The Memories of 2013

It is crazy to come to realization that 2013 is coming to a close.  I keep asking myself, "Where did September go?" 2013 has been filled with ups, and downs, but it has been a wonderful journey of a year.  With the New Year almost here I thought that it was time to reflect upon this past year.

1. Changing my Last Name

I have already blogged about my wedding back in July, and I can't believe that it is already almost 6 months!  But that was definitely a highlight of the year.  It started with a wonderful day and it has been a wonderful journey that is never ending

How can you not smile?

There are always ups and downs when it comes to bringing two lives together, but that is all part of the vocation.  Bring the other closer to God and their faith.  My goal in life it to get Travis to heaven, and I think that in itself is a journey that I am excited to take!

2. Baby H on Board

Last year at New Years I was looking forward to a July wedding and this year I am looking forward to a April Baby!  We got to take first pictures of the baby back around Thanksgiving and that was exciting.  I loved watching Travis' face when he would look at the ultrasound pictures, he smiled like any proud father would. :-)

Baby H with his/her hand by his/her mouth

It has been fun watching Travis talk to the baby (usually at night telling it to kick so he can feel it, thus waking him/her up for awhile, while I am trying to fall asleep...).  I had to pack away all of the regular clothing that I usually wear and trade it in for pants with a high elastic waist (actually comfortable!).  I have finally experienced heartburn (not so fun). But, I have also been able to feel the baby move and kick a bit (exciting).  It has been a new adventure, and I am so excited that I get to take this next journey with Travis by my side!

3. Saying Goodbye

2013 has been the year that I have had to say goodbye to many close people in my life.  I am fortunate enough that this is the first year that anyone close to me has passed away.  First in December and January (2012/2013) we said goodbye to the Overby's (I blogged about it once before - #3).  They were the best neighbors that anyone could ever ask for.

Then in October we had to say goodbye to my Grandmother.  That I think, was one of the hardest things in 2013.  As a Catholic I know that she is in a better place, where there is no more pain and suffering for her.  But, the first Thanksgiving without her there was had.  Celebrating Christmas with the Pohlman side without her there was a challenge.  Getting a card that just had Grandpa's signature was different.

One of the last pictures that I have with Grandma from my wedding in July

This Christmas we got two little books in our stockings that Grandma and Grandpa each filled out awhile ago about them growing up and it was questions and they would answer.  I went home from Christmas celebration and I turned on White Christmas and I started going through the books.  Seeing how they life was growing up, their favorite foods, etc.  But then I came upon the holiday section and they both said that White Christmas was their favorite Christmas movie.  Right then I felt like Grandma was sitting there with me watching her favorite Christmas movie.

Eternal Rest grant unto them O Lord, 

and let the Perpetual Light shine upon them.  

May they rest in peace. 

Amen. 

4. Last Family trip

I started 2013 off by flying to Florida on January 1st.  Early morning with Mom, Dad, and Angela we drove to Dayton and then flew to warmer weather.  My Aunt and Uncle have a condo in Venice, FL and we spent almost a week down there.

Me, Dad, Mom and Ang

I always laugh when I think of Dad on the evening of January 1st and we are standing on the beach of the Gulf and Dad was amazed that it was January first and I am in shorts on the beach!  It only got better when we were at Siesta Key and Dad would say: "It's January third and I am on the beach in 80 degree weather!"  Take that outline and every day Dad was amazed at one thing or another!

Ang and I in Florida

It was really the last trip that I took with just Mom, Dad and Ang.  Family vacations were always a wonderful part of growing up and it was like an end of an era for me with family trips that week.  Granted Ang might say that she was happy that it was over because I move around too much at night when we shared the air mattress...

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2013 has been filled with its ups and downs, but it has been a wonderful year of memories.  I am blessed to have such a wonderful family and now a extended family!  Travis and I are excited to start our new family in 2014 along with many other exciting adventures!  I am thankful for my health, and for my ability to have a job.  I am blessed for the friends that I have, and all of the memories that we have made!

