Anniversary from Erin

12/14/08

I’m writing this on the day that would have been Mark’s and my first wedding anniversary. One year ago today, was one of the best days of my life. I’ve been struggling with how to deal with this day, one year later, and have now come to the realization that I have to celebrate. Celebrate the love that we shared, the child that we made and the magical time I had with the love of my life. I’ve chosen to spend the day getting a memorial tattoo to symbolize the pure love that I have for this man, even after his death. That love will never leave my heart, and the tattoo will serve as a constant reminder to me of how truly lucky I was to have Mark for 8 years.

With the holidays coming up, please be thankful for your family. Tell them how much you love them and hug extra often.

I found a piece that I want to share. I’m not sure where it comes from, as the author is unknown. I have it up on my bulletin board at work, and read it nearly every day.

Remembrance

You can shed tears that he is gone,
Or you can smile because he has lived.
You can close your eyes and pray that he'll come back,
Or you can open your eyes and see all that he has left you.
Your heart can be empty because you can no longer see him, Or you can be full of the love you shared.
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live in yesterday,
Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.
You can remember him and only that he is gone,
Or you can cherish his memory and let it live on.
You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back, Or you can do what he'd want for you,
To Smile More, Love More, Laugh More and Go On.