Memorial Weekend.

This Memorial Weekend we returned home to Walla Walla to remember.

To celebrate.

To laugh, cry, and surround ourselves in all things that remind us of him: shrimp creole, Beaujolais music, heartfelt toasts, a drive into the mountains, a look through old pictures...

Because 10 years ago my sweet dad said good-bye to us.

We drove up 5,300 feet in elevation into the Blue Mountains to try and reach Yellow Jacket Point...his special look out point that he knew he wanted as his final resting place.

The snow drifts kept us from reaching our final destination this trip up, but I realize now he was probably looking down smiling at us the whole time.

Because to him...it was never really about the final destination, it was all about the journey.

We miss you dad.

We miss your sweet smile and your calming presence.

We miss your teasing nature and your reminders for us to all "be pleasant".

Thank goodness we have so many wonderful memories to hold close to our hearts.

And thank goodness you were ours.

Because you were the best.

My most important role.

Being a mama.

It's my second Mother's Day as a mom myself, and I can't help but look back through pictures of the day that made me just that.

 Her mama.

And this little one-to-be inside me's mama.

It is the most amazing, challenging, fulfilling, and purposeful role I have ever and will ever have. Being a mother completes me in a way that nothing else can.

Simply put, it is what I was meant to do and to be.

To love her, to guide her and to nurture her life.

So Miss Charlotte Gracie girl...thank you for giving me this opportunity.

Thank you for loving me even on the days I have no clue what I'm doing.

Thank you for making me a mama.

i carry your heart {i carry it in my heart} -e.e. cummings