Today was the day that I have been looking forward to/dreading for eleven years. Today was the day that my firstborn girl turned 11 years old. Isn't that wonderful? Isn't it exciting that she's getting older? Yes, that's true, but the reason why I dreaded this day, has unearthed emotions and memories for me that are kind of hard to digest. Let me explain: This day not only is the day that my daughter turned 11, nor is it the day that we celebrate those that served and fought for our freedom in the military, but this day was also the birthday of a very special person that left this earth far too soon. Her name was Kristen Nielsen. She was my cousin and very best friend. Her birthday and my daughter's birthday are the same, and there's a very special thing to that, because Kristen died when she and I were both eleven years old. It is because of this parallel, that I struggle with today. You see, as happy and as wonderful as it was to celebrate my daughter'
Keeping Memories