Thank you everybody for your kind thoughts. We got thru the 17th, and then Father's Day. Brycesmommy, you've been so in my thoughts and prayers. Your burden is great, too, and this time of year is especially difficult for you also. The past 2 years, we seem to be especially vulnerable starting with Mother's Day, then Millie's birthday, the anniversary of their deaths and then Father's Day. I do appreciate your kind words and the friends who called us just to say they know how terrible that day was. Somehow or another, we seem to be able to get things together later in summer, and then we function OK until Dave's birthday in October, remembering the glorious day on which he was born, and reviewing his life and how much we loved him. As I may have mentioned, Dave was a fine, fine baseball player in high school and college; he played until his early thirties, and then work and family left him with no time for baseball. He loved the game, and so did all of us. Last year, on June 17th, we visited his high school and walked to the baseball field. It was completely empty, school being out for the summer. On the bench in the home dugout was a single baseball. I think he left it there for us. This year on the 17th, I was walking my only other grandchild (she's 2) home, and there in the midst of a baseball field, newly dragged and devoid of footprints was a baseball! I think (and pray) that he's telling us that he and Millie are fine, but how terribly we miss them. Bless you all who are carrying such terrible burdens. You're in my prayers.

I agree...you are so fortunate to have your boys' children to love, even though their presence must be such a painful reminder that he is not there. I so wish I had my son's child to play with, but she died with him. My only other grandchild was born to our second son 2 weeks before the accident, and she has helped somewhat to fill the void., although there will always be a huge hole without our boy and his baby girl. I also agree that anniversaries are awful. I've tried to find something positive to do on their birthdays. I give books to the library at Millie's school on her birthday, and I gave money to Dave's high school on his birthday. This year, I'm giving money to our zoo to "adopt" a turtle. He loved the zoo, and turtles were his favorite animals, so we're donating money for a turtle's upkeep this year. I found it also helps to talk to Dave's friends who miss him, too. Talking about him with people who cared for him keeps his memory alive. My prayers are with you...you have a hard road to walk, and I know because I'm walking it with you.

Lou, thanks for the birthday serenade. A BIG thank you to rest of you for the good wishes! I had, maybe the best birthday ever. When you're my age they're all the best, I guess. LOL Monday night, my middle daughter invited us for barbeque supper, Yesterday 3 of my nieces, one of whom lives on the lake invited us for lunch and Fisherman Bob got to fish while we visited. Fished 2 hours and a half, got one bite, but thoroughly enjoyed it. We almost overstayed our welcome, I think. Lunch tomorrow with son and his wife and daughter. Still have a dinner with Bob waiting in the wings. It's been a whirlwind 3 weeks. Mother's day followed by our 50th Anniversary, a short trip to Charleston....I always love going there... and then the birthday. Guess I'll take a backseat now, to Father's Day. Thanks again, everyone You're the greatest! jude

Thank you so much everyone!! I'm just seeing this. As Nita said, I got to spend my birthday in Alaska and had a wonderful trip and birthday. Got to go dog sledding, see the Northern Lights, go to the Fur Rondy festival in Anchorage, visit the little town of Talkeetna, and play in LOTS of snow! I had an amazing time! Thanks again for the birthday wishes!!