2013 was great!  Hears to a even better 2014!

We Wore Black

The past few days have been a roller coaster of emotions. One moment you are crying and the next you are laughing with wonderful memories. My grandma was a wonderful women who lived her life as a house maker,  who was married to grandpa for 65 years(!!!),  raised her children and was a wonderful grandmother and great-grandma.

Grandma Hold me as a newborn

While I didn't know her the best or the longest, I knew her as a grandmother.  Having that for 24 years have been a blessing and now I have wonderful memories to hold onto.

1. Food

No matter what time of day you would visit grandma and grandpa's house,  you would always leave with a full stomach.

Small boxes of cereal - whenever we would spend the night at the grandparent's house we would wake up to picking out one of the small cereal boxes grandma would have sitting out. It wouldn't be spending the night we would get a delicious sugary cereal in the morning.

Popcorn puffs & sun chips - when playing any game you would only be able to go one round and grandma would be pulling out the plastic pink bowls to be filled with popcorn puffs or some original flavored sun chips. While at first people would say that they weren't hungry (usually because it was right after dinner) but it wouldn't take too long for those bowls to be passed around and quickly would be empty.

Ice cream and brownies - after cards and before you leave,  it was always a good time to pull the brownies or cookies out of the freezer (usually pulled out earlier to warm up) the big container of vanilla ice cream,  and sometimes other flavors, and the chocolate syrup. If you finished your bowl,  you would be asked to

take another brownie or cookie (couldn't dare put them back in the freezer)

2. A&W

Usually when visiting Grandma and Grandpa's one of the places we would usually go to,  especially when we were growing up,  dinner would likely be at A&W where Grandpa would always get root beer float and Grandma would always get a bite or two near the top of glass. Growing up the younger kids would play in the corner with the toys while we waited for the food (when they moved the play area from one corner to the other,  we were a bit jarred). We were always excited to get the small toy in our bags once we finished our food.

3. 5 Crowns & tri-ominos

Playing games around the dinner table at Grandpa and Grandma's were always a norm when visiting.  We would play tri-ominos and Grandma & Grandpa would always find the bridges or the last piece to the circle. It was hard to beat either of them.  When we started to play a new game Nickle Nickle (later 5 crowns - but we would still say "nickle nickle").  Winning was still difficult because Grandma would have 7 points after six rounds and the rest of us would have scores in the 60's (or higher).  Over the years you knew Grandma was doing well still when she could beat your butt at 5 Crowns.

Grandpa, me and Grandma after 8th Grade Graduation

4. Birthday cards

In the past years, it wasn't a gift I was looking forward to, it was a card that you would get in the mail a day or so before your birthday.  It would be a card that inside you would see Grandma's handwriting saying: "Love, Grandma and Grandpa"

Grandma and Grandpa with me at First Communion

Those simple words that I know were getting hard for her to write (writing "Mom and Dad" were much easier on her), but every birthday you would get a card that would be from Grandma and Grandpa.  When I got home from work the day Grandma died, I still had my birthday cards sitting out.  Having that simple piece of card stock meant the world to me at that moment, more than ever before.  The other cards have been packed away, but that one is still sitting out.  And I think I will keep it there for awhile.

5. Being there for grandchildren

Grandma and Grandpa were there for wonderful moments for their grandchildren.  Baptisms, Birthdays, First Communions, Confirmations, Graduations, weddings, and parties.  They were there spreading their smile and support for all of their grandchildren.

6. The outpouring of love seen

Having gone to two of the three showings, you just saw how much Grandma affected the community.  There always seemed to be a line of well wishers, and relatives that I didn't even know before that day were there to pay their respects.  It was just amazing to see how many people were there!

The Grandchildren with Grandma and Grandpa - Christmas 2007

7. Funeral mass

While that was the hardest points of the few days, it was also beautiful!  St. John's Church is majestic and can by itself take your breath away, but add a church filled with with community members, and friends of the family, it was an amazing experience!

