Realizing Dirk's Dream

[Betsy D.]

In January of 2000, Dirk and I were "looking" at houses. Not to buy at the time, but scouting for our future purchase. We knew that our current house, one we loved, would eventually be too small for our family. At the time we had a two month old son, Jim. One beautiful, sunny, bitterly cold afternoon we drove past a small cape cod style house with a very large yard. Dirk was hooked. We looked at the house. Yes, it had 4 bedrooms and 2 full baths, but two bedrooms were upstair and 2 were downstairs. It was a 50 yr. house that needed help. But Dirk had a dream. The man rarely had dreams that he would remember. He dreamt that he was playing in the backyard with our son. Frisbees, kites, etc... How could I deny the man his dream. We bought the house...

Now, 9 yrs later the children are realizing Dirk's dream. As I write, I am watching them fly kites on the cool, but breezy and sunny Spring evening. Alex and Jim keep getting their kite strings tangled which I don't get because there is plenty of room for both of them. Emily has wandered next door to play with our next door neighbors' Bernese Mountain dog. After the initial kisses, Riley and Emily are just wandering around the yard, . . on the playhouse deck, around the pool fence, just hanging out together... How Dirk would love to be sitting on the patio watching this scene. What I am doing is imagining our newly born Cimmy romping around the boys, jumping at their kites and barking at Riley to play and best of all, Emily wandering around our yard with Cimmy tagging close at her heels.

Two parts of this picture are missing. Dirk and Cimmy. Cimmy will join us, but of course, Dirk won't. How I miss him, but some day he will watch from heaven as our children and our puppy have a wonderful time playing in this beautful backyard that he dreamt about.

[Linda,Yankee & Finn]

This is so touching, Thank you for reminding us to treasure every moment.

[Kendra K. Rhoton]

This post makes me tear up... thinking of you

[The Kleins, Tempe, AZ]

Betsy, you and your family continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

What a great story - I am picturing your home and yard in my mind. Cimmy will be so happy. I really do keep your family in my prayers. Everytime I think of my list, I think of you.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

How wonderful that you can see the glass as half full..... You are and will be an inspiration to your children. One day they will probably choose their Mom as the subject of their essay entitles, "My Hero."

[HANNAH 8/2/07 & HONEY 7/2/08]

Betsy, I think in some ways we are a lot alike. We draw our strength from the life we are choosen to live. We hurt, we cry when no one see's us, and through it all we remain standing on two feet, strong as ever and ready, willing and able to battle more of life's curves, but most of all the biggest job is caregivers to our family and friends. We don't let our pain and sorrow take from the care others need, and through it all, our reward is knowing we did the best we could and were there to help. You and your family are always in my thoughts and prayers, God Bless...Love Denise HannahNHoney

[Michele Barton]

Betsy, that is beautiful. I am crying. I am praying for you, Dirk, Alex, Jim and Emily. You all deserve so much more than the hand you've been dealt.

[Jamie Petro]

Betsy, you are such an amazing wife and mother. We can't tell you that enough. Like someone else said, after reading your posts, I've come to treasure the time with my husband and not take him for granted. You and your family are in my prayers every day.

[Kim Williams]

I am glad you are living Dirk's dream. I would like to send you a big doodle hug.
Kim and Parris

[Jeanette]

Betsy, in spite of all you are facing, you are so together and such an inspiration to us all! I pray for you and hope your bittersweet memories and thoughts will one day be all sweet! The road there will be long and sometimes overwhelming, but I am confident you will have the strength and perseverance to endure! Please, please take and make time for yourself! God Bless.