belly in, or he'll get you!
Good chili cookin'.
Oogly Googly Goo!
Hey, Hey, good lookin'.
Hey, Hey, good lookin'.
I am speaking the language of you-know-who.
Oogly Googly Goo!
Keep your belly in, or he'll get you!
Good chili cookin'.
Oogly Googly Goo!
Hey, Hey, good lookin'.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Mandy's Email
Jessica,
You are my hero.
To the rest of my family:
Mana, Thank you for teaching us how to play the piano and sing, for sitting with us during mass and telling us when Jesus got there, for making every holiday magical for the last twenty-eight years, for loving me and my children, for the millions of prayers you have said for us during our lives, for writing us all stories and songs, for giving me advice when I don’t know what to do, for being the best grandmother that any child has ever had.
Papaw, Thank you for dressing up like Santa when we were little kids, for giving us a secret piece of cheese if we snuck into the kitchen after you, for teaching us the traditional Richardisms, gully gully, for showing each one of us how to use a computer, mow the lawn, and behave at a restaurant, for taking me to Disney World and to the lake, for reading to my kids on Easter, for loving us through all of our stupidity and childishness – even when we weren’t children anymore.
Mom, Thank you for creating the perfect balance of mother and friend, for letting me vent to you and never holding it against me, for raising the six best, most incredible siblings in the world, for showing me what marriage is all about, for being a Mima, for helping me every time I need it, and I could list all of the babysitting, loaning, cooking, cleaning, counseling, teaching, singing, laughing, etc., but it would take up too many megabytes. I love you. You are amazing.
Dad, What can I say? Thank you for being the dad that all of my friends love, for always letting us know how much you love us, even though it’s hard for you to say, for dancing with all of us (and Jessica) at our weddings, for being here for twenty-eight years when a lot of dads would have checked out, for telling me about boys, for loving my husband through his struggles, for the Nikes you got me for Christmas when I know they were too expensive, for teaching me how to drive, for being a Grandawg, for Sunday dinners even though I know we drive you crazy…you may want to plug your ears now…I love you so much!
Aunt Cindy, Thank for understand and sharing what motherhood means, and for all the times you let me spend the night and drink coke!
Bryan, Thank you for all of the times you have called just to see if I need something.
Nancy, Thank you for being honest with me. Thank you for being there for all of us. You are a hero, you have shown us what it means to have joy through sorrow, and strength through hardship. Thank you for all of the parties and pictures and bean dip.
Landon, Thank you for being everything that a husband and father should be. Thank you for staying up with me all night when I left the clinic terrified that night. Thank you for all of the times you have helped my extended family. Thank you for always letting me see them on holidays. Thank you for the six beautiful children we have, and for everything you do for us every day.
Ashley, Thank you for always being my best friend. Thank you for helping me with my kids when you were about to pop out Kya (retraction: That was Karolina,wasn't it?). Thank you for choosing me to be her godmother. Thank you for being a kind and considerate aunt, and for giving me two nieces and a nephew whom I adore.
Chad, Thank you for keeping my kids so much throughout the years, for letting me stay at your house when I have needed to, for offering to do it even more, for being the big brother I never had, for taking such good care of my sister.
Melissa, Thank you for always having my back, no matter what, for your loyalty, for my beautiful and sweet niece, for being yet another best friend.
Brian, Thank you for working so hard to be a part of this family, even though we all gave you a hard time of it.
April, Thank you for all of the early morning phone calls, for always being ready to get together, for all of your help with my kiddos, for being my sister and best friend, for continuing to try to patch this family up even though you haven’t had much encouragement, for my awesome niece and nephew whom I love so much.
Robby, Thank you for truly being a brother, for giving me always a reason to laugh, for always being yourself, for being such a hard worker and being such a wonderful daddy and husband.
Marcy, Thank you for being such an awesome little sis, for always being level-headed, for being such a good friend to so many people including me, for being such a loving aunt, for standing up for what you believe in, for practically living at the clinic during 40 Days, and for turning into an awesome adult, and yes, another best friend.
