In Memory of Candace

I have tried all week to do this post.  It's not been easy.  So many memories come flooding back into my mind as I think about all the "baby years", the growing up years", and the becoming a young woman years of Candace's short life.

This past Monday marked the third anniversary of my daughter's death.  Candace was 38 when she died.

                        Candace at 13 months with me and her brother, Darrell.

                                Candace loved her big brother, Darrell!

                       Candace treasured stuffed animals her entire life.

               Her cousin, Carla, was always more like a sister to Candace!

                      Her first day of her first job, at Long John Silver's!

Our neighbor, Bill Pearson, loaned Candace the most gentle horse ever, Chocolate, to compete in the goat tying event in High School Rodeos.

            Then Chocolate had a baby!  Oh so cute, Candace was smitten!

The day Candace was through with all the trips to the dentist and got her new teeth and a new smile!

                                     Candace's last Christmas.

As we hugged and parted after her visit home we had no idea that it would be our last hug ever!

Life is short.

Hug those you love today.