The music by their men's choir was wonderful!  It was almost like if you closed your eyes it was like a slice of heaven!  I have had that moment twice before (in Spain a Church next to St. Francis of Loyola's home where we had Mass, and then at me wedding).  You could just imagine if heaven was even more wonderful, then you just knew that it was going to be absolutely amazing! The homily was wonderful, pointing out the
simplicity of Grandma and how being a housewife was enough for her.  There were tear and smiles as we said our goodbyes.

Grandpa, me, and Grandma before the wedding

8. Wedding

I was so blessed to have Grandma and Grandpa come to my wedding at the beginning of July!  Even the day before I wasn't sure if they would be coming.  But,  as I was heading to the back of church to 'hide' there come Grandma and Grandpa through the back door!  I was so thrilled that they came!  It was the cherry on the top for that day.  I just got my wedding pictures back, and now I treasure those photos even that much more!

9. Her voice

This is something that I still hear, especially when thinking and reflecting over Grandma.  I can hear her voice when I called her to tell them that Travis and I were engaged.  I remember her saying: "Bounce" so many times and in so many different ways.  It is something that I hope that I never forget because it was so grandma. nobody else could replicate it.

The First time that Grandma held me in the hospital

While Grandma is gone, her spirit still lives on in her children, her grandchildren, and in her great-grandchildren.  Through the years she taught us so much that we could never really totally forget Grandma.  Just remember that when you have guests over, always have a snack, and ice cream (and brownies) are always good to have on hand.

Rest in peace Grandma.  Until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand!


R.I.P. Margaret Pohlman (1925 - 2013)
Obituary

My 24th Year Retrospective

Here we are, September 18th and I am turning another year older.  My 24th year on earth was one with highs and low but I think that it is one that I will remember for a long time.  So here is 10 of the things that were a part of my life this past year:

1. ARISE Together in Christ Group

In the Fort Wayne-South Bend Diocese our Bishop started this small faith sharing community group initiative that brings people together in your church and talk about the Faith through scripture, life and challenges.  Travis was the leader for the young adults at St. Aloysius and I joined him.  By the end of the first season we had made this wonderful group of young adults (mostly our friends from IPFW, but not all).

I am so grateful for this small group because after college and leaving the Newman group at IPFW, I missed having that Catholic fellowship.  Sometimes we don't always stay on topic, but it is a wonderful time to grow in friendship and be there for others when needed. Learn more about Arise from an article in Today's Catholic that features yours truly!

2. Engagement / Wedding Planning

Looking on this past year, this was a huge part of it.  While we got engaged in August, the real planning took place this past year.  What a roller coaster of things to do.  Some were great like meeting with Fr. Tom for Marriage prep at St. Jude. But, some of the other things were just crazy (I am not a hugely social person that plans huge parties focused on me and Travis)

While I am glad that the season of engagement is over in my life, I truly took back on that time fondly.  It was a wonderful time where you are preparing yourself for a wonderful and beautiful vocation.

3. Saying goodbye to the Overby's

I think that growing up we had the world's best neighbors!  It is hard for anyone to get close to Marge and Dave.  Marge and I were birthday buddies and growing up we (my sisters and I) would receive a hand drawn birthday card with a Disney character on it.  Marge would 'happen' to make an extra cake and bring it over, or she wanted to try a recipe and Dave couldn't eat it because of his diabetes so she would bring it over.  They were wonderful neighbors that were called away from this earth.

Marge passed away on Christmas Eve and Dave passed away 10 days latter.  That was a bit hard because they were like grandparents to me, but I hold on to the good memories.  I could reflect on these wonderful neighbors for hours, but on a day like today I just say, rest in peace Birthday Buddy!

4. Florida Trip

Mom, Dad, Angela and I took a trip to visit our Aunt and Uncle in Florida on January 1st.  It was crazy to be driving to Dayton in snow and arriving in Tampa in 80 degree weather.  Dad kept on saying: " It is January 1st and I am in shorts!" "It is January Second and I and sitting on the beach!"