Anthony, Thank you for being a perfectly awesome brother, for being so hilarious, for being a cool Unca’ Coney, for letting my kids play on the drums, for always being there for all of us, what? Yup. Another best friend, just like mom always said.
Mason, Thank you for being a cute little Bam-Bam, for being a great uncle to my kids, for having my back at a moment’s notice, for helping with the scrapbook even though I know you didn’t want to, and uh-huh, for being a best friend.
Marc, Thank you for being Marc-y when we were little kids.
Crystal, Thank you for being a big sister to me when I was growing up, and for all the good times we have had together.
James, You know I love you, buddy. Thanks for all of the late-night talks, for supporting me when I had a miscarriage and when Landon was first diagnosed. For all the good times, for being the easiest person in the whole world to get along with, and for that time I called you crying when I was about sixteen. You talked to me and helped me so much, and I will never forget it.
Heather and Tom, Thank you for offering to help with money when Landon was in the hospital.
Tracy, Where to start? Thank you for everything you have done to help me this last year. Thank you for seeing the good in everyone, and for teaching me to do it. Thank you for being everything that a true friend should be. I love you so much, and I don’t know what I would have done without you this last year or two. Oh, and for the laughs, we’ve had fun.
Kelly, Thank you for being just so darn funny. I miss you.
Mary, Thank you for being so nice to me, even when I know you were mad at me.
Beth, Thank you for being so strong. You know what I mean, it’s been a rough coming of age for you, and I am so proud of you!
Bryan Jr., Thank you for always having that cute little smile on your face. (That’s going to make you mad, isn’t it? J) Thank you for being a stand-up big brother to your little sibs and a good friend to my brother.
John, I love you. You are just so cool. Thank you for always taking time to talk to my kiddos when we’ve come to visit, for being the one willing to hug someone when you say hello.
Rebecca, Thank you for being you. You are beautiful and sweet, and I love you so much. You are an amazing young woman, and I thank you for being my friend.
Hunter, Thank you for always holding my babies, and being such a good big cousin to them.
Michelle, Thank you for always putting up with my boys being ornery, and for always being so sweet and cute.
Therese, Thank you for waving at me at church on Sunday. And for playing with Madi and Emma all the time.
Justin, Thank you for the time I was so upset, and you wouldn’t let me say anything I would regret. And For always being there for me.
Ryan, Thank you for always being willing to talk things out. I love you, man.
Heather Fuhr, I don’t know you well, but thank you for so willingly being a part of this family during a crazy time.
Jessica, I can’t even tell you everything I want to, but thank you for writing this email. Thank you for loving this family. Thank you for letting me go with you to Girl Scouts. For showing us know-it-alls what motherhood is all about. You are my hero.
Dan, Thank you for taking such good care of my baby cousin and for being such a good example of strength and fatherhood.
My nieces and nephews, thank you for being you. I love you guys.
Colby, Ryan, Nicola, Jackson, and Marcus, Thank you for being cousins to my kids before they had any.
Braxtan, thank you for being such a sweet little happy baby for your mommy. You are very precious.
Christopher, I still haven’t met you, buddy, but I can’t wait. I am thankful that you are here and healthy and as cute as can be.
Jadlyn, Thank you for being up there watching over us all, for making such a huge impact on our family, and for being there for us to pray to, to learn from, and to put things into perspective. You are so much more to this family than I can put words to, but you are very loved.
You are my hero.
To the rest of my family:
Mana, Thank you for teaching us how to play the piano and sing, for sitting with us during mass and telling us when Jesus got there, for making every holiday magical for the last twenty-eight years, for loving me and my children, for the millions of prayers you have said for us during our lives, for writing us all stories and songs, for giving me advice when I don’t know what to do, for being the best grandmother that any child has ever had.
