Life goes on...

Hi everyone. I apologize for not updating in a while. It has been busy as usual at the Weier house. Since Matthew's birthday we have had the St. Mary Parish Picnic, a trip to the Brookfield Zoo, the Christopher Weier Memorial golf outing, Uncle Todd's 42nd birthday, and Lake Forest Day. All this on top of our regular swim lessons, doctor appointments, family dinners, etc. etc. Someone who also lost their spouse at a young age said to me that the one thing she learned about death is that life goes on. This is so true, especially when you have young children. They do not slow down for anything!

The 1st Annual Christopher Weier Memorial Classic was unbelievable. I am overwhelmed and humbled by the turnout for the event. We had over 50 golfers participate and over 100 friends and family members attend the dinner afterward. I am amazed at what our neighbors pulled together in a matter of six short weeks. The "Cdubs" committee was headed by Chris' "BFF" (best friend forever - inside joke) and our next door neighbor, Jim Mangan. Jim worked around the clock with his wife, Christin, and our other neighbors including the Smileys, the Gudvagens, the Schlaffers, and the Reeders to organize all the day's activities, dinner and silent auction. Thank you to all the committee members, volunteers and donors. Because of you, the memorial raised over $5000 for the Weier Children Education Fund. Chris' greatest accomplishment was and still is his children, Matthew, Megan and Hannah. Nothing mattered more to him then their well being. I know that he is looking down with a huge smile because you have cared enough to provide for the education of his three children. Thank you from bottom of my heart for everything you have done.

After the memorial, we headed to Lake Forest to spend Lake Forest Day with Nana and Grandpa Weier and Chris' grandparents, aunts, cousins and their kids. The day began with a parade in front of Chris' cousin, Kim's house, followed by a picnic lunch at Lake Forest Beach and later in the day the carnival. The kids had a blast! I am not sure which part of the day holds the best memories, the kids attacking the parade goers looking for candy or Megan, Hannah and Carly naked by the outdoor shower on the beach. I will try to post pictures of both soon!

Lastly, just when I think we are making progress and getting on with life, I get thrown a curve ball to bring me back down to the reality that Chris is gone forever. I ask everyone to please say an extra prayer for Matthew. Long story short, my brother Todd was sent to St. Joe's ER (same hospital Chris went to) last Thursday for kidney stones. When I mentioned this to Matthew, he immediately asked if Uncle Todd was going to die. Later in the day he broke down and told me how afraid he is that I am going to die before he becomes a "parent" (i.e., adult). He told me that he is so sad that Daddy died and wants to know when we can all be in heaven together again as a family. OUCH. I immediately pulled out a book from my "bag of tricks" and read "A Child's Simple Guide Through Grief" with Matthew. We talked about all the different feelings that we have been experiencing right now and that anything is normal. I think one of the things I miss as much as Chris being here, is a part of the innocence that is gone from Matthew, Megan and Hannah. They have had to deal with more this summer than most adults deal with in a lifetime and I am so sad for them that they had to grow up faster because of this. On a positive note, the kids and I have been seeing a wonderful grief counselor by the name of Jackie through St. Joe's hospice program. Matthew told me he wants to visit with her again soon. I thought that was a good sign. He also told me he wanted to visit the cemetery to see Daddy. We did that too last Friday. Thank you all for checking in. I really appreciate all of your support! God bless, Betsy