September and Labor Day Weekend

September means 7 months ago my mom died but  it also means a year ago over labor day weekend I would see my mommy for the last time.  This last weekend was good to be able to see my family and sometimes frustrating with a cramped house, little sleep and lots to pack into a weekend that was full of emotions.

Each time I go back it is a little different then the time before.  I was super excited to see my family and siblings and to hang out with everyone.  About two months or so after my mom passed my step-dad Alan called each of us kids and asked what we would like to put on the headstone that he was getting made for my mom.  I was a little taken back (because we had not talked about doing that since she was cremated) but I told him my thoughts.  This was the last that we heard of it. BUT then over labor day while all of us kids were in town he surprised us with the headstone finished.  It was crazy and hard to see it but good.  We did a dedication kind of thing on Sunday and buried the rest of my mom's ashes (which half of them were spread in Indiana where she grew up in May of 2011).  I am very grateful that my little brother will be able to have a place to go and grieve.  Even in just the few days I was there he went twice and I know that it will be good for them all.

Here are some pictures and stuff from the weekend...

It was hard to leave and to drive away from my mom's house because of the flood's of memories that came.  The last look on her face. The last words.  All of the things we did when we were there.  Everything. And so the weekend came and went.  Nothing changed.  Just memories made without her.