Hunter & Me

Hello Sisters of the Heart,

Well, this picture of Hunter and Me was taken last Monday night at a Thanksgiving dinner. This was at his residence with 106 other people!! The place he is residing now hosts a Thanksgiving dinner every year for residents, familes, Doctors, judges, social workers, staff, alumnii, famillies....It was so awesome! The food was cooked by the staff and had all the typical thanksgiving food. There were twinkling white lights every where and needless to say, being there for Hunter made my night!! After eating, there was a slide show of the past year with the kids and all the amazing trips they have taken . Hunter hasn't been there all year, but he was in some of them. One was him "wave boarding" on a lake....I had no idea - I said, Hunter, when did you do that? He said a couple of weeks ago - the owner of the home bought a boat and took a few boys out....He had so much fun.....There were a few young men there (alumni) who resided there for one reason or another and they sad such wonderful things. Like, "this is home to me". , "I was struggling a few years ago and Russ (owner) helped me out for a few months - "Russ is family, he cares and loves us". To see these young men be thankful for their time @ RiverStone was awesome to hear. The staff has really taken Hunter under their wing, mentoring him, helping him have a plan.....I am so grateful. I see him about every week - will see him Friday for dinner (Saturday is his birthday - he will be 17) - He has plans on Saturday with 2 of his friends and Bryn.....so happy for him - sure miss his mom and my mom to share news with.

Thanks for being here for me - I need to ramble to someone!! LOL

Yesterday was the 4 year mark of saying good-bye to my Jennifer. I still cannot fathom that, that much time has passed. I still try to convince myself that I will see her, or talk to her soon - weird, huh? I know she isn't here but sometimes..........Jennifer, your son is growing up to be such a nice young man. Your prayers for him are coming to be. Do you know that he has a softer look in his eyes when we talk about you? I hope you know, he has love in his eyes now, not so much anger. We laugh at so many things that you said or did and we always talk about how much you loved Hunter. On my facebook post, one of the comments made by someone who knew Jennifer said, she was definitely a mom in love with Hunter....made my heart glad and sad at the same time. Jennifer, I miss you everyday.....the other day I got some random call from a 238# - my heart skipped a beat as your phone number began with 238. Were you saying hi? I will watch out for Hunter and I see him as much as I can and always, always talk about YOU.....

After being off for a week and back @ work today, I'm tired.....looking forward to December 21......yep then off till January 8th!!!

Sending love and hugs.....Vicki, Jennifer's mom and Hunter's yahya