Friday, July 20, 2012

SHE WAS ALL THAT AND MORE

Last week was our beach vacation.  This week is another story (but will post about that later)

I finally MET HER....My first blog friend and the blogger that inspired me to start blogging.... I read her blog a year before
I ever even considered blogging myself. 

Most of you know her as Kat from Just a Beachkat!
If you don't read her blog......you should...She is as real and authentic as her blog reads.  She is a JEWEL!!!




She was everything I expected and more....GORGEOUS, FUN, and Full of Life. 
I felt like I had known her forever.  Just wish we had an entire day to visit.  It was the most fun part of my trip.  We met in Pensacola at a cute little restaurant and then we shopped for a little while.  She was  beautiful inside and out!  And do NOT ever believe her when she says she needs to lose weight.  
She is the perfect size....If you read her blog I hope you get a chance to meet her some day. 

On to this week.....This is the week we had to say goodbye to Parker and Jack as they left the beach for their new home in Katy.  This is the week we have dreaded for three months.

We drove back to Baton Rouge with the boys and Amanda and Micah and had a great dinner at TJ Ribs. We all spent the night (and Jack stayed with us in our room where I snuggled his as close as possible and cried and prayed and got as many kisses as possible.  He owns my heart....  I dont think I slept a wink.   Early Sunday morning Parker came to our room to get him as they were leaving.   The rest of the day is a blur.  All I could do was cry... 

I don't have to tell you what kind of week this  has been.  Jack and I are still not home.  He has a summer cold and is miserable.  We found a 5 star hotel for a  an unbelievable price...you really would not believe me (less than 50 a night)...and have camped out all week.  All the sand filled toys are still in our car.   

We have cried and talked...I have decided if one more person tells me to just "get over it" they may get hurt.  They have no idea what the last 13 years of our lives have been.  The bonding with little boys that was as close as our own children. 
 It feels like we have lost our jobs in life.   I wake up with that deep pit in my stomach and  wonder if I will ever feel happy again.  I know all the  facts.  I know it will only be a four and half hour drive.  I know we have the freedom to visit often...
But I also know we will not be a big part of their lives, I will not have them spending the night several nights a week and they will not be a few minutes away.    I will miss Amanda...She has never lived away from us.  I covet your prayers these next weeks as I try and find a new normal. 

I wanted to post daily at the beach but our internet left a lot to be desired.  We had a fabulous house right on the beach....

We had two bartenders (Ha) some good cooks, late nights on the beach, lots of swimming, ate at some fun places....slept late (me), watched a lot of kid movies for the 100th time, had lots of snuggles with little boys.  Had wet towels by the hundreds it seemed, few naps, just a lot of happy little men....

I read a great book....the story of Bernie Madoffs daughter-in-law,  Amanda and Dana read a popular book...that I won't talk about.   Jack read his normal 4 books...He loved reading on the porch overlooking the kids playing in the ocean.   Overall it was a great trip and we made a MEMORY.

We are family....the good, the bad and the ugly...We are just walking a painful road right now.  A year from now I hope I can smile at this post and not shed a tear. 

Some snapshots from the beach.....you know my family so I am not even going to label them.











 











 


31 comments:

Courtney said...

My heart goes out to you. I have that type of relationship with my niece and nephew and can't imagine having them hours away. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Theresa said...

All I can say is I totally understand:). I understand the love and the tears. I will be praying for you dear friend, you can count on that. It looks like you all had a wonderful vacation Biggest hugs coming your way.

Vicki said...

Looks like you all had a great time at the beach. Will be praying for you as you adjust to your new normal. Your "littles" are growing up, such handsome boys!

Debby@Just Breathe said...

So glad you got to meet your blog friend.

I want to know who would tell you to "get over it" because I doubt that could ever happen. The reason you breathe each day has been changed. My heart is so heavy with your sorrow. ((HUGS))

Love Being A Nonny said...

I would LOVE to meet Kat! She is the one that helped me too when I first started blogging! What a genuine, classy lady!

I have no *pat* answer to your children moving away. It's hard. Very hard. No easy answers. Sorry.

Laurie in Ca. said...

Oh Teresa, my heart breaks for the pain you and Jack are in right now. I am so sorry it has to hurt so much and I can't even imagine. You are in my prayers and will be for a long time. My grandkids live 10 minutes away and we have been so blessed as you have been. Praying for peace in your delicate hearts, and for smiles on your faces when it is time. Wish I could make it better for you.

