Trisha Pons

Last night while listening to a Wiggles song with my niece I was reminded of Abby. When she was just barely two and learning the names and sounds of animals she had a very cute way of making the sound of a rooster. Like the Wiggles song she made the rooster feathers on top of her head and said "doot doot doot". It is funny how memories like these are triggered by something so simple, but when they come it feels so good.

I miss exploring and learning with Abby. I miss our conversations. I miss her curiosity. I miss hearing her voice. I miss the energy she brought into this world. Love you Abbygirl.

Abby loved the water. This photo was taken on Memorial day. She had a great time on this motorized float. I think she spent the entire day in the water!

I am desperately trying to keep Trish and Abby alive in the hearts of others. It is the only way I know to keep moving forward. I don't want them to be forgotten. Just because they aren't physically here doesn't mean they aren't alive in our hearts. I added the quote made by a mother who has lost her child because it speaks just what I feel in my heart.

The girls took Abby to see Kenny Chesney in 2006. I remember Abby performing Kenny's songs on the fireplace. She could move just like him! Trish and Abby listened to Kenny all the time, and the first song Abby learned was "When the Sun Goes Down". Abby sang this song at the "K" during their karaoke night. A picture of her singing is on the wall at the K.

From little on Abby was interested in sports. I think Trish began playing ball with her before she could even stand. I'm sure she had a baseball bat in hand before the age of two. This photo was taken near Chicago at a park near where Abby's great, great aunt lives. Trish, Kris, Liz, Abby, and Tony were kicking a soccer ball I think. Abby's expression on her face speaks for itself!

Chop House is Trisha's favorite restaurant. We celebrated two of her college graduations there. Trish always ordered prime rib, and Abby loved their baked sweet potatoes. In this photo Abby is trying to climb the wall which she often did.  

Trish wasn't able to be there for Abby's birth because she had clinicals to do, but she arrived just shortly after. I remember that Trish could swaddle Abby like noone else could, and when she held her Abby was so calm and peaceful. I think they had a special bond immediately...

just could'nt keep that bee away from her wet head. wish it would of got me not her, that had to hurt her. felt so bad. but we did have some fun.

Dan surprised us and came home for Labor Day weekend. Abby had a great time playing soccer and baseball in the yard with her uncles Danny, David, and Dale, and of course with her Sports Buddy Aunt Trishy, Mommy, and Aunt Lizzy! I remember she loved getting sprayed by the hose by Uncle Danny until she was stung on the top of the head by a thirsty bee. We need to appreciate each and every moment with those that we love because you never know when life as we know will change forever.

Everyone that knew Abby knew how much she loved sports, especially football. For her 6th and last birthday her Mommy planned a football theme party. Everyone wore their favorite team's jerseys and Liz created a concession stand where guests could order the traditional stadium foods. Her cake was a football field. I cherish my memories of this day. Our family continues to celebrate Abby's birthday every year. She would have been 9 last October, but for us she will always be 6 years old. Miss you so much Abbygirl.

Trisha loved her Grandma very much, and as Mom's health worsened Trisha's true caretaking nature showed. She would do anything for Mom. Trish often stayed overnight with her, and they would talk for hours. They were very close. Not long ago I found a letter Trish wrote and mailed to her. She must have been pretty young, but old enough to write and old enough to try to get by with a practical joke. She pretended to be some long lost relative from Texas I think. She put a dollar bill in the envelope. Mom saved this and the dollar is still there. This photo was taken on Trish and Kris's high school graduation. Mom was so proud of both the girls that day and made a great sacrafice to attend the graduation as it was a very hot day with no AC in the facility.

Aunt Laurie gave this bunny to Abby on Easter when she was two, and it became her favorite. She named him "Bun Bun" and she took him everywhere. Anytime she was upset she went to find him. Bun Bun has been everywhere, even to Florida. Sometimes Abby buckled him into the seatbelt on trips. I remember that not long before Abby was killed Bun Bun was missing. By this time she was growing up and didn't need him as much, but still she wondered where he was. After a couple of months he was found under her bed and once again she often hugged him when upset, or when going to bed. On Easter, just 3 days before the car crash, Abby was planning to have a birthday party for Bun Bun. She and I sat together and made signs and decorations for the party. She was trying to figure out what day and time everyone in the family could come to the party. I've saved these signs, and Bun Bun. It is the closest thing I have to holding onto Abby.

fixed Abby up with the right hat and shirt what a cutie. she could sling that fishing pole inside the house or out. got alot better and had to only use outside. we did get to fish together at uncle dave's lake and got to see Abby catch her first fish. that was great seeing her face when she reeled it in.

Abby loved oreo cookies and they had just came out with oreo pudding cups that i found for her. I just love this picture of her. you can tell she loved the pudding.

the last xmas with Abby was a warm day. we played ball in the back yard and wore me out but i forgot it got to her also. this was Abby on xmas eve.

Kenny Chesney fans...I think Abby's love of Kenny was influenced by her Aunt Trishy and Lizzy. I remember Trish debated about wearing the hat before she and Liz left for his concert in Indiana. I think she looked great in this hat. Trish was very beautiful, but she didn't realize it herself.

Abby's "growly" face...she had a million facial expressions.

Not long before Mom died Trish and Liz took Abby to the Zoo. I believe that in this photo Trish is taking Abby through the cool mist tunnel. I can tell from looking at Trisha's expression as she watched the excitement on Abby's face that she loved experiencing life with her!

Best friends...

Kris wondered what our family did before Abby was born because after that our focus became on her...playing with her, and admiring how funny, how smart, and beautiful she was. This photo is a perfect example of the spell Abby had on each of us. We were obviously involved in a silly game she created. I am so thankful to have so many photo's that captured these moments in Abby's short life...Thanks Laura and Trish.

As I paint my new house I can't help but remember the many, MANY, hours of painting at Aunt Laura's house and my mom's house with Trisha.  After at least four coats of red and three shades of yellow I was ready to be done.  Thank goodness Kenny Chesney's greatest hits were on repeat:)

During my first year of teaching I spent a lot of time in my classroom planning and preparing materials.  One weekend I took Abby with me to hang out in my classroom while I worked.  I was laminating some items and she was so interested in how the machine worked.  She climbed up on a chair so she could see the laminated items come out.  She would tell me when it was safe to put a new item through.  I miss those little moments with my niece.

Mom loved Abby very much...but her health prevented her from enjoying her as she would have wished. One evening not long before Mom died Trish and I took Abby to visit her. For Abby she made her way to the doorway to watch her on the new tricycle bought by Trish.

I always worry about my family. Not long before the car crash I remember thoughts I had on my drive home from work. One time as I drove down 741 I thought about Trish. I always worried about her driving because she had a seisure disorder, but this time I thought about a head on collision, and quickly changed my thoughts. Several days on my way home I worried that Abby might be hit by a car. She was growing up and was now allowed to play in the neighborhood. I also remember thinking, "My God...what would I feel if I lost her". I immediately stopped this type of thinking. Just a few days before the car crash I asked Trish not to drive with Abby...she had been having problems with seisures. I remember telling Trish that I worried she could kill herself or someone else. Was this some type of sign? Was I supposed to be prepared for what happened?