New Car!!!

So, things were a bit busy last month and in the midst's of it all I got a new car. After visiting dad one night in the hospital right after he surgery Erik and I purchases our new car in Hudson. We were also able to return our rental at the same time which was really nice! I am really enjoying the new car and hardly miss my old one. Here are a few pictures from today, all shiny and clean, and from the day we bought it....snowy and cold!

The car is a 2005 Ford Five Hundred. It is spacious and very comfortable. There are a lot of fun extra features but so far I like the 6 CD changer and radio controls that are on the steering wheel. There is also an information center which tells how many miles before I will run out of gas. Very cool! The trunk is VERY large and even has a release for the latch inside just in case a person gets lock in. It is big enough for 10 golf club bags. CRAZY! I can't wait for scrapbooking in July. I'll be able to fit myself and 2 others and all of our stuff! Quite a change from my Saturn when I could barely fit 2 people and all of our stuff.

It's a bummer I had to loose my Saturn Ion, because I did really love it. However, I think I might enjoy this car even more.

Loss

The world I know has forever changed. This past week my dad passed away from complications due to cancer. He is in a better place now and at peace. No more testing, doctor visits or hospital stays. He gave it his all and stayed positive but it was time for him to move on.

The loss of a parent is so very difficult. I don't feel like I quite understand what it all means yet but it is already feeling different. I am devastated and very sad, however, I feel relief knowing that my dad is no longer dealing with cancer. While staying with my mom this past week I would come across things of my dad's. It made me miss him even more, especially with his death so recent. I am sure I will come to treasure things of my dad's more and more rather than feel sadness. For now, though I feel sadness.

Coping with loss is hard but I have found that laughing and humor are helping me through. My family and I have shared many wonderful stories about my dad in the past week and it helped me remember the good times. The process of grief is interesting. After this busy week of preparing for the visitation and memorial service and being surrounded by friends and family, I now prepare to go back to work tomorrow (my mom does too). It feels right to be doing that, going back to work, but feels weird too. Sometimes I feel like this experience is surreal, but I know that it's the way things are now. The world I know has changed....not really for the better or for the worse, it's just different and I will grow to accept it and appreciate that change as something that was meant to happen.

Here are some favorite pictures of my dad....


My dad and I at my wedding. We were being directed by the photographer to pose and Jennifer caught us in a funny moment!


Enjoying Bloody Mary's on Mother's Day 2004 at the Creamery in Durand


Dad water skiing on the Chippewa Flowage at age 61!


Mom, Dad and I at my rehearsal dinner, May 2005.