Dear Mom,

I am your first child to be a college graduate. It actually happened, I'm not sure how, but I know it happened. I owe so much of it to you. It seems like not too long ago I was graduating high school

Yeah, this is an awkward photo of me, but it is the only one I have handy. I remember then how proud of me you were. When college came around, you helped guide me into what I wanted to build a career in. We went to Broadview University and took a tour. You and I joked around a lot about how I was going to wear scrubs all day, and work with animals (finally). You were there when I signed the papers to get in, you where there when I got my first A. Although with the turn of events sadly you were not there to see me carry on.

I remember the day I visited you in the hospital, and you were bragging about how I was going to be a "doggie nurse" soon. I felt embarrassed especially since you were telling all the hot men nurses about it. I know you got a kick out of that. I am glad we had that moment because I think about it often. How I could feel your pride for me shining through the entire room. So when it was my turn to stand up to get my degree, I imagined you beaming with pride and telling everyone how I am now a doggie nurse. I hope you were able to see the end, and that I did accomplish something major. I was able to get through the hard times because of you, because there was no way in hell I was going to let you down. The entire family was there, and it was love all around.

Thank you for being my inspiration in life. I want to do the best in life, and have you shine through me and my life. Love you, love you, love you. I miss you too.

With love,

Rachel

It's A Bum's Life

I can officially say I have GRADUATED! I am overjoyed and tear up just thinking about all those hard times with the blood sweat and tears. And now after so many hours and years of working day in and day out. All those days and nights spent up all night studying or staying in school until midnight working on projects. All of that is behind me now. So I have been spending the last week doing practically nothing. Can ya blame a sister? I'm just trying to re-charge my battery and soak in life, before I start up a huge new chapter in my life.

In the mean time I've been reading, hanging out with my family, waiting patiently (and sometimes not so much) for my husband to get home, and of course spending a lot of time with my baby boys. Last weekend was such a blast! Our family dressed up and headed over to the muttster mash with our other friends. We looked hot!

I had a great time watching Reggie and Frankie run around like maniacs. They had such a fabulous time and I always have a good time doing anything dog related. I was the devil, with Frankie being my hell hound. Reggie was a cop and tagged along his prisoner Brandon. Even with my great costume matching, we didn't win best costume. However, in the best trick competition Reggie won for playing dead! I never thought that trick would come in handy some day. He won a free grooming session there. Since he is terrified of being groomed I am going to put Frankie in his place. After they stole every snack and treat they could, we left and the boys slept great that night. I always like to go to dog events and enjoy time with my family.

That picture of us together makes my heart sing happy songs. I like it when I get to do something to help out other animals, while enjoying my own. Life doesn't get better then that.