Me, Dad, Mom, and Ang

While we were there I believe that it got to about zero Fahrenheit... So it was nice to be warm!  It was a perfect last family trip with us four!  This was a wonderful time to celebrate family!

5.  Two New Nephews

Luke was just making the same face as me!

I was lucky to have Two nephews born this past year! Luke James was born March 29th and Thatcher Dennis was born September 9th.  How can you not be excited about babies in the family!?!

6. Being Brooklynn's Sponsor

Travis' niece (now my niece as well!) asked me to be her sponsor for confirmation.  I was really excited that she asked me and I love being a part of sacraments.  While we were already engaged, I felt even more part of the family after being asked.

Brooklynn, Bishop Rhoades and Me

She really tested me and my memory skills though because she picked a saint that I has never heard of before: St. Marcella patron saint of Nobel women.  But it was wonderful to be a part of this with her!

7. The year of two Popes

It was a crazy beginning of the year with Pope Benedict retiring and Pope Francis becoming Pope.  But is has been exciting to see all of the spirit that seems to have been brought into the church. A renewed sense of Love.

I saw a post ones that Pope John Paul II was all about Hope and what we went through with World War II and the cold war, he showed the church and world love.  Benedict was the scholar that educated us about the faith.  Now, Pope Francis is showing the love the the faith can offer.  It is a trifecta of Popes in my lifetime!

8. Renting House

Travis and I become renters.  He moved into the house in April and I am still working at unpacking boxes...  I will eventually be all moved it... eventually... But it has been a wonderful experience.  We live right across the street from St. Jude so we never have to worry about parking for Mass, we just have to walk!

While we aren't going to be there forever, it is a great first place to make a home!

9.  Changing my last name

Marrying my best friend has been a highlight of this past year.  Changing last name a bit harder and a tedious process.  You don't realize how many places have your information until you see how many places you need to change your address and name (still an ongoing process).  But I love the Day I become a Mrs.  it is crazy to think that it has been 2 months already!

But Becoming Mrs. has been wonderful and sometimes I still look around and ask if it is real, because it just seems so natural now.  I love coming home to Travis (well, I usually beat him home...)  but it has all been a blessing!

10.  Starting a new Life 

While this past year has been filled with its ups and downs it is always wonderful to look back ans see how blessed I truly am.  I have a wonderful husband, family, and friends! I couldn't ask for more!  Thank you all for what you have done to my life and I am forever grateful!  Please continue to keep Travis and I in your prayers as we begin this new journey of life together.

Now onto being 24!!

Two Years Ago and Just a Blink

How has these past two years just flown by?  Two years ago I was blessed to start dating the man that became my best friend, and in 18 days I will be blessed and honored to call him my husband.

Travis and I even before we started dating

Two years ago Travis and I went on our first date :-)  We went bowling with Angela, and she was the one that had to convince me that it was actually a date.  I think that I was either in shock that it happened or that I was in denial and I never thought that it would happen.  I didn't realize then that I went on my last first date.  On that Saturday in 2011, I thought that I just went bowling with one of my friends from Newman Group and Students for Life. I was trying to make decisions, and decided to make the leap of faith.

Travis Proposing at Notre Dame 

 In two years we have gone from Friendship to Love, to Engagement, and now to (almost) married. Never did I think that I would be in this position two year ago.  But as always God has a better life story for us than what we could ever dream for.

Travis and I at a friends wedding

Our Journey has had its ups and downs, but I am a better person having Travis by my side.  Please keep us in your prayers as we get closer to our wedding date.  Because together with God we are going to start our life together and begin a new chapter of our lives :-)

What Memorial Day Means To Me

For some people Memorial Day is all about the lake and sleeping.  Growing up for me it was about sleeping and a day off from school - the kick off to summer.  But, every Memorial Day my dad would wake up 'early' usually with one of my older sisters and head up north. No, they weren't headed for the lake. 

They were driving toward memories.

