VA Fund Raiser

I remembered two important things at the fund raiser yesterday:

1. I have amazing friends and family.
2. Dogfish Head rules.

We had an awesome turnout of supporters, and I was thrilled to be at a cool restaurant surrounded by so many people I know and love. I can't thank all of you enough for your support, not just yesterday, but every day.

I have been a fan of Dogfish Head beer for quite some time and was excited when the restaurant opened in Falls Church September of last year. The restaurant boasts yummy beer, good food, and the nicest staff around. The 12 hours that I spent at the restaurant Tuesday were well worth it. DFH generously donated 15% of their profit yesterday to the scholarship fund, which totaled approximately $1,600. On top of that, we raised about $800 from the silent auction and pint glass and t-shirt sales. (We still have lots of pint glasses left, so contact me if interested!)

We now have about $12,000 in the fund, very close to our $15,000 goal. Stay tuned for more fund raising events to come.

Poem

I found this nice poem today while putzing around on the Web:

We thought of you with love today,
but that is nothing new.
We thought about you yesterday
and days before that, too.
We think of you in silence,
we often speak your name.
Now all we have is memories
and your picture in a frame.
Your memory is our keepsake
with which we'll never part.
God has you in his keeping;
We have you in our hearts.

One Week Away - Spread the Word!

Location: Dogfish Head Alehouse (click for directions)
When: Tuesday, July 15
11:30AM to 11:00PM

Come for lunch or dinner and live music. Dogfish Head will donate 15% of all money raised the entire day to the scholarship fund. Participate in the silent auction and win some awesome items, including sports tickets and memorabilia!

Massachusetts Benefit

My family and I traveled to Massachusetts for the scholarship fund raiser on Saturday.  We are so pleased with the turnout and with how much fun we had.  We raised approximately $2,400!

Congratulations to Gordon Benson for winning the Bose music system.

Click here to see pictures of the event. Thanks to all for making it a great success!

Check back for information on the July 15 fund raiser in Virginia.

One Year

One year has passed since our lives were changed forever. One year has passed since everything was turned upside down and inside out. I was out walking my dog that morning, and my mom called me. I thought it odd that I was getting a call on my cell from "Mom & Dad Home" at 7:53 a.m., but thought my dad just wanted to chat. I had been unemployed since the end of April, laid off from a job that I hated. I should have listened better when Nathan called my layoff a vacation, and enjoyed my time off, but instead was sad and depressed that I had no job. Little did I know, that would be the least of my worries.

I answered the phone with a slow, hesitant, "Hello?" and my mom was on the other line. She said, "Lindsay?" in a weird tone. "Yes?" I answered, now confused about why she'd called. "There's been a horrible accident," she replied. Thoughts raced through my mind of my dad driving to work and getting in a car accident. I started to wonder what hospital I'd be traveling to to visit him. I don't quite remember exactly what she said next. I think it was, "Nathan is gone." Whatever she said struck me like a lightning bolt, and my response was, "No he's not." "Lindsay, yes he is." "No!" I exclaimed, and I turned to cross the street and ran about 30 yards to my house, crossing the street with the dog, not even looking both ways. I fumbled with my keys and got inside and started to wail. I remember that as I ran to my house in disbelief of my mother's words, the only thing that convinced me it actually happened was that I knew my mother would never tell me such a thing if it were not true. I remember bits and pieces of the days following - the viewing and the funeral. I don't remember clearly the order in which I had conversations with people, who I hugged, how I got any sleep, or how I was able to eat anything.

Now it's one year later. Nothing has changed. He's still gone. I'm still sad. I still cry almost every day. I have been surrounded by the best friends and family. I still can't believe that I'm not going to get another late-night drunken phone call from Na, telling me silly stuff about his day, and ending with a heartfelt "I love you" from him. I never will heal. I've read that time makes it "easier" or "softer," but have yet to experience any such thing. All I know is that Nathan is not here, and my world, everyone's world, is a lesser place because of it. God bless all of those who have shown love, support, and compassion. God bless Nathan and his ability to bring all of us together amidst such a sad, tragic situation. There better be a Heaven.

Recognition from Diplomatic Security

Check out the Diplomatic Security: 2007 Year in Review document, particularly Page 25: http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/104752.pdf

Click the picture below:

Other Raffle Items

We're gearing up for the benefit! Here are some examples of items we're raffling on June 7:

-- 2 Mt. Wachusett lift tickets -- Lia Sophia jewelry

-- Panera gift card -- Large basket of chocolate goodies

-- Townsend Ridge Country Club certificate for greens fees

Plus much more!