September SUCKS! It just does. Sept. 1 was hard and I really didn't want to even get out of bed. But the anticipation of going to the beach gave me the motivation needed to pack and prepare so we could leave by the time the kids came home from school. We heard something about a hurricane. Who cares about a hurricane? We have lived through childhood cancer. Bring on a hurricane. Pretty much my only fears are in this order 1. Childhood cancer 2. Clowns 3. Flying roaches. The ride down was long but singing Dixie Chicks and Thomas Rhett songs with the kids at the top of our lungs helped to pass the time. The beautiful pink sky was a nice reminder that Mary was tagging along with us.
Fri: We made it to St Simons around midnight and right as we settled in my phone alarm went off to let us know there was a tornado warning. Again, who cares about a tornado. I took some zquil and slept very restless. I woke up to literally thousands of messages on Sept 2. from our family and notes about Mary from friends. The memories from last year popped up on my Facebook and I just had to turn off my phone. This Facebook breakup is needed. It would take me literally all day to read everything and I would never stop crying. My heart can't take it. I am thankful and overwhelmed by the outpouring of love for Mary and our family but today I can't focus on her death. This damn hurricane wind had better move out and the sun come up so so I can get my toes in some sand!
Sat/Sunday: Update: The hurricane passed. It left some damage around the island. Some palms down, a gas station cover was blown over and some siding has flown off a few buildings. People have been without power for a few days but they have just camped out on the beach with mimosas and eaten at restaurants with generators. Ahhh....beach life. But the sun eventually came out and the wind did die down and the late afternoon was gorgeous. We walked the beach and found our beautiful pink sky. It reminds me that the storm leaves damage but you can go on and find some beauty after the storm.
The next day was a perfect beach day. My favorite kind. The day you sit and watch the kids play happily and the sun shines all day and you sip a drink ALL day LONG with family and friends. Then you get to watch the Dawgs win later that night. Nothing is better than watching UGA in St Simons. Really.
Today it a little overcast but I plan to enjoy every last minute of beach that I can. Being here brings me some peace and I know Mary is close.
Today it a little overcast but I plan to enjoy every last minute of beach that I can. Being here brings me some peace and I know Mary is close.
Labor Day: Now I feel refreshed and ready to go home to start this new chapter. Well, I am really never ready to go home🙄 It was also nice to have my mom and dad pop in for a visit, hangout on SSI and buy our breakfast on the way out❤️
Year two. Ugh. It sucks so far also. It is gonna suck. Next is year 3...then...4. But it is what it is. I have to move forward because it is the only choice I have. I need to look for some joy. I need to honor Mary and help others that can't help themselves right now. And I will do all I can.
Bye SSI, until next time.
Pink sky 
Wind
on the pier.
Waiting for Dawgs game.
In the village
Me and Papa
Wind
Waiting for Dawgs game.
In the village
Me and Papa
Thank you for sharing this touching and deeply personal journey that you are on. Mandy and Steve...you are inspirational! And Mandy...you look absolutely amazing and beautiful in the photos you posted! ME was with you in those pink clouds. She is so proud of your perseverance and grace...xoxo
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