The Day Before

The middle of August to beyond the middle of September is always a significant time of year to me. September 16, 1991 was the last 24 hour day that I had with Ashleigh (click here if you would like to read about it). Today was very different than that day of twenty-one years ago. The best part of today was going to see Mason in his primary program. He sat so reverently on the stand, he said his part perfectly, and he sang the songs with all of his heart. Of course I had to sneak a few glances at my baby boy, the proud daddy who had a big smile on his face... which brought tears to my eyes as I reflected on primary programs of not so long ago.

I realize that this time of year is significant to many others as well. On the 15th my niece Megan celebrated her twenty-first birthday. Megan was born less than 36 hours before Ashleigh passed away. As I looked at pictures that Megan just posted on facebook I can't believe she is already twenty-one... she is a beautiful young woman, inside and out.

September 17th is Caitlin's half birthday. She was born exactly 18 months after Ashleigh passed away. I am so grateful for Caitlin, she blesses my life daily. She is my best girlfriend. In some ways I think she saved me.

I have been blessed with some dear friends, and consequently, their daughters are my dear friends as well.

Stephanie Johnson Lambert was married on September 17th. I remember that day so well as I was privileged to be there in the temple with her. I was so happy for Steph. What a happy September 17th.

I remember the September 17th when Charity Johnson Dabel received the most precious gift as her baby son Kadon was placed in her arms. Kadon makes me happy every time I see him as he greets me with a huge smile and enthusiastic wave.

Two of the men in my life; my brother Alan and my grandson James share September 12th birthdays.

There are some sad and tragic memories associated with these few days in September. Six days before the 10th anniversary of Ashleigh's death was 9/11. I will never forget that day.

I had only one cousin that was my age and he passed away when he was seven... September 17th would be his 54th birthday.

Happy and sad... good and bad memories; some of the circumstances that make life... life. Of course tender memories surface each September 17th (which I like to refer to as "Ashleigh's Day"), bringing with them waves of emotions including tears and sometimes sadness... but also feelings of love and peace and the assurance that we will be together again.

Here's hoping that this September 17th will be a joyous one with happy new memories to add to the list.

Family Friday: Featuring My Niece Megan

Last week I bragged about my handsome nephews, well I also have many beautiful nieces. You've already met Becca, Tara, and Jessica; this week I'm featuring Megan.

Several years ago on one of our beach house trips, Megan rode with us to California. It was just me, Michael, Caitlin, and Megan in the car. Caitlin loved having Megan with us. We have a tradition of singing along with the Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat CD while we are driving through California, and so we all sang our way across the desert. Caitlin and Megan had so much fun together on that trip. It was a couple of years later on another California trip that the now famous 'Betty' emerged late one night while we were in Disneyland. Megan and I were two of the few that were there when it happened. We've had a lot of fun and laughs with 'Betty' in the past few years.

Megan and some of her cousins at the beach two weeks ago: Megan, Chelsea, Caitlin, and Tara

Last spring Megan went to Southern California on a trip with her high school. While on the trip she went to Disneyland and as she was standing in a line she heard a young man drop "the bomb". Here she was in the 'happiest place on earth' and someone said that word. Her response to the young man was, "we're in Disneyland!" He quickly repented. I'm proud of Megan for "standing up".

Megan loves her family and they are very close. She has an older sister Melissa; and an older brother Sean. Melissa is married and lives in Las Vegas and Sean is serving a mission in Australia. Although they are 6 years apart Megan and Melissa are great friends as well as sisters. Megan is so excited about Melissa's baby who will be arriving in just weeks. Megan is currently the only child living at home with her parents and I'm sure that she is doing a great job of raising them!

Some things to know about Megan: She is going to be starting her senior year at WHS this fall, she is the President of her Laurel class, she earned her Young Womanhood Recognition at the age of 14, she's motivated, she's preparing for college, she's looking forward to becoming an aunt (very soon), she is one of eight girls in our family (including me) that has the middle name of Ann, Megan is very polite and has nice manners, she has a beautiful smile, Megan is truly a valued member of our family and we all love her.

Megan's family in 2007: Megan, Margie, Melissa, Sean, Tim, Adam