This post was originally written on October 20, 2017 after Sarah’s senior night at the high school football game. That date was also the one year anniversary of the death of my friend Vickie. Sadly, I have another friend who is in hospice at this time, also with a daughter Sarah’s age. Don’t take life for granted y’all. Things can change so quickly.
-Karri Temple Brackett
October 26, 2019
This was a quick one that I just wrote…today is the one year anniversary of the loss of a friend of mine whose daughter is the same age as Sarah and it was with her in mind that I realized how fortunate I am to be here for occasions such as today.
“Blue Flowers”
Tonight was senior night at my daughter’s high school football game. Before the last home football game of the season, senior members of the fall sports teams –including marching band – are announced and walk with their parents onto the field. It is a sentimental night and a momentous occasion in this year of lasts.
As we stood waiting to go through the tunnel, I was surprised to find myself not feeling sad or getting teary eyed. I thought maybe the emotion would hit me later, as we watched the bands final home game performance. I felt a little twinge of nostalgia as Sarah and her friend found us in the stands during the third quarter “one last time”. But no tears.
It was only after I got home and was taking a picture of the flowers they gave us before the game that I realized why I wasn’t sad. I am here. I am privileged to witness these milestones in Sarah’s life and to see her come into her own during this final year of high school.
I still expect tears to be shed, for memories to crop up, and for times to be emotional in the days, weeks and months to come as our family goes through some momentous changes. But I hope to continue to approach these times with the gratitude and knowledge that I am here for her and with her as we experience these moments. The flowers may be blue, but I for one, am not.
-Karri Temple Brackett
October 20, 2017