Papaw, Thank you for dressing up like Santa when we were little kids, for giving us a secret piece of cheese if we snuck into the kitchen after you, for teaching us the traditional Richardisms, gully gully, for showing each one of us how to use a computer, mow the lawn, and behave at a restaurant, for taking me to Disney World and to the lake, for reading to my kids on Easter, for loving us through all of our stupidity and childishness – even when we weren’t children anymore.
Mom, Thank you for creating the perfect balance of mother and friend, for letting me vent to you and never holding it against me, for raising the six best, most incredible siblings in the world, for showing me what marriage is all about, for being a Mima, for helping me every time I need it, and I could list all of the babysitting, loaning, cooking, cleaning, counseling, teaching, singing, laughing, etc., but it would take up too many megabytes. I love you. You are amazing.
Dad, What can I say? Thank you for being the dad that all of my friends love, for always letting us know how much you love us, even though it’s hard for you to say, for dancing with all of us (and Jessica) at our weddings, for being here for twenty-eight years when a lot of dads would have checked out, for telling me about boys, for loving my husband through his struggles, for the Nikes you got me for Christmas when I know they were too expensive, for teaching me how to drive, for being a Grandawg, for Sunday dinners even though I know we drive you crazy…you may want to plug your ears now…I love you so much!
Aunt Cindy, Thank for understand and sharing what motherhood means, and for all the times you let me spend the night and drink coke!
Bryan, Thank you for all of the times you have called just to see if I need something.
Nancy, Thank you for being honest with me. Thank you for being there for all of us. You are a hero, you have shown us what it means to have joy through sorrow, and strength through hardship. Thank you for all of the parties and pictures and bean dip.
Landon, Thank you for being everything that a husband and father should be. Thank you for staying up with me all night when I left the clinic terrified that night. Thank you for all of the times you have helped my extended family. Thank you for always letting me see them on holidays. Thank you for the six beautiful children we have, and for everything you do for us every day.
Ashley, Thank you for always being my best friend. Thank you for helping me with my kids when you were about to pop out Kya (retraction: That was Karolina,wasn't it?). Thank you for choosing me to be her godmother. Thank you for being a kind and considerate aunt, and for giving me two nieces and a nephew whom I adore.
Chad, Thank you for keeping my kids so much throughout the years, for letting me stay at your house when I have needed to, for offering to do it even more, for being the big brother I never had, for taking such good care of my sister.
Melissa, Thank you for always having my back, no matter what, for your loyalty, for my beautiful and sweet niece, for being yet another best friend.
Brian, Thank you for working so hard to be a part of this family, even though we all gave you a hard time of it.
April, Thank you for all of the early morning phone calls, for always being ready to get together, for all of your help with my kiddos, for being my sister and best friend, for continuing to try to patch this family up even though you haven’t had much encouragement, for my awesome niece and nephew whom I love so much.
Robby, Thank you for truly being a brother, for giving me always a reason to laugh, for always being yourself, for being such a hard worker and being such a wonderful daddy and husband.
Marcy, Thank you for being such an awesome little sis, for always being level-headed, for being such a good friend to so many people including me, for being such a loving aunt, for standing up for what you believe in, for practically living at the clinic during 40 Days, and for turning into an awesome adult, and yes, another best friend.
Anthony, Thank you for being a perfectly awesome brother, for being so hilarious, for being a cool Unca’ Coney, for letting my kids play on the drums, for always being there for all of us, what? Yup. Another best friend, just like mom always said.
Mason, Thank you for being a cute little Bam-Bam, for being a great uncle to my kids, for having my back at a moment’s notice, for helping with the scrapbook even though I know you didn’t want to, and uh-huh, for being a best friend.
Marc, Thank you for being Marc-y when we were little kids.
Crystal, Thank you for being a big sister to me when I was growing up, and for all the good times we have had together.
James, You know I love you, buddy. Thanks for all of the late-night talks, for supporting me when I had a miscarriage and when Landon was first diagnosed. For all the good times, for being the easiest person in the whole world to get along with, and for that time I called you crying when I was about sixteen. You talked to me and helped me so much, and I will never forget it.