Before I was even a twinkle in my parents eyes, my dad's parents passed away. I was never lucky enough to meet them. But every Memorial Day weekend some of the family jumps into our big blue 8 passenger van and head north - towards memories - towards my dad's history.  We visit, clean, and put flowers next to my grandparent's grave.

We relive my dad's memories.

When I was in high school I started traveling north with my dad.  Maybe at first it was for our yearly ice cream stop in Fremont. Over the years though it became much more. It was a trip down memory lane. It was tradition. We would visit my grandparents grave, along with my dad's Grandparents, place flowers and clean it all up.

It became Tradition.  Something that I would never change.

I was never blessed to know my grandparents, but I am lucky enough to have this day where we visit their grave and we talk about memories. And that in itself are memories to hold onto.

Taking me Back

I have decided that it is due time to start writing again.  Not like my life is really interesting, or that anyone would read this.  But I think that it helps also to provide clarity of mind.  Sometimes I think too much and all of my thoughts get jumbles and this helps a bit.

There has been too much going on since I last wrote, that I am not going to to a catch up piece, because that would almost take up toooo much time.  So we are going to start fresh.

Today at work we had Mass in our small chapel and I was transported back to Spain for World Youth Day almost two years ago.  This was my first big trip without my family, and it was across the ocean and I really didn't have contact with them other than the three times I blogged while on my trip and they had commented on the blog. And even though I was traveling with the Diocese, none of my close friends went, so it wasn't like any normal trip I had taken before.

The church we went to and what it looked on the outside - would you guess it was a church?

To say the least, I felt like I was a bit cut off from everyone. We traveled to Lourdes (which was amazing) and by the time that we got into Madrid a bit of home-sickness come on.  It was one of the first days there and I was having a bit of an off morning, not feeling like talking and interacting.  We had gone to this church in Madrid for English speakers and had a talk and then Mass.

One it was hot, two no air conditioning, and three we were in the loft area.... I was just trying to stay in my own little bubble.

Second level can be seen on the right

I was stuck....

But then came the point in the Mass that we said (one of the points that was changed in the new translation...) "Lord, I am not worthy to receive you but only say the word and i shall be healed." I was taken home and I felt like I was getting a big hug and that even though I was far away from everyone, I wasn't alone and they were right there with me.  I was across the ocean and we were able to hear the same Mass.

Even when we say the new part: "Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed."  I am taken back to that moment, when I remembered that I wasn't alone then, and I can never really ever be alone.  

There is comfort in that :-)

Rest in Peace Birthday Buddy

Marge and her husband Dave were my next door neighbors my whole life up till earlier this year.  And they were the best neighbors that any young girl growing up could possibly have. I still look across the way sometimes and forget that they aren't there anymore.  It is one of those things that I never thought would actually happen.  But alas we all grow up and things just don't stay they same.

I have so many memories growing up with Marge and Dave in them.  They would always take care of the mail when my family was on vacation and we always knew the weather each day on the little post-it that Marge left on top of the mail.  Marge and Dave had a dog Barney when I was younger and my sisters and I would love to feed him.  I remember Marge was the type of person that would always tend to have "too many desserts" and bring them over to us because Dave couldn't eat them due to his Diabetes.

I could go on and on about the memories that I have about Marge, but there is only one more that I think that I should share.  The thing that Marge and I had in common was that we were birthday buddies.  Now that really didn't entail much, but it was that fun connection that made my birthday  bit more special.  We would take over flowers of a card to her and share a few moments of our birthday together.

Marge was Like an adopted grandparent to me and my sisters.  With me only even knowing my mothers parents, and my Grandpa and Grandma Sherburne being called away from this world before I was here, she was the best adopted Grandmother that I could ever know.  We never said the word grandparent with them, but When talking briefly to Dave at the Funeral Home he said we always felt like relation. It was just one of those unspoken things with all of us.

The world lost the greatest neighbor anyone could ask for on Christmas Eve.  And I will always compare any of my future neighbors to the Overby's.  One of God's many gifts to my family.  Rest in Peace, my birthday buddy, Marge.


Marge's Obituary