Thank you to everyone who reached out to my family with kind words and condolences over the past few weeks. Today would have been my husband's 64th birthday, and we are still in shock over the unexpected and sudden loss. We had planned our family Chincoteague summer vacation, which he was very excited about this year. My mom came with us, and we had a very relaxing, healing time, even though it felt strange to be there without him.
Now that we're back, we are facing our new reality as a family of three. It isn't easy, but our love for each other and for his memory will carry us through. We will be all right. We will grow stronger. We will never take each other or life for granted because we know that tomorrow and even the next moment are not guaranteed. This is a life lesson that everyone learns at some point, ready or not. We weren't ready to say goodbye. Tonight, we will celebrate my husband's birthday in his honor, the way we would have celebrated if he were still here--with a delicious steak dinner and a toast to life.
Here are a few images from Chincoteague Island. If you are ever looking for a peaceful, seaside family getaway only 4 1/2 hours away, I highly recommend the location. You can visit the wild ponies and gorgeous beaches of Assateague, go crabbing in the bay or inlets of Chincoteague, shop for antiques or nautical treasures, eat at wonderful seafood restaurants, have ice cream at famous ice cream parlors on the island, and rent a reasonably-priced family-sized house with a yard right by the water. It's a great vacation spot for families.
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