Dum spiro... spero

It has been exactly a year since the dedication of Jocie's monument and our celebration at the top of Beaver Mountain. The family decided to return for a mini celebration. We enjoyed a lovely picnic lunch complete with red velvet cupcakes...only this time I made food for 7 instead of 400. We each took a moment to reflect and say something they missed about our girl. Chet remembered how he would hear Jocie's friends in the upstairs linen closet just outside his room. They would each take a shelf as if they were bunk beds and lay there texting each other. Great memory Chet. We also released some balloons aloft sending our thoughts and love to Jocie. The setting is still magnificent and the site is still so peaceful.

Here is my most amazing family...I love these peeps!

Siblings...

Here is what a little apple beer at high altitude in the

middle of the afternoon will do to you.

My niece Katie throwing down a cupcake.

Although it was exactly a year to the day, the Aspen leaves for this year had already peaked that stunning golden yellow and many had already found their way to the ground. The air was just a bit chillier. One of our balloons even popped as the wind carried it into a tree. What took place that day a year ago, was magical. It was as if all the elements aligned to create the perfect moment in time. I reflect back on that amazing day with such sweet and happy memories. I will never forget the many hands and support it took to make it happen and I am so grateful.

Watching as the balloons disappear into the heavens...

Together we are...

Cass holding her baby doodun!

It is tradition... the last family picture is always a goofy one.

And finally, a picture with all the dooduns!

I continue to be amazed with each member of this family. We all have a unique journey that our grief takes us through. Some days are more difficult than others. And some days I have to tell myself "Dum spiro... spero" from the Latin: As I breathe... I hope.