Heather and Tom, Thank you for offering to help with money when Landon was in the hospital.
Tracy, Where to start? Thank you for everything you have done to help me this last year. Thank you for seeing the good in everyone, and for teaching me to do it. Thank you for being everything that a true friend should be. I love you so much, and I don’t know what I would have done without you this last year or two. Oh, and for the laughs, we’ve had fun.
Kelly, Thank you for being just so darn funny. I miss you.
Mary, Thank you for being so nice to me, even when I know you were mad at me.
Beth, Thank you for being so strong. You know what I mean, it’s been a rough coming of age for you, and I am so proud of you!
Bryan Jr., Thank you for always having that cute little smile on your face. (That’s going to make you mad, isn’t it? J) Thank you for being a stand-up big brother to your little sibs and a good friend to my brother.
John, I love you. You are just so cool. Thank you for always taking time to talk to my kiddos when we’ve come to visit, for being the one willing to hug someone when you say hello.
Rebecca, Thank you for being you. You are beautiful and sweet, and I love you so much. You are an amazing young woman, and I thank you for being my friend.
Hunter, Thank you for always holding my babies, and being such a good big cousin to them.
Michelle, Thank you for always putting up with my boys being ornery, and for always being so sweet and cute.
Therese, Thank you for waving at me at church on Sunday. And for playing with Madi and Emma all the time.
Justin, Thank you for the time I was so upset, and you wouldn’t let me say anything I would regret. And For always being there for me.
Ryan, Thank you for always being willing to talk things out. I love you, man.
Heather Fuhr, I don’t know you well, but thank you for so willingly being a part of this family during a crazy time.
Jessica, I can’t even tell you everything I want to, but thank you for writing this email. Thank you for loving this family. Thank you for letting me go with you to Girl Scouts. For showing us know-it-alls what motherhood is all about. You are my hero.
Dan, Thank you for taking such good care of my baby cousin and for being such a good example of strength and fatherhood.
My nieces and nephews, thank you for being you. I love you guys.
Colby, Ryan, Nicola, Jackson, and Marcus, Thank you for being cousins to my kids before they had any.
Braxtan, thank you for being such a sweet little happy baby for your mommy. You are very precious.
Christopher, I still haven’t met you, buddy, but I can’t wait. I am thankful that you are here and healthy and as cute as can be.
Jadlyn, Thank you for being up there watching over us all, for making such a huge impact on our family, and for being there for us to pray to, to learn from, and to put things into perspective. You are so much more to this family than I can put words to, but you are very loved.
Jessica's Email
Please just take a few minutes and read this email I have poured my heart into…. If you notice a family member whom this was not sent to please forward cause I would like anyone and everyone in this family to read what I have to say. No response is needed just a little of your time to hear me out. J
It was Thanksgiving Day and I was saddened with the family issues going on considering the separation this brought to such a dynamic group of people, known as my family. As I stressed about these issues Daniel pointed out that the irony behind these problems arising so close to Thanksgiving. He suggested I place my issues aside and reflect on the meaning of what today, Thanksgiving is all about. Take a minute and look back on all you have to be thankful for. My first thoughts were what I alone was thankful for then I took a step back and evaluated the macro perception of this concept for our family as a whole. I asked myself what it is that makes my family so great? What, as a family do we all have to be thankful for?
The following memories poured into my head as I began to answer the questions on why and how our family is so exceptional, no matter the differences we had yesterday, today and even tomorrow……..
