Saturday, August 27, 2016

I Have A Teenager!

   I feel like the new student walking into a class filled with returning students wondering who I am.... It's been a while, yeah?  There is no way for me to recap a full year into one post but I feel this post deserves it's own.  August 18, 2016 at 12:03pm my Joeli would've been 13 years old!  Are you kidding me right now?!  A mouthy, funky dressing, ornary...TEENAGER!  I feel slightly old now.
  We celebrated in our own way as we do every year. 13 balloons to release, new flowers for her marker, cookie cake with her angel and of course candles.  Dinner out and a foil balloon that stayed with her flowers.  I thought throughout the week what I'd be buying her if she were here and didn't have a marker that required fake flowers. I don't have a clue. 
  Brelan and Mileigh started a new school this year and Joeli's birthday was on a school day.  The ride to school that morning was awkwardly quiet and tearful.  How I wanted to give them what they wanted and what would make it better...her.  Brelan spoke of missing her and knowing that she was happy and healthy and in Heaven but how it wasn't fair because she just wanted to see her one more time.  What do you say?  All I could say was "me too, baby, me too".  I reassured them it was ok to cry and ok to miss her but we also had to be happy for her because she is where we ultimately long to be. They enjoy celebrating what should be and remembering their big sister.  There's always one balloon at the release that lags behind and without fail it happened again this year.  Maybe you can see in the pictures I'll add to the bottom of this post.  I didn't do much in the way of social media this year.  Some years are just different I suppose.  This one was. We were planning for the 2nd Annual Team JoMi Co-Ed Softball Tournament and maybe that kept my mind busy with the logistics that requires...who knows.  We had a dear friend from across the U.S. flying in and all to help celebrate a life that WAS and a life that will never be forgotten!
  Many of you, my social media family, remembered her too.  Many of you I've been blessed to meet and others I just feel like I have.  Most of you have never met Joeli Lynn and you live like you have.  You remember her birthday, you remember her life, you know who she was, and to you....she matters too!  Thank you! Please continue sharing her story and sharing our story. Please continue praying for our family as we live this life incomplete. #SINGLOUD #HAPPYBDAYJ13
  We love you and are blessed by you!