For about the last month things have been exceptionally busy...most of the time I like being busy, not so much this time around.  It started with the shockingly, unexpected death of one of my daughter's good friends (and Embrace Activism fan/supporter)  Death, of course, is a part of life, but it's much easier to accept when there's been a long and rewarding life preceding--not as the result of an accident.  Even as we grieve life continues on.  I am absolutely sure in this case in particular she'd want everyone she knew to go for the gusto and live life to the fullest.

June, besides being a traditional month for weddings, is also a month of graduations.  I looked forward to my daughter coming home to attend her brother's graduation.  How 6 years have passed since her graduation is beyond me!  (2006 Santa Clara Psycho-biology & Chemisty and now 2012 UW Chemical Engineering & Chemistry)  I wrestled with a mixture of pride and dread as my son's commissioning into the Air Force loomed.  Planning a graduation party and getting ready for guests was sandwiched in between yoga classes leaving the wee hours of the night to attempt any Embrace Activism work!

It all culminated this weekend: Friday graduation & commissioning; Saturday memorial service; & Sunday graduation party.  I can tear up very easily--for happy or sad occassions. I feared I'd breakdown into uncontrollable sobs or out-in-out wailing Friday.  While I was afraid of crying, I was more aghast at the possibility of mascara streaming down my face...hmmm--might have to do something about my vanity.  Anyway--looked into getting eyelash extensions.  I know! Who knew there were such a thing?  I              imagined lushed, full eyelashes with no need to use mascara and, therefore, no worries of black rivulets or looking like Alice Cooper.  Unfortunately, tears and eyelash extensions don't mix...darn!  But I wasn't dissuaded on avoiding mascara.  I opted to 'dye' my eyelashes!  I'm just as surprised as anyone else would be to think someone over 30 (oh alright...WAY over 30) doesn't need to cover the grey, but I've never had to color my hair.  I am, however, an expert in dyeing eyelashes (choose a blue-black mix of color for the best results).

Don't get me wrong---I'm VERY proud of my son decision to go into the Air Force, but I probably wouldn't have chosen military service if I had a say in things.  I can tell, though, he's very happy and excited to begin.  Actually, a retired general who spoke at Commissioning commented that the cadets-soon-to-be-lieutenants were called to service.  Reflecting on that brought a certain amount of comfort too.  

My emotions went from one extreme to the other as the weekend progressed.  But time marches on and life continues--it might not be fair, it might be challenging sometimes, but it can also be enriching and rewarding.  Treasuring our loved ones while they're with us, treasuring the memories when they're gone.  I personally believe love never dies and that love will provide the strength to carry on until you're reunited. 

As sad as I was at the memorial, this Friday the circle of life will be celebrated with a baby shower...I am over the moon with excitement for this new little baby!  I mentioned I believed love never dies...that's especially true for a mother's love.  I've been soooo happy with both my kidlets around the last couple weeks, but the empty nest really IS going to be empty soon.  Tonight I was out buying a gift for the baby shower and came across a (children's) book that brought tears gushing just reading the title:  Wherever You Are my love will find you by Nancy Tillman.  So I bought two...you're always your mother's child!

Health, Wellness (hugs) & CURES!!
Karen