The Birthday Song

Happy Birthday, Katy! 19 and counting...

This is the first year without seeing her. I really wanted to do something special for her long distance. This is what I came up with...

In the past few years, my cousin, Paul, has been hired by our choir to do dvd's of the year's events for our banquet. He always does a great job.

For Katy's "card", he and I collaborated. Her roommate, Dani, got in on the sneak, and in moments Katy will receive this...

Happy Birthday, Katy!

click on the link above to watch her card...

The Weekend Through Emma's Eyes

This past weekend was filled with tears and laughter. Sarah would've liked the fun. I told Emma our day in Manhattan was completely up to her. I just had to get to Zabar's, but other than that, it was all Em! We went to 5th Ave., Rockefeller, Columbia, Central Park, Times Square....all her favorites! The $7 all day subway passes are the best deal going in The City! And of course, the PIZZA!

Here are some of Emma's photos...

Flowers from RHS Choir for Sarah's Memorial

Driving through Harlem on our way to Long Island, we got to see the Apollo

Emma really wanted to go up to Columbia University for a visit....

Bathesda Fountain was a must go to

...she wasn't too sure about the guy doing her charicature!

But of course, Strawberry Fields in Central Park is always interesting!

A Week No Mother Should Endure

One week ago this morning, Emma discovered on Facebook at 6 am that a good friend had died the afternoon before. Sarah Davis, a fellow senior in high school, and Em had been friends since the 5th grade. She and her family moved to New Hyde Park, NY in Jan. of 2006 due to a job change. Her dad was the youth pastor at our former church, Covenant Life Pres. here in Sarasota. Sarah was a student accompanist with me at RHS. Her loss is devastating to many from CLPC and RHS combined. Today is her mother's birthday.

The unthinkable for any mother began with the "Sarah hasn't yet arrived" for a babysitting job 6 blocks from home. We all feel Laura Davis' pain who have birthed our own. The outcome of Laura and Joe's decisions allowed many recipients to receive the organs needed to sustain their own life, even as we grieved with them through the loss of Sarah. I admire my friends' strength during such a time.

The following is the pictoral through my eyes of the impromptu weekend in NYC. We unexpectedly were able to spend time with my cousins Nathan, Nancy, and Lesley. I had a much needed weekend with Emma. I hate the circumstances why. I was able to meet new friends who I hope will be able to come to Florida at some point and meet Garland. I wish we lived closer to each other.

Blessings among heartache.

Perspective in the unthinkable.

These are my photos....