The bird turned ONE!!!

This past Saturday I helped celebrate a birthday. I didn't carry with me a bottle of wine or even a cooler of beer. As a matter of fact I didn't even carry a present.

I arrived at The Cornett household to the usual - AnnaMarie opening the front door for me before I could even get out of my car. This is something she does EVERY TIME I arrive at her house. She doesn't know it, but I adore it. It makes me have those warm fuzzies, like when you arrive home. Sophie sat in the floor playing. . .she's gotten SO big. I wished her a Happy Birthday to which she showed me her teeth in a squeelish grin.

Anna had her birthday gear all packed up so we casually strolled to the park watching Roy push Sophie in her stroller while Riley walked along beside them. I love this Cornett family.

AnnMarie and I wiped down tables and had sarcastic conversation for our entertainment. Riley and I developed a system of tying twine onto a roll of duct tape then launching it high, through the tree limbs so to suspend birthday decorations.

Finally, the set-up was complete. I grabbed hold of Sophie, laid on a sheet and held her high into the air, lowered to my face and kissed her cheeks. I must have done this 20 times. She would laugh and slobber on me, I would laugh and wipe it off.

I can't believe she's a year old. How time flies. Soon she'll be having intelligent conversation. I expect her first words to be "Vote for Obama". Let's hope it's more like "Dada" or "Mama".

I doubt it.

I've watched her change the life of her Mom, my dear friend AnnaMarie. You see, Anna has always had this glow to her face. But this little girl radiates her to a level that is indescribable.

I love watching her with their little creation.

She giggles and smiles and sometimes looks at her in awe.

It's beautiful to see.

Sophie -

A year ago you entered our world. I had anticipated you for so long for so many reasons.

Your mom handed you to me and my heart melted.

Some highlights of mine from your first year!

1. Your mom's face as she handed you to me for the first time.

2. Telling you about strappy sandals and Ann Taylor when you were 6 hours old.

3. Helping your mom change one of your first diapers.

4. You coming to my Halloween party in costume when you were one month old!!!

5. Timothy and I singing "A case of you" to you while walking around the festival grounds trying to get you to sleep.

6. All of us singing "Gin and Juice" to you lullaby style at the festival.

7. Watching you play in the bath tub.

8. Rocking you to sleep the night I babysat you while your parent's went on a date.

9. Laying in the grass flying you above my head airplane style singing happy birthday to you while you laughed.

Happy birthday girl!

I love you!

every "one" counts

Yesterday marked the one year anniversary of Flight 5191 crashing and killing 49 people.

Today marked the 366th day I've lived without my dear friend.

Sunday we drove to the "remembering 5191" service being held at Southland Christian Church. People lined the street holding signs: "We love you", "We will never forget", "God is holding your loved ones" It was moving beyond words.

I have seen Senior Minister John Weece speak twice now. The first was at Fenton's funeral, the second at the remembrance service held for Fenton and 48 others on Sunday.

He is without doubt, one of the most gifted speakers I have ever had the pleasure of listening to.

His words educate me, touch me and fill me with emotion and want to do things better; BE better.

He sat quietly wearing a black shirt imprinted with only (in white letters) 5191.

When it came time for him to give guidance with his amazing insight and comforting words, he said nothing, not one spoken word.

A stack of poster boards carried his message to 1,200 ears, in complete silence.

Part of his message read, "one + one + one. . ." repeated 49 times. ". . . one + one = 49"

Then he wrote out their names; 49 names on a piece of poster board- to fit them all they were so small I could barely read them.

The next board read "small on paper, BIG in our hearts"

The next one read "every 'one' counts".

The impact of losing my friend has been overwhelming.

The impact Mr. Weece's unspoken message was beautiful and fitting.

Last night I got home, entering the house with the phone to my ear as usual. Marsha stood in the kitchen finishing up the weekends dishes. She's had an unthinkable week.

"Are you OK?" I asked.

"I can't sleep." She said.

I ended my phone conversation instantly, walked around to her and hugged her for a long long time.

Every "one" counts.

We miss you Fenton - each and every day.