We had an amazing weekend this weekend as we celebrated James' retirement from the Navy.
We were surrounded by our family and some of our very best friends.  People came from all over via planes, trains, and automobiles.  We laughed tons, and I'm not naming any names, but there were some tears too.

Such a huge accomplishment, and I couldn't be prouder of him. 

I hated that two very important people were not there.

My Mom and his Dad.

I've been thinking about Mom through all of this.  Fortunately we were able to stay VERY busy, but on the down moments, I thought about how proud of James she was.  I've said a million times that you would have thought that SHE was going to be getting the pension.  She would have been sitting right up there laughing, crying, and cheering along with the rest of us.  Plus she would have loved seeing Keegers and Suttie in their uniforms.  I dreampt about her numerous times, and each time I was talking to her and she was helping me get ready.  Other times I could see her doing the dishes... I miss her.

Losing my mom has made me think more and more about James losing his dad.  Although it's been ten years, it's still such a void to not have your parent there for big things like this.  Even though I didn't know him well, I know he would have been so proud of his boy too.