Saturday, April 3, 2010

" Retro Weekend "

This weeks "Retro Weekend" is a bit bittersweet for me. I've had it planned now for several weeks but had no idea that the closer it got to Easter, the harder this post would be for me to do.


You see this Easter Sunday is also my first born son's birthday. Frank was born on April 4th 1978. The hard part about this post is that it is the first birthday for him that his Grandma Ann won't be with him.


Frank was four years old in the above photo. That shirt was the very first article of clothing that he ever picked out on his own. We found it at J.C. Penny and he just had to have it. Look at those beautiful blue eyes!


Frank was always a good boy. Oh you know he'd get into little fights with his little sister here and there but really he was a good, good boy.



I had such a difficult time choosing photos of him. There were so many. Frank had a habit of just nodding off in the strangest places. One time it was on a neighbors porch, another time it was under a table. I think I took lots of photos of him sleeping!

 
Franks son Jack looks so much like he did as a boy. I only wish for his son to be as good a son to him as Frank was to me. He rarely gave me a problem and almost always did as I told him to do, unlike his two sisters. Girls can be trouble!


My son is and always was a hard worker. I am proud to say that he has worked and paid for everything that he's ever had including his first truck at the age of 17. He eventually ended up selling it for a profit! He has owned several vehicles since and owned two homes. Mom was always so proud of him. Every time he bought a newer vehicle mom would ooh and awe over it!



Frank met his wife Amy in high school. I remember this day vividly. It was senior prom 1996 and I said to my son "This will probably be the last time I see you in a tux until you get married!". Little did I know then that was the truth! And mom was there for all of the dances and all of the graduations. She was always there.


The next major event in my son's life was his and Amy's wedding day. Mom was there for that too. Frank is a handy guy and my husband taught him to never be afraid to try something new. Frank has learned how to fix many things over the years. He is a lot like me in many ways. One of which is that he has trouble sitting still!



This picture was taken on Jacks birthday. Almost two years ago. I am thankful that mom was there for both Jack and Sarah's birthdays. 

Frank was very close to his Grandma Ann. He would often help her around her house with things that needed to be fixed, even when he was busy.
This will be our first Easter without mom and Frank's first birthday without her here with us. He won't say anything. But I know that he will be remembering her as I am now. 

For me tomorrow is going to be a tough day. Mom loved Easter. I do too but this year I just don't feel it. But I will do as my mom would do, put on a happy face and be thankful for my beautiful family. 
Happy Birthday my beautiful son.

18 comments:

Dee said...

Franks are special...I have three. MY husband, my son and my grandson. We call my son and grandson by there middle name. Your son looks like a great guy and I am sure your mom had a major influence in him turning out so well. He is cute to with a beautiful wife. You have many blesings Diana. Easter Blessings. Dee

Gail said...

HI DIANA-

"Happy Birthday to Frank" A celebration of so much! :-) I feel the loss for you and for your son. 'Firsts' are always the hardest. Honor your grief Diana - you need not keep your happy face on all day - take time to be sad too - :-(

Love to you this blessed Easter and always.

Gail
peace.....

Wanda..... said...

Frank was a beautiful newborn baby, Diana and such a cute little boy, glad he was so good for you and a responsible young man. I love the photo of him with his wife, Amy, Sarah and baby Jack. He looks proud and happy, handsome too!
All the milestones without our moms are sad, but there is joy to be had in them still.
Happy Birthday to Frank and hope all you you have a Joyful Easter, Di! ♥...Wanda

Bernie said...

Frank is a poplular name in my family Di, my grandfather, brother, BIL and two nephews and they all are very good men. Happy Birthday Frank, I do hope you have a wonderful day.
I am sorry Di you are missing your mom so much right now, this is normal sweetie. We don't pick the times and places for grief to overwhelm us it is what it is and does what it does. You will make it through sweetie just as your mom would want you too and Frank will love how strong and special you are. I think you are pretty special too my friend, wishing you and your family a very Happy Easter Di, I love you......:-) Hugs

Donna's Book Nook said...

Special days are always hard, especially the first time they occur after the loss of someone you love. Trusting you will feel the Lord's peace surrounding you and giving you a wonderful day tomorrow, in spite of the loss and the memories of past Easters and birthdays.

Lynilu said...

Frank sounds like a really fine man, and that comes from having good people to bring him up. It sounds like he certainly has had that.

I know every holiday this year will be tough for you. Obviously, this one will be doubly so. It's OK. Honor your mom's memory and celebrate your son. Both deserving.

Happy Birthday, Frank!

Barb said...

Holidays and Family celebrations are difficult when grief is still so fresh. But, your memories of your Mom through all the good times you wrote about are a gift to you all. Sit in the blue chair tomorrow, Di, and I think you'll feel your Mom's spirit there with you. Happy Birthday to Frank!

anupama said...

Dear Di,
NAMASTE!
Good Evening!
HAPPY EASTER!HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO FRANK!Many many happy returns of the day!
The photos are so good.Your family is so proud of you.I'm so happy for your son.
I love your Mom!She will be happy joining your celebrations.
Life must move on.
Life over death declares thatJesus Christ is Our Lord!
Sasneham,
Anu

Anvilcloud said...

Nice post. Enjoy the birthday and the family.

Pramoda Meduri said...

Hi Diana, i'm soo happy to be here today with ur special post.. as usual u have given veryyy sweet pics.. loved the babies...:) Thanks alotttt...

Lisa said...

Happy birthday (belatedly) to such a wonderful son, Di! And happy Easter, too! (Special blessings as you celebrate for the first time without your much-loved mother. I know that is hard.)

quieten said...

Di,
Happy Birthday to Frank. I wish him love and happiness today and always.
This year of "firsts" is such a difficult one. Our grief clouds almost every joyous occasion. But, take heart, my dear Diana. The clouds will clear and your heart will lighten and be glad for all the special, loving memories your Mom left for you. Hope you find some joy and smiles in this holiday.
Huggz,
Quieten

Teresa said...

(((HUGS))) to you and your wonderful family Di...Love you.

Sniffles and Smiles said...

Oh, happy, happy Birthday to your wonderful son...and great big hugs for his terrific mom...Sending you so much love...the firsts are the hardest...and so my prayers are especially with you!! ~Janine XO

jules said...

Happy Birthday to Frank! I love his hair when he was little. So cute. He sounds a lot like my son. He was always such a good boy too...

Unknown said...

Bitter Sweet remberings my friend. I know that is not a word, but it sounds good. There are going to be a LOT of FIRST for you without your mother. I still have a lot of FIRSTS without my mother even after 10 years. She absolutely LOVED babies maybe that is where I got my love too...and she would sing and dance with them in her arms...bitter sweet..I know...I hope you can rejoice this Easter Season, as your mother is certainly rejoicing being her Savior and Lord. Missing all the first with you and your family but still rejoicing. It is ok to rejoice too my friend. Love you and lots of hugs........

Unknown said...

Being WITH her Savior and Lord....(slight correction)....be happy dear friend....

Maria said...

Hi Diana!
Oh you & your family DO make beautiful babies!
They all have gorgeous eyes and sweet faces... and most importantly ...
are GOOD people!

What a wonderful photo story of Frank's life up 'til now...

Your mother's spirit must be wonderfully strong and beautiful ~ She is still in all your hearts.

Happy Birthday to Frank and Easter Blessings all year long! ~Maria