Experiencing a New Normal

I've sat down at the computer for the last two days trying to put my thoughts together for this post, but the truth is I can't (and every time I start to type the tears begin to flow).  I'm having a hard time putting my thoughts into words - so please forgive me if this post is all over the place or a bunch of rambling.  Two years ago we made the decision to stop treatments and to come home to hospice.  Two years later (to the date) Jon's parents made the same decision.  Jon's Dad has been battling lung cancer for a little over a year now.  Two weeks ago he was admitted to the hospital for various reasons - and Monday they brought him home to start hospice care.  He wasn't home long when the decision was made to bring him to the Serenity House (almost two years to the exact day TJ was brought there).  I'm not going to lie - this hasn't been easy.  It just doesn't seem fair.  This road is all too familiar and I can't believe we are ...

The parents of some of TJ's closest friends have been brainstorming ideas about a memorial for TJ.  I was contacted by one of these parents who had asked me to check my calendar to see when we could all get together to go over what they had come up with.  Unfortunately it was about three weeks away before we would hear of their plan.  The other parents, along with Jon and I went out to supper and they revealed their plan to us.  I tell you what - this night was so special, bittersweet and so much fun.  So let me fill you in on what they came up with for a memorial (per our approval).  Their whole concept is to bring TJ along with them (his class) to Jr and Sr. High.  They are now sixth graders and will be leaving the elementary later this year - so they wanted something that would follow them to the other building - something that the kids (classmates) would see everyday as a reminder of their friend.  They plan..... to make a time capsule - gathe...