· Jackson was born a "micro-preemie" and still survives after ALL odds were against him…
· Braxtan is almost 8 months old and is so healthy for being born at 31 weeks…
· We all have a Saint in our family, Jaydlyn Jo…
· Uncle Bryan is still alive after coding three separate times due to his heart struggles…
· Theresa survived a major car wreck in 1980 while being pregnant with Mandy and delivered her wearing a metal halo brace. In addition to the delivery of 6 healthy babies to follow…
· Mana has a relationship and plays with her great-grandchildren just as she did with all of her grandchildren and children…
· Mandy was faced with a need for surgery in addition to the reality that this surgery would not allow her to have any more children. The support she received from her family allowed her to accept what needed to be done and be okay with the decision she had made…
· You all offered more masses and prayed for my family more than I will ever know during our greatest need for prayer as we basically lived in the NICU…
· Mana and Papaw are advisors to us all. They are always there day or night offering support. They have given all of us unconditional love in addition to support emotionally, financially and/or physically…
· The majority of our family lives so close together and those that live further away will be here in no time when times are tough…
· In respect to the drug issues families have, we have not lost any lives due to drugs. Therefore, we all have an opportunity to help anyone who wants to be helped. We all know our arms would be wide open if one of our family members came to us for help!...
· Mana & Papaw are still alive to share and create memories with while many of my friends don't have any grandparents to speak of…
· Our family has a strong faith in God (even the family members who are not Catholic) we ALL have a strong faith in God and that is truly unique to share with such a large and assorted family…
· Ryan once flew across seas to help Marc when he was struggling with meningitis…
· When I was on bed rest I had a plethora of family members who brought us meals and offered to get us whatever we were in need of…
· When a babysitter is needed regardless of the circumstances, we always know who to call within the family…
· My mom has taken James to the hospital in the middle of the night with concerns regarding his horrible headaches and high blood pressure. At anytime day or night she will meet any one of us at the hospital cause we all know we feel better once she is there to break down the medical jargon thrown at us ….
· Mandy took me to my Girl Scouts mother-daughter event years ago as a result of my mom being unable to attend due to prior engagements…
· There have been some unfortunate miscarriages within our family. During those times our family members have been there or have offered to help during these devastating situations…
· Donavan was Medi-Flighted to Children's shortly after his birth yet had such a great prognosis following his surgery…
· Justin never let go of my hand during my x-rays when I first arrived at the hospital after my car wreck in 2001. He told radiology to give him a lead vest since he had made me the promise to not let go of my hand, and he never did…
· Uncle Marc danced with me at my wedding when my dad wasn't there to do his job…
These are just a few instances where our family has been there for each other in a time of need regardless of any family differences. Whether you were married or born into this family, we all have stories we can add to this list of what makes this family so extraordinary. I hope and pray we will all hold onto and begin to share with others during this Christmas season. There are more important things in life than to focus on than petty arguments and the pleasure of revenge. I am not down playing any current issues nor am I trying to brush them under the rug. I simply don't want us to ever lose sight of the things it took to build this family to what it is today.
There are a number of reasons large families are not able to always be together every year to celebrate Christmas. With that being said, come Christmas Day not all of us will be able to see everyone in our family. Yet, I don't need to see everyone for me to know how important each and every one of you are to me and without you our family would not be as wonderful as it truly is. I have nothing less than an awe-inspiring family that has been created by the accumulation of individualism and eccentricity we all have to offer. Because this year I have lost a daughter to circumstances I had no control over, I refuse to lose anymore of my family members due to circumstances I have total control over. I will say for just a moment please savor these comments addressed above and thank a family member for something they have done for you or simply just being there for you in a time of need even if you disagree with their life practices today.
I love each and every one of you with all my heart,
-Jessica Jo
It was Thanksgiving Day and I was saddened with the family issues going on considering the separation this brought to such a dynamic group of people, known as my family. As I stressed about these issues Daniel pointed out that the irony behind these problems arising so close to Thanksgiving. He suggested I place my issues aside and reflect on the meaning of what today, Thanksgiving is all about. Take a minute and look back on all you have to be thankful for. My first thoughts were what I alone was thankful for then I took a step back and evaluated the macro perception of this concept for our family as a whole. I asked myself what it is that makes my family so great? What, as a family do we all have to be thankful for?
