Hockey and the Holiday's

Today I went to my first hockey game without Eric, those you who have known us know that this was something Eric and I loved to do. Before Hunter was born and before we moved we had a mini plan and went to many hockey games. We both loved the game and loved sharing it together. We loved it so much that we decided that Hunter was going to be a hockey player, even his nursery was all hockey. Then Hunter decided that he loved baseball, we moved to Temecula and are lives got busy so hockey was put on the back burner. It was great going to the game, not sad, I remembered all the good times we had and it brought back good memories. It was a first that was not bad at all and I am looking forward to going to more games and enjoying this sport with Hunter, yes he likes it too!

Well that brings me to the holiday part.....As Thanksgiving approaches I wonder how it will be for the next 5 weeks. Everybody is concerned about us, well I am concerned about us too. Hunter seems to be moving though the thought of the season as he always did, making his list, excited to be with family and of course time off from school. I on the other hand wonder how I can listen to Christmas music, shop, decorate the house and honestly deal with the family. I also know that I am approaching the one year mark, another year older and my 1st year without Eric. I know that in the end we will all be fine some times will be difficult and other times will not. Like the rest of the year we will just get though and continue moving forward. I wonder as the years pass will I ever have a different attitude? I hope that I will but for now I will do my best to make sure Hunter is happy and I will try to just get though the season with as much grace as possible. I thank all of you in advance for your support, prayers and love....without it we would be lost.

Love,

Hallie

Life's Purpose....

Courage, integrity, honor, loyalty, brave, happy, and a great sense of humor were just a few of the words that described Ryan Bonaminio, a riverside police officer killed in the line of duty. He would have been 29 on Thanksgiving another young person taken from this world at such a young age. I did not know this young man but felt that I needed to be at his service to show my support and for my own personal reasons. It was an amazing service, so much love and even though he only lived a short time here on earth he truly made a mark in this world and the people who knew him were blessed.

As I reflect on his life and that of my own husband I think of the words Eric would all to often say "We are here for a purpose greater than who we are....once we achieve our purpose it is time to go home to God." A similar statement was also made today at Ryan's service. Some of us will never know why we are here or what are purpose is but to live your lives to the fullest potential and contribute something positive is a small but meaningful goal. So as you live each day think about the difference and impact you may have on someones else's life. Live each day to it's fullest potential you may never know what your purpose here on Earth is but know that you are making a difference in someones life.

Love,

Hallie

Another Death....Another Funeral

Another tragedy has struck the City of Riverside Fire Department, a firefighter was shot and killed by a crazed person last week. This is a story we all too often see on the T.V. but we usually change the channel and think "Thank God" it wasn't someone we knew and loved. Nick was a great person who we knew and loved, and he will be missed a great deal. Tomorrow we will celebrate his life and mourn his loss, it will be a difficult day for all involved. Tomorrow will also be my first funeral, my first firefighter funeral and the first time I have been back in the church where Eric's service was held. This funeral will have an additional impact on me as I relive my own loss while dealing with the emotion of another young person taken in the prime of their life. So the obvious question is why would this happen, why would God take another person from our lives so early, what does it all mean? No one really has the answer but as I have done many times in the past, I have to put my faith in God, that He knows what's right and this is all part of His plan. As I prepare for tomorrow I will be putting my faith in God and turning to Him that He can get me though this terrible day with grace and the strength not to question why.

God Bless,

Hallie

Rest In Peace

Nick Barrios

July 26, 1969 - October 31, 2010.

A kind, gentle, wonderful father, son, brother & friend loved by so many. Taken long before you should have been and never forgotten.