The wheel never stops turning.
Well, we weathered yet another horrid anniversary this past weekend. I can’t believe that it’s been two years since Ben’s passing. It still feels like it all just happened. Some days I can’t believe that it actually has happened, and I wonder where Ben is. I suppose the waves of pain come a little less often, but when they hit, they hit as hard as ever. What’s funny is that it’s the days and weeks leading up to THE DAY that are actually the hardest. I seem to be completely unable to focus on anything, and no matter what, nothing seems to feel right. Then the day comes and it’s like any other day. You still have to feed yourself and the kids. You still have to get everybody dressed. You STILL have to make it through this day like you do every other day. The wheel never stops turning.
Anyway, the girls continue to bring us joy and healing. Madie is continuing to do well in school and as a big sister. She just recently took her first skiing lesson and had a blast. We may have created a monster though since she’s now begging to go again ASAP! Lily is running full hilt into being a quick and overly curious toddler. Some days it’s a struggle just to keep up, and it will only get worse as my waistline expands and baby boy Steadman gets bigger. She feels my heart with pure love and joy and I can only smile even during her worst tantrum.
Dean’s job hunt has finally ended and he began his new job this week. I am so very excited for him in this new journey. He is in over his head, which is how he excels and gains the most confidence and sense of success. I have no doubts that this is a huge step in the right direction for him. All the traveling will be a bummer but is a necessity.
The baby and I are doing great. Our last check-up had him right on target for size and his heartbeat was very strong and healthy sounding. All of the ultrasound scans appeared normal and there is no question that he is a HE. I am trying to enjoy this pregnancy as much as possible, since it is likely to be out last. It’s tough because I also want it over with so I can meet the newest little man in my life.
I guess that’s enough for now, I’ll try to update more often. At least until the baby comes!
All my love to everyone!!!!
Melinda
It is so hard to enjoy a pregnancy when you have a toddler to run after. I know my daughters preganancy was far less fun than my first.
I thought about you all weekend, and sent much love towards you through my thoughts. I also cannot believe that is has been 2 years, it just feels like yesterday that Dean called to say that Ben had taken flight with his new wings.
I love you all very much, and am looking so towards being your neighhbors in June. Okay not next door neighbors but down the road a few minutes instead of miles. Also looking forward to meeting the newest member. Thank goodness it is a boy, it will give Dean a pal when the estrogen runs rampant once a month in the years to come. ha ha.
hugs and love my dearest steadmans.
Shan
I’m happy to hear you’re doing well and Dean’s job hunt ended successfully. I’ve been thinking about you lots. I really need to scrapbook, so hopefully I can use that to get out of my routine and spend some time with you soon.
Hugs,
Alli
Dean, Melinda, and Family:
We’re tremendously happy that Dean’s job search has ended positively! Your posts keep showing how incredibly strong both of you are. Here in NY we’re doing fine, looking at a possible CO trip in June!
Best to the whole family,
Colin & Roby
Just thinking of you, hope your mommy’s day brought lots of smiles for you.
love, hugs and hope
Shan, ABe, Quinn, and Kaely
Hi my name is Rachel, i have a youtube account with tributes to kids at their request (http://youtube.com/lilliesha) which you can see if you want to. I am interested in making a video for kids who have battled DIPG to show what it can do, and how it is a devastating illness. I am asking if i could use your child in this video, i will need to know DOB, DOD along with 3 pictures - 1 before diagnosis, 1 during treatment and 1 of something in memorial of them like a gravestone or plaque. I just want to show people the devastating difference, so if you could send one that shows some of the true tortures that they went through with DIPG so that people can really see the effect of it. I know that not many people know of DIPG but hopefully this may get some awareness as quite a lot of people view my videos.
If your child is not an angel then just 2 pictures are fine - 1 before and 1 during.
Thank you for reading this email, and i hope you think this is a good idea and will send me the pictures to put on, or give me permission to do so.
P.s you can also send me the link of the website and i will put it at the end if you wish. And if anyone has any suggestions of songs to go with the video, then please let me know. I will keep you all updated.
Rachel.
(freshprincess.no1@gmail.com)
Hey just thinking of you guys, and wanted to say how much I admire Dean for particapating in the relay for life. I hope one day all the efforts will finally bring a cure to cancer. Lots of love.
Shan
you rock my world!!!
I feel your writing competence very good, and can we be friends?