Memories

Life has a way of bringing you up short and making it clear what is important in living each day. One knows this and yet we still think about tomorrow or worry about what might happen or dream of better days. Sometimes, those better days never come.

Such is the case for my son-in-law Joseph Patrick Chiasson. How suddenly life can be taken away. He leaves behind two beautiful daughters who will miss having a father as they grow into maturity.

I will only be able to write this in bits and pieces, as my heart is crying for my girls and for Joe's family. Bear with me for there are things I want to say.

I remember the times when Joe and I put up the swimming pools for the girls when they were small. We always had the pools here, because I had room. We'd put them up, then take them down. The next year, repeat. Each year the pool got a little bigger and a little harder to handle. He took me for a ride on his motorcycle one Mother's day, just because that was what I said I wanted. It was fun and scary at the same time and I clung to Joe so hard I could have crushed his ribs. Joe coached Rae in soccer and basketball, and I was so happy to be his 'assistant' for a year or two. What an experience that was. I loved it. So many memories, but so many forgotten things too. Sad. There is so much more in Joe's life, and I have only mentioned some of my special times with him. His life was full, and he has gone much to soon.

I sat one afternoon this week, and got out all the photo albums of when the girls were very small. Joe was a wonderful dad and you can see the love for his girls in his eyes. Thank goodness for pictures.

His Memorial Service won't be till the end of the month. It will be a long few weeks.

So many people are heart broken.

Rest in peace, dear Joe. I love you.