Alex' Birthday

Saturday July 6th was my precious Alex' Birthday!  He would have been 35 years old.  I celebrated by going to see a very old and dear friend who happens to also be Alex' Godfather, Arnold!  He turned sixty on that very same day.  I had a wonderful time!  I do miss the julys in the past when the fourth of july meant the beginning of days of festivities!  The 4th was fireworks, picnics and fun, of course.  The 5th was a romantic dinner with red flowers from my sweet Manuel.  The 6th was the Birthday fun for Alex with a party, cake and whatever food he requested from G-Ma!
Sweet Alex, I loved being you MOM!

It would have been 38 years today

Happy Anniversary to my beautiful Manuel!  Life does go on, that's true.  But the memory of your face, your tender touch and the sound of your laughter are never far from me.  They float in and out of my mind like a never ending ribbon to encourage me, strengthen me, and keep me on my path.  Thank you Man for our thirty years together.  I would not be the person I am today without you in my life!
I love you.  You're forever wife, Patty.

Manuel would have hated this day!  Today he would have been 60 years old.  Yes.  I said 60!  He loved and lived life with such a passion, filling the moments peeking around every corner for another great adventure.  He always felt as if the years were unfolding much too fast, so he raced to try to stay ahead of his enemy, time.
There was another side.  A side that treasured a celebration!  Nothing could please him more than to be surrounded by his family, I mean all of  his family, and his precious lifetime friends!  He would find a moment to catch up with each aunt, uncle, cousin or friend to see what is happening in their lives.  There would be so much laughter and love around us.  And, throughout the night there would be hugs, many hugs.  Not a small pat on the back hug, but a huge, tight, genuine hug that said, "I love you and thank God you are in my life!"  I think that is what I am missing most about my sweet, sweet Manuel today!  Happy Sixtieth Birthday, Honey!

I still feel as if I could reach out and touch him!  Even though it has been eight years ago today, Manuel remains by my side always.  He is here for all of us.  My thirty years with Manuel taught me how to love, what 'family' means, to smile and live life with excitement, and oh, so much more!  But these last eight years have been teaching me that I am a survivor, I have a lot to offer this world, and that I am not done!  The broken shards of glass have been picked up and replaced to make a lovely window to gaze at my future with.  The ripped and torn tapestry has been painstakingly mended into a comforting mantle of love and protection to step into my new life.  I know that I will never be alone!