Day 34: It's Raining in My Heart

"The weather man says clear today, he doesn't know you've gone away, and it's raining...raining in my heart."  - Buddy Holly

It is indeed raining in my heart today...raining for a woman I've never known...a woman I've never had the pleasure of meeting, but to whom I have the deepest sense of gratitude.

Much like Buddy Holly, she died today...34 years ago today...

But unlike Buddy Holly, it wasn't in any grand plane crash.  It didn't make the front page of the paper, and it didn't send a nation into mourning.  But it did shake the foundation of one small Montana town.  It turned a family of 7 into a family of 6.  And it not only deprived my best friend of his mother, but robbed him of a lifetime of memories with her...at the age of 7.

My sweet Angel Annie.

That's what I call her.  I talk to her often.  Pray to her even.  Not for my own benefit, but for her son's.  I ask her to watch over him, to take care of him, to let her love shine down -- but more than that, I tell her what a damn fine job she did raising her kids.  She didn't get to watch them grow old, didn't get to see them go to prom, or attend their graduation.  She missed out on so much of their lives, and not like she needs me to tell her (I'm sure she can see for herself), but I let her know how proud she'd be of the men and women her little babies have become...specifically Ross (sorry guys! ha...I know him the best).

It's kind of weird that I'm writing a note for Ross' mother before I write a note for Ross, but I guess they're intertwined.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that Ross is quite possibly the greatest man I've ever met.  He's my shoulder to cry on, my favorite person to laugh with, and the best partner in crime a girl could ask for.  He made Montana a home to me...and even though he's thousands of miles away, he's helped make Minnesota a home for me too.  He's thoughtful, he's kind, considerate, caring, compassionate.  He's entirely selfless, and is truly one of a kind.  He's my best friend, and always will be.

And I strongly believe that Angel Annie played a part in that...back when she was an earthbound angel ;)

I have no doubt in my mind that her love and care molded her husband...and there's no doubt in my mind that, together, their parenting led to five amazing, wonderful, wacky, finger-pulling (Sorry Ron - had to call you out ;) haha), hilarious, loving, amazing children.

Life isn't fair.  Cancer is even less fair.  It's an evil, evil monster that shows no mercy, and takes no prisoner.  I watched my grandmother deteriorate before my own eyes, but I was an adult, and she was my grandmother.  I can only imagine what it would have been like to witness the same thing as a 7-year-old child.  I don't envy you Ross, not one bit (in that regard anyway).  But I think your mother was taken so early because her work was done.  She fought until she couldn't fight anymore, loved with every fiber in her being, she blessed Butte America with five beautiful children, and she gave me my best friend.

And for that...

I'm eternally thankful.


"And it's raining, raining in my heart...
Oh, misery, misery, what's gonna become of me?
I tell my blues they musn't show, but soon these tears are bound to show.
'Cause it's raining, raining in my heart."
- Buddy Holly

<3 Rest in Peace Angel Annie <3