Nephew

Renee loved her TJ. She would have been very proud (and weepy) at his wedding this past month.

One of my favorite birthday memories of Renee happened shortly after we had gotten married. We lived in a small one bedroom apartment in Cherry Creek. We went to a chain restaurant, ate large portions, and talked for hours. Nothing special, just the two of us being content.

Henry made this on Mother's Day

Family

Renee, Liz, Lyrin, Tyler, and Karen.

I took the photo at the top of Lookout Mountain.

Karen picked up every fifth rock on our way up.

Renee loved her family.

Ash, Renee, a dolly and dad.

Her and me.

Renee and Laura and a glare off a microwave

Renee's Birthday is today. The photo above was taken during her pregnancy. I think Renee had bravely made pasta for her Italian in-laws. Luckily, she was never put off by my sister's poor dining etiquette. And, yes, Anthony and Christopher are indeed as ornery as they look.

On the Anniversary

Today, I remember what Renee was to me.

When you get married, you hear a lot of flowery language about two people becoming one. Being poetically tone-deaf, such words were always lost on me. As I look back at my time with Renee, I see how she became a part of me and I her. When faced with the hard decisions of everyday life, such as, where we do live, where do I work, how do I teach and care for Henry, I hear her gentle voice advising me. Not literally, of course, but I feel her in my mind.

I can almost see her. She would furrow her brow, thinking hard about what would be best for Henry and I. She would never put herself first, she just wasn't wired that way. Finally, she would turn to me and, in a way that said she wasn't exactly sure, she would tell me what she thinks is best. And it always was.

She is still in me. I feel her this morning. I hope she knows how much I still I love her.