April was a very slow beginning to our Spring events, but it picked up in May. We kicked off with Barnyard Babies in Grantsville. The weather was gorgeous, sales were great, and we saw a lot of old faces while making a bunch of new friends, too.
May 10th was Mother’s Day. Some of you may be new moms for the first time. Congrats to you! Some of you may be seasoned moms and grandmothers but in the month of May we celebrate them all, even those with fur babies. Yes, you count, too! I celebrate my mom in heaven now, wishing she was still here on this planet. With a “cup-of-joe” and scriptures in hand, I walk outside every morning and wait for the sun to rise. Looking at the mountains and up to heaven I say, “Good morning, Mom.” I talk to her and sometimes ask her for advice. I was never able to do that while she was alive. We were never close so I left home at seventeen. But now that I’m older, I understand her more. I see the trials she faced raising me and my sisters alone; it wasn’t easy for any of us. We never forget our mothers, even the bad ones. I couldn’t wait to get away from my mother because of all the bad stuff, but I can honestly say now that I forgive her. And for all the hell I put her through, it’s never too late for me to say I’m sorry. We all know there’s no manual for raising kids so moms, just love your kids and do the best you can. Mistakes will be made but that’s all just part of learning. Forget the bad, remember the good, take lots of pictures and cherish the memories.
As for my fur babies at the Rainbow Bridge, I know they are waiting for me to come home. I thank God every day for having allowed me to be their mom and I cherish the bonds of unconditional love we shared. As I go through my days and talk to them, I see the signs and feel their presence around me. Whether it’s the white fuzzy feathers that float into my lap coming out of nowhere, or the wind chime that sings when there is no wind, or the ladybugs that land on my arm, or the light that turns on in the middle of the night, or the alarm that goes off when it’s not even on, or the shadow that walks in front of me as I read a book; I know they are all still here and they make me smile. Until we’re all together again, I hold their love close in my heart.
May is also graduation month for a lot of people, be it high school or college. We have five to send out good wishes to this year. This can be a bittersweet time as you say goodbye to the friends you’ve made and the life you’ve been accustomed to for the past four years. But it’s also an exciting time to set yourself free and forge ahead to the unknown. Chase the dream that stirs your soul. You’ll make new friends but also try to keep the old. That’s easier said than done. As you sign those yearbooks on graduation day, promises are made, promising to always stay in touch. It starts out that way and intenions are good, but life takes ahold and the next thing you know, you’re headed in different directions. Fifty years later you’ll hear from someone you once knew, or went to the prom with, as old memories and feelings resurface and you ask yourself where the time went. Life is short my friends. Enjoy every moment without regrets. Find the good in people and as you seek joy and happiness in this world, you will also find love.
Now that the days are warmer and the sun smiles at me longer, I find myself back on the porch again writing and it feels good. I’m lost in thoughts, emotions, and dreams. I don’t force anything; I just let the stories come naturally. Sometimes I have nothintg to say but that doesn’t stop me from putting silly words down on paper anyway. My inner child takes over and the next thing I know I have a poem about “Dogs in the Park.” Every soul tells a story and mine is no exception.
Writing isn’t the only thing that has taken off this month. Norbert is busy with his artwork and doing community projects. As a man of many talents, it can be quite exhausting at times. It seems like everybody needs help. Whether it’s artwork for a new business, installing steering stabilizers in motorhomes, installing garbage disposals, detailing motorhomes and doing oil changes, or helping Jason’s Tree Service cut down monster trees, he’s been in high demand this month. Though it can be satisfying work, he can’t wait to get back to his own creativity. There will be some updates on the Skip Thomas Adventures Facebook soon and we are hoping it will draw more attention to what we do.
Stansbury Park celebrated in Porter Park with its annual Memorial Day Car Show. This year there were over 150 cars on display. Our neighbor Vince Fierros’ car won one of the awards for best in show. And it’s not the first time either! We are so happy for him. Along with food trucks and music, our community gatherings are always a lot of fun.
As May comes to an end, we honor and mourn our military men and women who fought and died for our country. Memorial Day reminds us of the ultimate sacrifice these brave souls gave to this country in the line of duty. This truly is “The Land of the Free Because of the Brave.” We thank them all and we will never forget them for protecting us and the United States of America.
That’s it for this month. Enjoy the change of season and we’ll fill you in on things next time. God Bless America.
Skip’s mom, Cb
Memorial Day at Porter Park in Stansbury Park
First Spring event at Barnyard Babies in Grantsville
Starting out Mother’s Day, talking with my mom in heaven.
I’m a fur baby mom, with Tuco who’s now at the Rainbow Bridge.
One of our college grads announcements
One of Norbert’s creations. Pokemon - Charizard
Vince Fierros - 1949 Pontiac
Vince’s award
Another from the car show, another friend of ours