Part of my heart is missing...

This week it has been 10 years since I told my mom goodbye. October 3, 1999, Hortencia Clifton left this earth, and I am sure was welcomed into heaven. She received a new body and all sickness and pain was gone forevermore. Wonderful for her, but since she left there is a part of my heart that is missing. The wave of grief ebbs and flows, and today is one of those days when it is painful.





She was my hero, even though it wasn't until after I became an adult that I realized this. She did not receive much education, but she was very savvy about the things that really mattered. She never had much in the way of belongings, but what she had she worked hard for. She didn't have much family; her own mother died when she was only a child, but she knew how to make others feel special.


She sacrificed so much for me to have a better life. She worked very hard so that I could have much more than she ever had. It was very important to her that I have a good education, and I only wish she would have been here to see me graduate from college (even if it was a long time coming).


She set an example for me of what it is to be a giver. Even though she didn't have much, she was always giving to others. It usually wasn't much--a trinket, clothes, a homemade gift, or food--but she did it with love. She taught me about the love of God.


We didn't always see eye to eye, and I didn't always appreciate everything she did. But I loved her and respected her, and I hope that I am passing her legacy on to my children and grandchildren. I miss her so much and look forward to the day when I will see her again.

What's been happening lately...

Oh my where has the time gone, it's almost been two months since my last post. The month of August was very busy and is almost a blur now...

We helped Danita and Josh paint at their new home. Then we helped them move in. Now we have started some painting and repairs at the Bloodworth house in order to sell our first "real" home. Kind of sad to say goodbye to that little cottage!! I might even have to post some of our projects as we go along.

I went to Dublin and spent a couple of days babysitting my grandsons. My daughter-in-law, Ryan, got a coaching job at Dublin and had two-a-days, and her parents were on vacation. So they needed someone to watch the boys. We had so much fun!!!

We went to see Ryan graduate with honors from Tarleton. We are so proud of her and know she is going to be an awesome coach/teacher.

I won a coupon from another blog for $50 off a purchase of $100 or more at Old Navy. Danita and I went shopping together and got lots of good bargains. Very timely with the beginning of school and all the grandkids' birthdays coming up.

My beautiful granddaughter, Brie, began kindergarten. It doesn't even seem possible that this day was already here. It was a little sad for Danita, but Brie was very excited. So far she has been doing great and seems to be liking it.

My husband got his birthday/Christmas gift very early this year. He had been very interested in the Total Gym infomercials, and I decided to just check them out. Well they were having an amazing sale--1/2 off, so I couldn't resist. I tried to leave him clues to his early gift, but it arrived in less than a week so my plan did not quite work out. Anyway he is very happy with it and the smile on his face was definitely worth it!

All in all it was a wonderful month for the Lewis family!!

High School Reunion & Birthday

Freddie & I attended my 30th high school class reunion last month. Wow where has the time flown? It only seems like a few years ago that we walked across that stage and received our high school diplomas. Our futures lay before us and we had dreams and plans for what we were going to accomplish. As for me, my life turned out somewhat different than what I had planned, but God has certainly blessed me along the way. It was great to see some of my classmates that I had not seen since we graduated!




I also celebrated my birthday, yes I still celebrate it. Everyday that I am alive is a gift. I have learned that life is but a brief span of time and we can either make the most of it or just watch it pass us by. Not sure whose quote this is but I really think it is true:

The purpose of life is to have a life of purpose.

Anyway when I opened my gift from my hubby, I thought I was in chocolate heaven.



I received a beautiful frame from Gabe & his family and some great shoes from Danita & her family.



And I also got myself a new purse at a little online botique called LuKels Botique. I have received many compliments on it.


Thanks to everybody for making my birthday very special!