Thank you for your support

I am overwhelmed by the wonderful response regarding Louie’s 40th Birthday post last week… Friends, old and new, have shared kind words, prayers, stories, support and their love.
With hundreds of comments, texts, emails and calls, the following response is a thank you to everyone for taking the time to reach out and make Louie’s 40th birthday a day of celebration…
For Those Friends of Louie… He loves you all – and so do we.
For all those who miss him… He lives within your laughter.
For those who share stories of my Boys… I always love hearing about their escapades.
Those from my high school and college years… Time may pass – but, the bond has not weathered.
Those who still call me lumpy… Don’t stop – it brings back great memories.
Those who still call me coach… Thank you for such an honor and respect… but, you taught me more than I taught you.
Those who don’t know what to say… That’s ok; I too, am speechless – but, I will take a hug.
Those of you who make me laugh… Don’t stop
For those who wonder “what’s Habitat for Humanity”… Sign up to volunteer and I’ll explain it to you.
For those who wonder what #ProjectSemicolon means…It’s a viral movement that is bringing mental health awareness to the forefront. The ; tattoo is a symbol of hope, support and remembrance.
For those who ask why close with ’Peace out’ … That’s how Louie would say “see you later” – he would hit his chest twice and throw you the peace sign.
For those who shared their grief and loss of a child… No words can express my feelings for you; so I would like to share a text I received: “Thank you for being brave and sharing your story. You never know who is listening and whose life you made better… “
Peace out my friends;

 

Louis Jr. 40th Birthday Project

It has been 5 years since the loss of my oldest son Louis, Jr. “One day at a time” continues to be my mantra to help piece together a puzzled tomorrow.
I am always amazed by parents that have created positive change while struggling with the tragic loss of a child. To those survivors, you are my heroes. While these type of goals and missions may not work for others that struggle with such grief, it has encouraged me to begin a journey of honoring Louie with positive energy.
Thank you to my friends and family who stand by my side; who allow me to speak of Louie open and freely, who have walked with me in silence without leaving me to walk alone.
I was given the quote “Grief never ends; but it changes… It’s a passage; not a place to stay… Grief is not a sign of weakness nor a lack of fait; it is the price of love”…
The Price of love is what allows me to endure my grief while creating new memories and sharing the joys of life with my son Chris. Chris and I have adopted the motto: “We can accomplish the impossible; because we have lived through the unimaginable.”
Today, June 27, we celebrated Louie’s 40th birthday in a day of peace by assisting our neighbors in need. We adopted a day at Oneida County Habitat for Humanity helping seniors repair their homes.
Instead of sitting around with mixed emotions we forged ahead and mixed paint to renew the beauty of an aging home.
To help me find my step forward, we painted a porch with non-slip paint so a senior doesn’t lose her step backward.
To patch the empty space in my heart, we repaired the space of a weathered fence to provide safety for someone who lives alone.
Louie was a caring and loving person who was so interested in the wellbeing of our seniors, veterans and disabled he became a certified aging-in-place specialist to assist people with home repair projects. Today marks the day he entered our lives and we will continue to celebrate his life by improving the lives of others as the Peace Together Project.
Louie lives on the other side of the rainbow; but, he was by our side as we all worked together once again. Father, sons and brothers…
Happy 40th Birthday Lou…. Peace out…my son
Love Mon, Dad and Chris