Yesterday my granddaughter and I went to visit Libra's grave and leave flowers and balloons for Valentines day. It was a good day. Jessina and I were pleased with how we decorated the grave. I went by the headstone place, and it was finished, but can't be installed until the foundation is poured. Because of all the rain we have had, they are behind, but it should be done by next week. The headstone looks great. I'll post photo's when it is at the grave site. The Valentines photo is posted here on DS.I am so proud of Jessina.  She has a difficult time speaking in public, so she is taking oral communications. Wednesday night she was so stressed out and worried about a presentation she had to give on Thursday. She is actually very outgoing, and not particularly shy. But she gets very nervous and shakes when she has to speak in front of a group. She had to talk for three minutes, telling three things about herself. She talked about her work at the convalescent home as activity director, her experience as a wrestler in high school (she won the California Regional Championship while a Freshman), and talked about her mother and losing her to cancer. She did great! Her teacher was impressed, and the students expressed their condolances after class. This was a big step for her to not only talk in public, but to share about her mom.  Here's a video tribute I did of her wrestling.  http://www.johnbaxter.com/jessina.htm  

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deleted_user
deleted_user

I will have a look at ths John - how amazing for you to have such a talented and sweet granddaughter. My husband had a stammer - he belonged to an organisation called Toastmasters International? and over the time he belonged he completely lost his stammer, it sounds similar with the three minute speech sort of thing. TM\'s are an amazing organisation, if she finishes this other course she may like to check it out. It is enormous fun - though I must admit I never did even make the three mins!! I just enjoyed the \'parties\'...I think what you did for Libra is absolutely gorgeous, bet she was watching you both....:) love Cathrynn X
deleted_user
deleted_user

It must be a comfort to you and Jessina to have each other. It sounds like you\'re so close. She did an amazing thing to be able to talk about her mother in front of a group. I\'m proud of her too. She must be an amazingly strong young lady.
deleted_user
deleted_user

Awe, good for Jessina. I had public speaking in college only because I HAD to take it...lol. A wrestling champ huh? Now that is AWESOME! Anyway, to speak about her Mom in front of so many people proves how brave she is and I can imagine how proud you are :) That is so sweet about the grave decorations too. I bet you guys did it right :)
deleted_user
deleted_user

Hurray!!! Good for Jessina. What an accomplishment. I am the same way, I shake and pass out. A public speaker I am not. But somehow I over came my fear, I think speaking on what you really know and trust works. I had to give a speak and talk to a college class in the field that I work...I did very well. I think because I was comfortable with the subject. Good Job, on the decoratations. We get way to much snow here and can\'t do that in the cemetary that Melissa is buried in. We have to remove all things by the end of October. Then we can put things back when the snow and frost is gone. Usually April. Makes me sad because I have a solar light there usually and I don\'t like the thought of her....well you know. Love and Hugs.
deleted_user
deleted_user

John, what a nice combo, John and Jessina! I\'m sure Libra is so comforted and at peace knowing her lovely daughter has her wonderful grandfather looking after her. You are one in a million John, I know happy days are ahead of you, I just know it. Peace my dear friend. xo Melody