So much to say...

So little space. So much has happened in the past month and I don't have the memory or words for it all, but I will try to update.


Rick's parents came up to visit over Easter and we had a good time. One of our adventures was a visit to the Bridges of Madison County and the John Wayne Birthplace. I had never seen these great Iowa landmarks before either, so I took pictures. We had fun taking in the Iowa culture.

We could drive through this bridge--and we did several times because Becky and I thought it was so cool!
On Easter Sunday Rick and I took his parents to my parents' house for a big family meal, and it all went really well. Couldn't have asked for better, really. Everyone got along really well. We tried some new restaurants in the area and we had a really great visit.


And then Jay got worse. It was a hard few weeks. Another roommate and I went to visit him in Hospice and it was hard. There were a lot of college friends there and we shared a few laughs, but we couldn't believe we were there. He was so young, so loved, so full of life.

Jay passed away last Sunday and his funeral was on Thursday. It was a long, sorrowful week. I think that a lot of us still didn't believe it. He touched a lot of lives, evidenced by his obituary and his online guest book. I feel guilty for not doing a better job explaining my thoughts and feelings, but I think right now I've sorted it out for me and that's what I need for now.


I don't have as eloquent words as my friend Kate, so please check out her blog post about Jay's passing.

Lauren and Jay had planned a BBQ for this past weekend. Lauren thought it would be good for all of us to get together in a happier setting, and we all agreed. We had a great time, and it was good to laugh and celebrate each other.

Alek and Todd kept Rick company while he manned the grill

Me and Kim

Lauren and Anne put on the famous roommate glasses--hilarious!

If I've learned one thing recently, it's the power of friendship. I don't know where I would be without my friends. And I was reminded what was really important in life. There might not be a next time. But we are all so blessed to have known Jay.

Friends of Jay have come together to create the JayWalkers Relay for Life team. We are raising money to donate to the American Cancer Society in honor of Jay. We have decided to participate in the Relay in Jay's hometown so more of his friends and family can participate, and, ironically, the relay is on his birthday. Please help by donating to the American Cancer Society. Don't worry, I'll remind you again later. :) If you would like to join the JayWalkers, click here.

Finals this week, and a busy summer ahead. I'll try and do better on the posts.