Love and Hugs, Laurie

Terra said...

You wrote "he owns my heart" and that says it all. My eyes teared up reading this post, since you are often so joyful, and your joy splashes out at me from many of your posts. Here is a hug from me in California.

Channa, Oh its the Coachs Wife said...

Awe, I am so sorry for y'all hurting right now!! I know how much the boys and their parents mean to y'all and are apart of your life!! Sending hugs and prayers your way!!

It looks like everyone had a great time at the beach!! I think next time we will go to Gulf Shores!!

Bacardi Mama said...

Kat was also one of the first blogs I followed. I would love to meet her one day. If there is anyone telling you to "get over it", they are not a grandma. My heart breaks for what you are going through. I say a prayer for you often. xoxo

sharon said...

Teresa, I found your blog through Kat and you are so right about her! She is wonderful to so many new bloggers.
So sorry about your grands moving. I have seven and can not imagine them not living close. My prayer is that in a year you will look back without tears! Praying for your family!
Hop over to my blog when you have time:
sharonscorner-sharon.blogspot.com
Sharon

Linda said...

I do understand...and I will say a prayer for you. My middle daughter Lynnette (Dancing Barefoot), and her family are moving 4 hours away from us too! Boo hoo! Her husband got a job in Kansas City. I am sad, but thinking of it as an adventure for them. And I know that when we go and visit we can stay a couple of days at a time and have real good visits.

May God give you grace sufficient to bear this...as I know your sweet grandma heart! (Pray for me too...they have to sell their house...but before I know it, they will be gone too!)

My hubby and I are praying for Crew. Thanks for the updates.

Love, Linda @ Truthful Tidbits

Kellie said...

Teresa, you know how I keep up with your family through all the technology available... even though I have been "silent", I am still here praying. You and your family have been through so many trials these past handful of years especially and it makes my own struggles seem trivial. I CANNOT in any way understand the heart aches and breaks you have made it through, but I know that it is by the grace of God. I will not tell you to "get over it" EVER, or "it will get easier over time" or anything else of that nature. You will grieve in your own way and move on in your own time (well, God's time). Just know that I will continue to pray for you and Jack and the rest of the family as well. Much love~

Justabeachkat said...

Thanks sweet friend for your oh so kind words.

You didn't meet me at my best since my mind was scattered with my mammogram scare, but I LOVED getting to spend time with you. Just wish we had more time. Maybe next time you can come to Destin. I would LOVE that.

I've had you and Jack on my mind. I know no words can help...just hope all of our prayers do.

Big hugs and much love,
Kat

Debbie said...

Good morning! Thanks for the encouraging words on my blog. I am so glad you stopped by, but even happier I came by here. I am new so I am not sure what is happening here but I am thinking this is your daughter and your grandkids moving away?? Or some other very close family?? No matter who they are, they are pieces of your heart, and can I ever identify.

I was one of those women who wanted a daughter since before I was ever pregnant for the first time. After 3 boys I finally gave birth to my only daughter and our relationship as she grew up was everything I ever hoped it would be. By the time she reached her teenage years we were the best of friends as well. Seriously, I can't imagine any mother/daughter being closer. 3 weeks after she graduated from college, she married the love of her life and moved 1000 miles away from me! It is a good 15 to 16 hours away by car, and even flying because of where they are located takes most of the day traveling. It has been super hard on both of us!! She left behind her whole family, TONS of friends (such a social girl) and everything familiar to her Southern California way of life. They have been married 4 years now and have added precious baby Sam to their little family. I can't tell you the amount of tears I have shed over this. How I feel like someone is missing when the rest of our family gathers now. How I have dwelt on how my relationship with Sam will never be like the ones that I have with my other 8 grandkids whom I see all the time. Now I see her AT LEAST 4 or 5 times a year. Her hubby is a dairy farmer and money for traveling is not an issue, and I am sooo grateful for that. Now, let me tell you what has improved for me over these last few years so that you know there is hope pass this sorrow. Time is what has changed it most. I no longer cry when she leaves or dwell for days on what we did while she was here. We have become VERY use to our way of life now. We talk everyday...sometimes for a couple of hours at a time, but for at least a few minutes. We shoot pics back and forth in emails and texts, and she sends me a daily little video as well of baby Sam. We are soo thrilled when we see each other we talk and plan on our visits for weeks. Meanwhile she has made several new friends (I am soo happy over this) and has gotten involved in her church and community, and I of course have my busy life and other grands. But the thing I credit the most for helping me through all of this is my relationship with Jesus. He connects our hearts no matter how far apart we live, and can comfort me when nothing else does. Seems like He always knows when I just need my girl and then there she is in my arms.

