Goodbye 2009

As this year comes to a close, I look forward to not only a happy new year but also a happy new decade. I will go into 2010 with the certainty of knowing that the only way Guen could be well was for her to be taken from this imperfect world and ushered into Paradise. She is healed and whole now. We all wanted her to get better, and the prayer was answered in God's way.

We have all been met with countless challenges that have been life altering in differing ways. Friends and family can inspire and encourage each other, but the thing we most need is the peace that surpasses all understanding. All anyone can do is ask for strength from the One who is capable of providing it. I bid you a Happy New Year from the Prince of Peace.

Sister, You're such an Angel to Me

I purchased this ornament this year for my tree, in my sister's memory. Back in the day, Precious Moments was something I was fond of. I was not a big collector, but when we drove across country, we did stop at the headquarters and saw the famous chapel. I was surprised how extraordinary it was. So being nostalgic, this ornament caught my eye, because its a little red-headed girl holding something. I noticed she was holding a little angel in a gift box and thought, wow!-and for a split second I was reminded that Guen was such a gift to me. In the next few seconds I gasped when I realized what it said..."For my sister". It was a wierd-sad-happy-light headed-moment all rolled into one.

On the 12th day of Christmas

Today marks 8 months since Guen passed. You don't realize how precious some gifts are, until you lose them. No one was to know that Guen would be with us for such a limited time. I made lots of assumptions about the future, and had big plans and dreams for us. I completely took for granted that she would just be there-only a phone call away.

This picture is from Easter 2006. As you may know, Guen went to be with the Lord, on His day-Easter Sunday 2009. It was taken in Newport Beach at the outdoor mall, Fashion Island. Guen was a tremendous gift to my mother. Living so close, they spent a lot of time together. This picture is precious to me.

On the 11th Day of Christmas

Guen's treasured gifts were her family. She was very happily married to Dave. She never said an unkind word about him in their 11 years of marriage. Trust me...she's my sister and she would have told me! lol:) I know she loved him dearly and for good reason. The love and care that he showered on my sister for so many years has also blessed her extended family. Their picture is from Thanksgiving 2005.

Guen lost a baby, through miscarriage, that they call "baby Gus". They are together now in Heaven.

The other joy in Guen's life was her daughter, Elizabeth, known to all as Libby. What a dream come true to have a baby girl and the beautiful Libby at that! Through all her pain, suffering, and despair, she only had to look at baby girl for encouragement. God's grace helped her to endure, but the gift of Libby was a special encouragement and source of strength. There they are in Oregon, 2009.

On the 10th Day of Christmas

These Angel Wings are being sold on etsy and I love the concept. The artist, Lana Manis, rolls up individual pages from vintage books. I randomly found the angel wing tea-light holders a few months ago, and have left them up everyday.The picture is a family photo of Thanksgiving 2004. Guenevere will always be our angel.

On the 9th Day of Christmas

This is Christmas 2001 at our old house. We did a buffet instead of a sit down dinner. Guen was really into Nick Chavez hair products at the time.

On the 8th Day of Christmas

This is 2002 at my old house and we were celebrating Thanksgiving. We had no idea that would be our last holidays there, as a new house was in our future. We lived there over 9 years. The domino game is called "Mexican Train" and is a family favorite. Our table is never short of beverages.

On the 7th Day of Christmas

This is Christmas 2003 at the Molloys'. This was the first Christmas in their new house.

On the 6th Day of Christmas

Here we are in 2004 for another California Christmas. Those were dates hanging off the palm trees in the Molloy backyard that day. The picture of Guenevere with Camden is another of my all time favorites. We had a lot of laughter and fun during the holidays. I miss her calling me for advice.

On the 5th Day of Christmas

Here we are at my house for 2005. Guen collected Royal Albert's Country Roses, so I was gifting her collection.

On the 4th Day of Christmas

Christmas 2006 at Guen's house. I brought the food and set up an appetizer buffet. I like these pictures because Guen looks so relaxed.

On the 3rd Day of Christmas

This was Christmas 2007 at Guens house. It was Libby's first Christmas, and she was 3 months old. Guen made a fabulous meal that night...way too much food! I remember salmon, chicken, and beef with all the trimmings.

On the 2nd Day of Christmas

This was last year at my house. I remembering thinking days after it was over, that it was a particularly nice Christmas. When we found out that Guen was sick the following month in January, I was reminded of this. She had talked about her upcoming surgery that night as it was really on her mind. Because she was going to a very special doctor, I had no worries for her...convinced she would be all right.

The 12 Days Of Christmas

Guen loved Christmas and planning special dishes. I always looked forward to what she was going to make, because it would be delicious. She was a happy person and always looked forward to the future. Here she is helping to carve the turkey, Thanksgiving 2008.