Fourth of July at Mema's

This year we started what will definitely be an annual family tradition. Garden Isles, the neighborhood that Mom's new house is in, has always had a HUGE July 4th bash. Now that the house is done and fabulous we all have space to stay, and we made the most of it. It was great fun.

I headed to the coast early in the week with the kids. We had some fun in Bay St. Louis until Mema got there a couple of days later. We had lots of prep for the party, but it wasn't too bad. Brian flew in at the end of the week after a bad travel day from Baltimore, but he finally made it. The party was on Saturday (7/3), and we couldn't have asked for better weather. It was a great time. Boat parade, an amazing amount of fabulous food, live music and tons of fun!

Since we were all together and the weekend was symbolic of when Mom and Mr. Buddy met on July 5th, we decided it was time to follow through with something Mr.Buddy was very clear about. He always was very clear that he wanted us to throw his ashes in the water in Bay St. Louis right behind the house. That was no doubt where he wanted to be. So, Joey Marshall took us out on his boat, and we did it all together. Here is a poem that my Aunt Joanne found and I read. It was absolutely perfect as I truly believe this is how he feels...

You can shed tears that he is gone,

Or you can smile because he has lived.

You can close your eyes & pray that he'll come back,

Or you can open your eyes & see all that he's left.

Your heart can be empty because you can't see him,

Or you can be full of the love you shared.

You can turn your back on tomorrow & live yesterday,

Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.

You can remember him only that he is gone,

Or you can cherish his memory & let it live on.

You can cry & close your mind, be empty & turn your back,

Or you can do what he'd want:

Smile, open your eyes, love and go on.

‘Author unknown’

We then returned to Joey's and toasted with some very delicious Crown Royal Red. He would have especially loved that part! Here is a painting that a very dear family friend had done for my Mom. Two of his favorite things... his boat and his babies. We love and miss you so much!