We painted the streets of Wauwatosa orange on Sunday. I was so proud to see so much orange on the streets, in the restaurant and on the patio. I was blown away by the turn out! People said they could see the orange from all the way down the street. That made me one proud mama!
It was a little overwhelming at times. I didn’t know if someone smiling at me was being polite or if they knew me. The funeral was different because I just had to stand there and everyone formed a line to introduce themselves. But this time, it was my job to walk up to people and start-up the conversation. I had a few conversations with people, and they had no idea I was Mom. I found myself stumbling over words and feeling really shy. Most of the time I was helping with Jaden or the boys. Which was important too. Doug & my family were the true spokesmen this round.
When I did introduce myself, people gave me “the sad look.” It made me uncomfortable. It didn’t match the way I was feeling. If it had been a different day, I might have been upset if they didn’t look at me with a sad face, but Sunday was a day of celebration. I woke up in high spirits and was looking forward to telling Owen’s story. I wanted the greater Milwaukee area to meet my son. To hear the story of a warrior — my warrior. Perhaps that’s what caused me to retreat into my shell a little bit.
I did meet a few blog followers (which was one of my favorite parts). I am so supported by my virtual friends and to meet them in person was just really neat. I hoped that they could see just how much I appreciated them through my eyes. I sometimes don’t know if my words really express my gratitude …
My friends were rockstars! My family (Medals, Bissings, Sarah & Abby) were amazing – helping me with the kids and working hard. Doug’s aunts (and Tom) were sporting their “Got Orange” shirts they made just for the event. Aunt Kris gave me a pair of earrings. Not only are they orange, but they are buttons! (I was slightly, ok severely obsessed with buttons for my wedding) AND there was an owl stamp on the back of the packaging. Krissy wanted them for herself … but all three signs all pointed that they were supposed to be mine. I wore them all day with pride! Thank you so much Kris!
Our team of orange learning their jobs for the day!
A beautiful painting given to me by a friend’s kid – Issac & Alana. I think Jaden has a super crush on Alana …
Speak of the devil … meet Alana!
Cake Pops were a huge hit! Staying up until 1am on Friday night baking with my girls Erin & Jennie paid off! We went through five cakes, five containers of frosting and 2 lbs of sprinkles!! We made close to 300 cake and s’more pops. Thanks girls for your help with those … I owe you big time!
Owen was on every table. A little burb about who he was and why we were holding a fundraiser was on the right.
Feeding babies — who needs highchairs?
Logan & Mommy
Weston
The Schaefers!! Remember these kid-os from our crazy playdate! Love you Marcy!
Angie (room mate from college), Richie (her husband) and two kids. Pierce (on dad’s lap) was born the day after the triplets! Look at all that hair!! Trying to find Parker (older brother) is like a Where’s Waldo puzzle! Can you spot him?
Jaden had an allergic reaction to something … we have no idea what. But the Benadryol knocked him out!
Yep, that’s Jaden sleeping in his car seat under the serving station. And the dollar bill is “for being a good friend” — I think it makes him look like a hobo. Great black mail for the future!
We painted the upstairs dining room orange too!
The night was a success! We raised money for Owen’s Memorial. Doug and I have been talking and think we have a good idea of what we’d like to do. We think you’ll love it …. more details to come! Thank you to everyone who attended! If you were there and have photos of your own, I’d love to see them! Please post them to the Orange for Owen facebook page. If you’re not on facebook, feel free to email them to volunteersforowen@gmail.com
Thanks again for everyone’s support as we continue to celebrate Owen’s life and the lessons he has taught us all. Thank you for reading my words as I try to sort out my new journey in life. I find strength in blogging/journaling. I find strength that others out there had a chance to get to know my little man, even if it was only through the world wide web. Blessings to you all!
Love, Mel