May 9

Today is Saturday, May 9th, it is the day before Mother's Day. You all will be happy to know I received an e-mail from our proposed landlord. It is OFFICIAL! We are signing the lease Friday for the property at 3rd and Herr Streets. I am almost dumbfounded. Everything is so ready to go into place now. No excuses, It is time to do it. It is REALLY going to happen! My daughter and I are starting a completely new phase in our lives.

If you don't mind, I must bring something else to your attention regarding the meaning this date has for me. 11 years ago, Saturday May 9th, was ALSO the day before Mother's Day. I know this, because that is the day I held my mother's hand as she passed from this world onto the next. I vividly remember telling her it was okay to go. My mom was so involved in my life, and so close to my kids, I knew she needed to understand she was free to watch over them from a better place. Mom was barely 55. Many people from New Cumberland and close by knew her as "Connie, the cake lady" She had made so many birthday cakes and wedding cakes, I can't imagine who around this area may NOT have had a slice or two at one time in those 30 odd years of her working from home. She had had Breast Cancer and mastectomy at 38. Unfortunately, it had metastasized into her bones and liver after 16 years of remission. My dad had died of a heart attack at age 52, just 5 years before. With four children, I had, at 33, become an orphan.

I know this is a downer compared to my normal quirky, upbeat posts. I had all the intentions to post something happy and wonderful and a big "Yay, us!!" but it hit me so quickly, just a few hours ago, the irony of this day. I had to share. Please understand.

The reality is, Jess and I are over the moon happy about this, scared as heck and still in a bit of disbelief that this is indeed happening, so I guess I really want to point out how amazing it is, that I will get to take this extraordinary adventure with my daughter, who so often, reminds me of the strong, opinionated, hard working, clever and artistic people that were my parents. My mom gave us good practical sense and dad was the dreamer. She was quite down to earth and he was a schemer.(like the rhyme?) They both had a way with people, and balanced each other out. With all that my parents passed along, we are going to succeed (and with my dad's dimples placed so perfectly on our faces, we will make it look EASY!)

Friends, if you haven't already, please take the time to tell your mom (and your dad, your children, loved ones, and even those who are a pain-in-the-butt) how much they mean to you. I don't care what form it takes, just do it....and please, make time to follow your dreams!



Life is Short, Enjoy the Ride!
Happy Mother's Day!

~~~Dawn