All kinds of stuff

Yeah, we gotta start
Looking at the hands of the time we've been given
If this is all we got and we gotta start thinking
If every second counts on a clock that's ticking
Gotta live like we're dying

We only got 86,400 seconds in a day to
Turn it all around or to throw it all away
We gotta tell them that we love them
While we got the chance to say
Gotta live like we're dying

These are the words from a song by Kris Allen, Hunter and I like his music and we really like this song...especially since we have a different perspective on things now. I only share this with you since some time has passed and we again get suck into our daily lives and the little things we think are important turn out to be not so important in the scheme of life. So these lyrics help us to remember to say I love you and make sure that every moment counts....don't put things off and don't get so caught up in the daily little things that you forget the big things in life.

Ok, now on to some other stuff.....The BIG decision was whether I continue working or not. Those of you who know me know that I love my job and I love the students I work with. It is a rewarding job and one that I am excited to do everyday. Don't get me wrong it has it's negatives also but I did it for the kids....my kids... Well now that I am the sole caretaker of Hunter and still dealing with my own mental & physical needs I found it challenging to put my heart and sole into a job and have not a lot left over for Hunter. He has needs as well that have to get meet. So a decision had to be made work or not work. Fortunately the decision was not entirely up to me since politics and philosophy had some hand in helping make the decision. So for now I am not working and have decided to spend the time with Hunter, making sure his needs are meet and on myself. I hope that I can get back to the classroom later but only God knows the doors that will open and close for me in the future.

Thank you for all your prayers and words of encouragement. It is so nice to have such a big support group.

Love,

Hallie

Decisions...

One of the most difficult things about Eric not being here is how difficult decision making has become. Of course I am talking about big life changing decisions....the little ones I have under control. Even though I know what Eric would be saying, it was nice to have a sounding board and knowing that what ever advice he had for me it was always up to me to make the final call. I also knew that he would support me even if the decision was not right. I know that I can talk to friends but they will not be there to help pick up the pieces if it all goes bad....I have my parents but then I risk the "I told you so"......I also have Hunter but his advice is really only good if it involves playing baseball. So that leaves me with another void in my life one that is very obvious to me since I am faced with some big decision making. I wish I could elaborate but in time.....for now just pray that I make the right decision for myself and Hunter.

Thanks for listening,

Hallie

Happy Birthday Eric!

Well today was another first and another new tradition. For the last 24 years I celebrated Eric birthday on April 11th, and today was the first that Eric was not here for his birthday. He would have been 42 years old today. So another new first......and a new tradition...celebrating my birthday on his special day. Since he passed away on my birthday it seems impossible to celebrate my birthday knowing that was the day he died. So I took a suggestion from a friend and decide to celebrate my special day on his special day, it was not the happiest of celebration but a day for our families to get together and celebrate the life of Eric and myself. I opened up the presents and cards from my birthday and we enjoyed ice cream cake. There was no singing, candles or other festive things you would think of coming with a birthday. Growing up my birthday was always a very special day for me, being so close to Christmas my mom always made sure it was special and did not get over looked. I have to say that I enjoyed my new special day and enjoyed the company I kept. I am not sure what the future has in store for me but I know that making my special day on Eric's special day is a tradition that I will look forward to in the future. I also wanted to thank everyone who gave me cards and presents in December, I opened then today. Thank you!

Love,

Hallie

Easter

Happy Easter as it turns out this Easter has been easier than expected, I guess because it was not unusual for Eric to be working on Easter and for Hunter and I to do our own thing anyhow. So this year to help ease the sadness and begin a new tradition Hunter and I traveled to Seattle to spend Easter with my cousin Jamie and her family. She has 2 girls and it was great to see Hunter and the girls enjoy the fun of Easter morning. We went to a fantastic Brunch and all had naps! I know that Eric was with us today and I am sure enjoyed his own Easter in Heaven. I guess we have had another 1st without Eric and I am glad that we can mark it off our check list of 1st. Not sure how other 1st will go but so happy that I got though our 1st Easter.

I hope that you all had a wonderful celebration with family and friends remembering the sacrifice that was made for us in order to have this celebration.

Love to all,