Happy New Year to everyone. We made it through the holidays and can honestly say I am glad they are over. It was definately tougher than I imagined it would be. We had a balloon release for Samantha on Christmas morning that was really beautiful. The balloons consisted of candy canes that were as tall as Christopher, a reindeer, santa claus, and a we love you. They carried 18 notes from family and friends filled with love for Samantha. Thank you to everyone who was involved. We were very touched, once again, by the outpouring of love for our daughter.
We spent New Years Eve with friends and had a nice time there. Although starting a new year after the two we just had is refreshing it is heavy on our hearts to start anything new without Samantha. Two years ago, today, we were hit with the devastating news that changed our lives forever. It is unbelievable still that any of it happened at all. As we approach the one year anniversary of her death I am overwhelmed with feelings of loss and memories that have to last me the rest of my life because no more can be made. It seems like it was just yesterday she was running, swimming, and playing with Christopher happy and healthy as can be. It is a very hard concept. One I don't think any of us will ever understand.
As we continue to take things one day at a time and have our moments we do get a lot of enjoyment from Christopher & Jason. Christopher is so busy with sports and enjoys each one to the fullest His grades have been good and he is really growing up fast, we are so proud of him. He has really kept it together after all he has been through. Jason is following in his big brothers footsteps. He loves to be outside and anything that involves a ball makes him very happy. Every once in a while he will give us a smile or an expression that I could swear I am looking at Samantha. It warms my heart.
Kurt and I have been keeping busy with work. I started working again right after the new year. I am working from home which has been a blessing. It is nice to use my brain again and feel like I am accomplishing something. It has been a while.
We hope everyone enjoyed their holidays. Thank you for checking in on us and continuing to give us strength.
With Love,
Audra, Kurt, Christopher, & Jason