The following memories poured into my head as I began to answer the questions on why and how our family is so exceptional, no matter the differences we had yesterday, today and even tomorrow……..
· Jackson was born a "micro-preemie" and still survives after ALL odds were against him…
· Braxtan is almost 8 months old and is so healthy for being born at 31 weeks…
· We all have a Saint in our family, Jaydlyn Jo…
· Uncle Bryan is still alive after coding three separate times due to his heart struggles…
· Theresa survived a major car wreck in 1980 while being pregnant with Mandy and delivered her wearing a metal halo brace. In addition to the delivery of 6 healthy babies to follow…
· Mana has a relationship and plays with her great-grandchildren just as she did with all of her grandchildren and children…
· Mandy was faced with a need for surgery in addition to the reality that this surgery would not allow her to have any more children. The support she received from her family allowed her to accept what needed to be done and be okay with the decision she had made…
· You all offered more masses and prayed for my family more than I will ever know during our greatest need for prayer as we basically lived in the NICU…
· Mana and Papaw are advisors to us all. They are always there day or night offering support. They have given all of us unconditional love in addition to support emotionally, financially and/or physically…
· The majority of our family lives so close together and those that live further away will be here in no time when times are tough…
· In respect to the drug issues families have, we have not lost any lives due to drugs. Therefore, we all have an opportunity to help anyone who wants to be helped. We all know our arms would be wide open if one of our family members came to us for help!...
· Mana & Papaw are still alive to share and create memories with while many of my friends don't have any grandparents to speak of…
· Our family has a strong faith in God (even the family members who are not Catholic) we ALL have a strong faith in God and that is truly unique to share with such a large and assorted family…
· Ryan once flew across seas to help Marc when he was struggling with meningitis…
· When I was on bed rest I had a plethora of family members who brought us meals and offered to get us whatever we were in need of…
· When a babysitter is needed regardless of the circumstances, we always know who to call within the family…
· My mom has taken James to the hospital in the middle of the night with concerns regarding his horrible headaches and high blood pressure. At anytime day or night she will meet any one of us at the hospital cause we all know we feel better once she is there to break down the medical jargon thrown at us ….
· Mandy took me to my Girl Scouts mother-daughter event years ago as a result of my mom being unable to attend due to prior engagements…
· There have been some unfortunate miscarriages within our family. During those times our family members have been there or have offered to help during these devastating situations…
· Donavan was Medi-Flighted to Children's shortly after his birth yet had such a great prognosis following his surgery…
· Justin never let go of my hand during my x-rays when I first arrived at the hospital after my car wreck in 2001. He told radiology to give him a lead vest since he had made me the promise to not let go of my hand, and he never did…
· Uncle Marc danced with me at my wedding when my dad wasn't there to do his job…
These are just a few instances where our family has been there for each other in a time of need regardless of any family differences. Whether you were married or born into this family, we all have stories we can add to this list of what makes this family so extraordinary. I hope and pray we will all hold onto and begin to share with others during this Christmas season. There are more important things in life than to focus on than petty arguments and the pleasure of revenge. I am not down playing any current issues nor am I trying to brush them under the rug. I simply don't want us to ever lose sight of the things it took to build this family to what it is today.
There are a number of reasons large families are not able to always be together every year to celebrate Christmas. With that being said, come Christmas Day not all of us will be able to see everyone in our family. Yet, I don't need to see everyone for me to know how important each and every one of you are to me and without you our family would not be as wonderful as it truly is. I have nothing less than an awe-inspiring family that has been created by the accumulation of individualism and eccentricity we all have to offer. Because this year I have lost a daughter to circumstances I had no control over, I refuse to lose anymore of my family members due to circumstances I have total control over. I will say for just a moment please savor these comments addressed above and thank a family member for something they have done for you or simply just being there for you in a time of need even if you disagree with their life practices today.
I love each and every one of you with all my heart,
-Jessica Jo
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