wow... 8 years

8 years is such a long time... when you are measuring in hungry, or cold, or tired, or even excited. But when you measure that 8 years with love, it is but a blink of an eye. When you are missing your loved ones it is just a moment ago they were here and now they are gone.

Today marks the 8th anniversary of 9/11. I am saddened that I was unable to answer the call this year and participate in honoring those who lost their lives. All 2996 of them. Life has a way sometimes of interjecting its head in when we don't really want it.

If anyone should read this and want to read many of the tributes to these innocent lives that were suddenly lost, please visit Project 2996 and visit some wonderful blogs. http://project2996.wordpress.com/

Slipped Away

For my precious niece who passed away August 22, 2008 at the very young age of 34 from complications of gastric bypass surgery she had undergone 7 years earlier. Bobbi leaves behind a daughter, mom, sister and many of us who loved her... all trying to figure out how to put one foot in front of the other. Her presence in this world is missed and there is a void now where she once was. This was our youngest niece, born just after Bob and I got married.

Happy Birthday's are in order

Today is my sweet middle nephew's birthday. He is an old poop of 38 years today. Here is a picture when he was a kid, my little Teton (Stephen as said by his big brother) and his big brother Bruce.

This picture was taken of Steve this fall with his two son's, Garrett and Bryce.

Doll babies aren't they???

Well this Tuesday is my great niece Amanda's birthday also. (She is my nephew Bruce's oldest daughter). She will be sweet sixteen. I put this video/dvd together for her. I will give it to her tomorrow when we have the celebration party for the two of them.



Life is good isn't it. So much to be thankful for, and the new year just beginning.

Sisters :>)

Avery and Amanda

Two sisters playing around. What a great picture this is. Amanda was told by her mother for years that her father did not love her, his family was no good and they didn't love her. Her mother told her that her sisters were not really her sisters, that her father had moved on by having another family.

But look how good life is... She is with her dad, learning to trust and love. Learning that she is loved. And most of all, learning to share her love with her two sisters.

This picture was taken this week at their mamaws house (my sisters home), where they are enjoying time away from baby sister, and getting spoiled rotten by mamaw and papaw. But even that's ok, that's what being a kid is all about.

Thank you God for answering prayers, for bringing this child back into our lives and filling our hearts to the brim. Thank you God, especially now at Christmas to unfolding this miracle for our family.

Merry Christmas to all!

Blessings, Auntie Lyn

Amanda

Amanda

Amanda is home now. She has been with her daddy since the end of September. Life is somehow just how it should be now. Oddly enough, it seems as if she was never gone, as if she had been with the family all along. My heart is truly at peace that she is ok now, out of harms way. I pray that her mom somehow gets the help I think she desperately needs to find peace in herself, and I pray that she and Amanda can somehow forge some sort of friendship in the future, and forgive past hurts. Grudges never helped anyone, they only bring you more pain. I don't want that for our Amanda, she deserves more than that.

It amazes me and saddens me at the same time how mature she is for 15. Never really given the chance to be submerged in the innocence of childhood, being told that your father and his family did not love you, but had replaced you. How absolutely cruel of her mother to do this to her child, in the name of "love". But Amanda has come out on the other side whole, resilient, and a loving caring human being.

Avery and Amanda

Carl Asaro ...just one of 2,996... 9/11/01 to 9/11/06

~He was just one of the 2,996

innocent people who lost their life on September 11, 2001

~He was just one of the 343

innocent New York firefighters who laid down their life in the line of duty to save and protect

~He was just one of the 2,996

innocent people who died that day who was called husband, lover, friend, other half by the love of their life

~He was just one of the 2,996

innocent people who died that day worshipped and called ‘Daddy’ by precious children who thought the sun rose and set in his eyes

~He was just one of the 2,996

innocent people who died that day who had so many varied talents and dreams, which are now unfulfilled and put to rest

His name is

Carl Asaro

On September 11, 2001, at 8:47am Carl was just a 39 year old firefighter connected to the 9^th Battalion, Engine 54 Ladder 4 unit of the FDNY located on 8^th Ave. in mid town Manhattan. On September 11, 2001 at 8:48am everything for Carl and all those who loved him changed forever through no cause of their own.

recent picture of Carl's firehouse
with the dedication mural in place on the door

Carl was an ordinary guy, who did extraordinary things for a living. A firefighter since 1987, he was married to the love of his life, Heloiza. Together they and their 5 children, Philip and Carl Jr. (13 year old twins), Matthew (12), Rebecca (10) and Marc (7), lived a normal ordinary life in Wallkill, NY. Carl’s job and all those who worked beside him, was to run into a disaster instead of running away from it. Carl was just 1 of the 343 New York firefighter’s that day who gave their life just doing their job.

Carl was a Deadhead in the truest sense of the word, hosting a wake/barbeque in his backyard when it was announced that Jerry Garcia of the Grateful Dead had died in 1995. Inviting over 50 guests and decorating his yard and deck with T-shirts and memorabilia of the Grateful Dead he paid tribute to his hero. It is reported that Carl’s memorial service was held on Saturday, October 27, 2001 and that some of his Grateful Dead T-shirts and band paraphernalia was used to decorate his service. As a tribute to Carl and his love of music and the Grateful Dead, songs like “Touch of Gray” and “Friend of the Devil” were played at his service in his honor.

At the dedication of the Firefighter’s Memorial Park across the street from the midtown firehouse where Carl worked, his Battalion Chief Joe Nardone said, when speaking of Carl; “Not too tall but a giant in stature. A man of many interests.” Chief Nardone spoke of Carl’s love of music from Beethoven to the Dead. Carl played the guitar, piccolo, and piano, and he had an interest in acting. He had already starred in several non speaking roles in movies and on television, including “15 Minutes,” “The Siege,” and “Frequency.” He also played a paramedic on “The Sopranos,” “Law and Order” and “Third Watch.” He was looking forward to finally landing his first “speaking role”.