Hang in there. Give your self time to cry. Know it's OK. Realize life will be different, but know that EVENTUALLY you will settle into your new normal. Little road trips to see them all will become your new norm, and your close enough they could be done on week-end turn arounds. Lots of them! Let God comfort your heart, He soo cares how you are feeling. Hugs and prayers to you! Debbie

Chris H said...

so sorry you are so torn about your beloved grandsons and their Mum and dad moving away.
Good luck finding your new normal Chick.

Pamela said...

Bless your sweet heart. I can only imagine the pain of it all. I stopped and prayed for you and hope your "new Normal" kicks in soon.

Anita@Theycallmejammi said...

You have a beautiful family and I know you miss not being able to be with them everyday. We never know what is in store for us, so could be that being seperated will change. I would not know what to do if my Grandbabes did not live close and there are not too many days that go by that I don't see them...I know that I am fortunate.

Gram said...

I cannot imagine how you feel and hope I never have to go through being away from my grandsons. My thoughts and prayers go out to you.

debi said...

Glad to get caught up with you...still praying for Crew.

Hugs!

Sarah said...

What a joy to meet a blogger friend in person. I have been blessed with such the same.

Expecting your normal routine to bring you more joy than you could have ever imagined (somehow).

Delighted to meet you. I hope you don't mind if I splash around a bit to get to know you. This looks like a refreshing place to dip into some serious goodness.

Splashin'
Sarah

http://www.justsarahdawn.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

nice post...i found your blog thrue other follower...thanks for sharing this..looking for to visit more ...blessings

MilandDil Designs said...

Well, I won't tell you to get over it. I will tell you we'll walk through this together.

Amanda may be a little farther away and your boys, but I feel like you have a new NEEDY child (ME) trying to get my business off the ground. I'm learning from the pro (YOU). While I won't fill the void they've left, you are really special to me and I'll shout it to the blogging world (and anyone else who will listen).

Thanks, friend for encouraging me and being my biggest cheerleader!

Sheryl said...

Just want to tell you that I love you and I love your heart!!

http://bitsandpieces-sonja.blogspot.com/ said...

oh I hear you on this one. Been there too, and there is no easy way to adjust, but Debbie in her comments above has said it so right. It will lessen, and new 'normals' will kick in. The love you share will never change, but I do agree, it's a painful time. Praying that you will find new joys and creative ways to stay in close touch with your precious ones. Our hearts love so deeply, and these little ones are so blessed to have you!

RachelD said...

I lost a whole long comment about all the partings from our OWN Grands, and all the sweet memories and wonderful times when we DO meet again.

And I loved your post about KAT---DH and I just returned from a trip to meet two of my fave bloggers at a hotel for the weekend, and we talked, not for hours, but for two DAYS. That was our first trip in about ten years which was NOT to visit GRANDS.

I wish you heart's ease, sweet memories to sustain you, and a soon-together again.

rachel

Love Being A Nonny said...

Just checking in on you.........

Jean said...

Your grief is so real to me. We helped to raise our foster son's daughter Destiny. I was there at her birth and fell in love immediately. When we moved out of the area when she was nine years old, her grief and mine were almost too much to bear. We've done EVERYTHING possible to be involved in her life from a distance (3 hours away). But the memory of that time is still as raw as ever. ((((Hugs)))) to you, Teresa.

Mammy said...

I'm worried about you. Just want you to know that I continue to pray for your needs and of course for little Crew. Hope things are improving for you...I care!

Teresa @ Grammy Girlfriend said...

Mammy...that is so precious for you to check on me. You are right I am walking a very hard road and find it hard to talk about....Send me your email....I would love to email you....

annah99@aol.com

Teresa

Justabeachkat said...

I sure do miss you sweet friend. I hope you're feeling better and will be back to blogging and facebook soon. I need to hear from you.

Big hugs and much love,
Kat

Love Being A Nonny said...

Checking in on you. Not like you to be away from blogging so long........