This is...

my family. My cousin (next to me) and uncle (fourth one in from left; both in the "middle row") flew in from Chicago. This was taken at the restaurant after my mom's service at the cemetary.

What took place ten...

days ago makes me so proud and blessed to be, not only an American, but to be witness to history being made. I often think about the first time voters, and what they must have thought about being able to participate in such an historic election. I know how I feel being able to, and in a small way, I'm right there with them; for this is my first time being part of such an event (even though I've been able to vote now for over 20 years). I just PRAY that our new President can make good on the promises he's made...I think the entire country is sick of presidents not following through on what they promise in their Inaugural Speeches.

Ok, so now that...

we're in a new year, I'm sort of depressed about it because it means I/we have to face an entire year w/o Mom. I do continue to think that there's a party going on up there, and that she SO INCREDIBLY happy to be to be up there with her family; but I SO want her HERE! I still get mad at the fact that she left us so unexpectedly, but it is lessening with each passing day.

To get Dad out of the house, we all (11) went out to dinner on Saturday. It was so great to all be together; and my dad was in his glory with seeing his grandchildren. It's becoming more of a struggle to take care of him (Dad) these days, but he's still in his house, and doing pretty good with all of us "rotating" in. I hope we can do this every couple of weeks, or when schedules allow.

I hope everyone has a great 2009. I can't wait to hear updates on how everyone's year is going so far.