In volunteering to participate in this project, it drives home the fact that Carl was so much more than just one of 2,996 who died that day. Being a widow myself and painting this loss with my brush, my thoughts and prayers go out to Heloiza, Carl Jr., Philip, Matthew, Rebecca, Marc, and any and all of those who loved Carl. I pray that each of them is given a sense of peace that all is well with Carl, and that their journey in accepting his absence in their everyday life is balanced with the knowledge that he is forever with each and every one of them. Five years is nothing when you measure that loss with love.

Today I honor Carl Asaro, as well as each of the other 2,995 who lost their lives on 9/11.

close up of the mural on the firehouse door

I end this tribute with a copy of the Fireman’s Prayer...

When I am called to duty, God, whenever flames may rage;

Give me strength to save some life, whatever be its age.

Help me embrace a little child before it is too late;

Or save an older person from the horror of that fate.

Enable me to be alert, and hear the weakest shout,

And quickly and efficiently to put the fire out.

I want to fill my calling and to give the best in me;

To guard my every neighbor and protect his property.

And if, according to my fate I am to lose my life;

Please bless with Your protecting hand, my children and my wife.

~Author unknown

Photo courtesy of United In Memory 9-11 Victims Memorial Quilt™: A Legacy of Love

Please pay a visit to 2,996 and read your way thru the tributes to these innocent people who lost their life on September 11, 2001.


tags:
never forget
2996
September 11

**because of bandwidth problems, the links to the list of particpants and tributes is directed to a mirror site. You can also make use of the blogroll in my sidebar. **

20 questions...

Found this little Meme questionnaire over at Patrick's Place (who got it from Paul's "Aurora Walking Vacation) and it got me to thinking. There is more to question 3 for me, but it's going to take some time for me to get my thoughts in order. It looks like a future post for me.


1. A month before it happens you're told you're going to lose your memory. How do you prepare for it and do you attempt to regain what you've lost?

First I would record on video, tapes, CD's all the memories I could come up with, and then hit the picture albums and date and identify each picture. Next, I would make a video tape for myself where I would explain what has happened, and where to go look in the albums and tapes and it would all be explained. I would leave a message/note for my self to play the first video and go from there each day. Sort of like the concept in the movie '50 First Dates'.

2. How do you describe your outlook on life?

All things happen for a reason, although I might not understand it, nor like it, at that particular moment.

3. You fall in love with your soulmate, decide to get married, and then find out that person is going to die soon. Do you marry them anyway?

Oh my God, Yes! I can't imagine not marrying Bob and having the time we had together just because I was afraid he would not live a full life. When we married I was told that his life expectancy was diminished due to his injury, but soon forgot all the predictions. We lived what we had to the fullest and each and every moment was cherished and enjoyed. When he passed we were 3 months shy of our 21st anniversary.

4. What are three of your favorite ice cream toppings?

Not a big fan of ice cream, but I would think 1.hot caramel; 2.peaches or nectarines; or 3.crushed heath bars would make a good topping on vanilla ice cream.

5. Is there one article of clothing you love to wear no matter how out of style it is?

I am way beyond thinking or worrying about style, I have things that I have worn for years. When I find something that fits and I like it, I tend to buy 2 or 3 in different colors, etc.

6. Is there one color you wish would go away in fashion?

Drab olive green. Not too many can pull that color off, I definitely can't.

7. What's the first department you head to when you go shopping in a department store?

Shoes and purses.

8.How far away do you live from your parents?

Six miles.

9. Growing up, who was your favorite cartoon character?

Sylvester and Tweety Bird.












I was also partial to Popeye and Olive Oyl.

10. You plan a romantic evening and everything goes wrong, including the fancy dinner you burned. What do you do?

Chuck it all in the garbage and have dessert twice.

11. What's the last thing you bought at the store?

Some groceries for my mom and dad.

12. Have you ever walked out in the middle of a movie?

No. Seldom go to the movies, tend to wait until they are on DVD and watch them at home.

13. What celebrity do most people say you look like?

It used to be Patti Duke when I was way younger, but lately I have been letting this old gray hair grow out, and I have been told I look like Tyne Daley.

14. Is there any piece of jewelry you always wear?

Yes, a necklace my husband gave me on our 10th anniversary, my 2 sets of earrings, and an antique ring my grandfather gave my mom on her 16th birthday.

15. Have you ever tried to pick someone up?

No, I'm not that strong, but I can prevent them from falling too hard. ;o)

16. What's the one thing you always manage to lose on your way out the door?

I forget my water jug and always have to go back and get it.

17. Out of these creatures which one are you most afraid of:
A.) Snakes B.) Spiders or C.) Rodents

Snakes, too hard for me to decide if they are good to have around or not, so I just want them all gone!

18. What's the last gift you bought for a friend?

Bought a fax machine for my mom.

19. Do you ever buy people things for no reason?

Usually. I don't normally buy for birthdays, or anniversaries. I prefer to pick things up when I see something I know someone would like and give the gift as a surprise.

20.What's your favorite way to spend a lazy summer afternoon?

Hanging around the house, listening to the box or playing on the computer.

Well, that's it for now. I can't believe I've done another post so soon. I have been working on my post for the 2,996 project. If you don't know what I'm talking about, sashay your way over to take a look.

As of the last post today, there are 103 names who have not been taken as of yet. Please, let's not let anyone go unaccounted for in this project. If you can find it in your heart to write a tribute to one of the victims of 9/11, just go to the sign up now button and a name will be assigned to you and the means to look this person up and create a memorial to their life.