The weekend

It took me a little while to get my thoughts (and pictures) together from this past weekend.  It was a very busy one - exciting, inspiring and gratifying.  It was also a lot for me and I had my breakdown moments as well.

I had the opportunity and pleasure of watching my nephew, Zach play basketball Saturday evening.  Yes, the Shaker and SHEN varsity teams competed once again.  It was a physical and aggressive game, the players are all so incredibly talented – my nephew included of course!  I did my share of cheering out loud and encouraging the teams from the sidelines.  I was impartial to the baskets being sunk, I cheered regardless of it being Shaker or SHEN.  I made sure to stick around afterwards to hug my nephew, I’m so proud of him.  My family is loaded with sports talent! :-)

There was a wonderful moment of acknowledgement for the Hardy, Wind, River’s and Stewart families between games which was appreciated.  Although it’s strange to wander out to mid court with eyes on me I can’t help but feel pride in my heart.  I feel joyful Chris’ presence was felt, he’s being remembered and that he inspires his cousin Zach.

Sunday was the busiest pancake breakfast fundraiser I have ever been to.  Over $10,000 was raised believe it or not!   There were volunteers everywhere I turned.   

The buffet was non-stop.  I’d be curious to know how many bottles of syrup they went thru.  

I couldn’t even count the number of raffles there were.  I took my chances on several of the amazing baskets that were donated and what do you know? 

I won a white water rafting excursion.  I now have that to add to my list along with sky diving with Jeremy in May! (YES we are going)!

Thank you to everyone who put the fundraisers together for Matt and Bailey.  I promise to pass along the kindness and get involved for someone else.  It’s the right thing to do.

So guess what?  

I met several of my blog readers this weekend.  Two in particular you might know the names of if you read the daily replies.  Jeanine sat with me for a bit at the basketball game and Hannah volunteered at the breakfast.  I have real, new friends! :-)  Blessings on me.  Good things are happening, thank you Chris for helping to instigate our meeting.  There are wonderful people everywhere! 

Justine’s daughter sang the National Anthem beautifully before the game.  That was special.  I’m glad I knew it was her beforehand. I’m also glad Justine introduced herself because I would never have known what she looks like.  We all know she can write!  More than I do most days (ha hah) but it was nice to sit with her for a few minutes and actually speak face to face.  Nice meeting you Justine.

Hannah and I communicated briefly via Twitter when she was looking for a prom gown and I was trying to hook her up with one of Bailey’s that she wore to the prom with Chris.  I was too late in getting to her though and she went and bought one.  Bailey suggested where she might want to go shop and it must have worked out.   It got us talking though.  She’s wayyyyy ahead of her time in maturity and awfully sweet.  She’s even going to look at the University of Tennessee per Bailey’s suggestion.  Hannah you’re a sweetheart and your Grandma is up there with Chris cheering you on doing fist pumps “you go girl!”

Yes, the weekend was busy and by Sunday night I was wiped.  I used to be able to handle a full weekend of activities but it’s a bit too much for me right now.  It’s funny that my tolerance level just isn’t there.  I tire easily.  Not physically, just mentally and emotionally.  I have to tread lightly.  Sunday night I was drained and fell apart.  I gave myself time to release all that had built up and it felt good to cry it all out.

Don’t get me wrong, my weekend was actually really wonderful and when I was out and about my feelings were genuine.  I just think by the time I got home I was exhausted.  Plus, something else happened that I will share another time.  I don’t have the supporting information to post yet so it would be incomplete just to tell you with no visual.  It’s impressive though.  You’ll probably understand why I fell apart by Sunday evening…  I’ll share it soon.

Here’s hoping you had a nice weekend too, especially if you took advantage of the snow day Friday and had a nice long weekend.  Not to wish Monday away but it’s always nice to get that first work/school day of the week under our belt.  Now here we are at Tuesday already and I promised Dawn Wind I would attempt a line dancing class with her tonight.  Oh Lord!

Thank you for reading.