We debated whether or not we should even go. We didn't FEEL like it, but sometimes that can't be the reason we don't do things. We decided we could be missing Dakota something fierce, but still go and encourage Colton to play in his golf tournament. So thats what we did.
It was 91 glorious degrees outside and hot doesn't begin to describe it. But I didn't hear a single complaint about the heat. Colton played in the Ironman Junior Classic Golf Tournament. He played with boys in the 5-7 year old age category. Dad was his caddy and Nolan and I walked behind. Colton kept it interesting. He would par a hole and then take a couple of extra strokes. Finally he landed one in the sand trap and hit and hit and hit. But he didn't lose his composure and got a 3 on the next hole.
At the end of the round the kids ate ice cream while they tallied up the scores. And with a 38, Colton tied for first place! But there was only one trophy for first place. So they went to a play-off. On the first hole Colton made it in 4 and Hunter ended with a 5. Colton was the victor by 1 stroke!
There was no doubt where we were going to celebrate. After a tasty feast at our favorite mexican/pizza place, Zorbaz, we headed to Detroit Lakes. The water was refreshingly cool and the boys thoroughly delighted in the sand and the water.
For a few hours we were just a typical family enjoying an outing and it helped put a little bandaid over our open wounds. Its still hard coming home. Its still too quiet. Part of us is still missing, but onward we go.
I've been so touched by the outpouring of love we have felt by everyone. Thank you to each and every one of you who has taken the time to reach out to us! Your thoughtfulness and insightful words have meant more than I can adequately express.
Bravo Colton! What lovely family photographs.
ReplyDeleteIt will take time to not feel the wrench in your gut after losing a dear pet. (After ours died, I used to wail, moan and groan in the shower . . .) But with time you settle into recalling all the sweet moments with your pet and not the loss.
I read a quote and cannot recall the source but it said something like: Those who do not have time to mourn, do not have time to heal.
Hello Vicky
ReplyDeletethat saying 'a picture is worth a thousand words' is exemplified in the photo of Colton with his trophy.
Its a treat...
I have never heard of the name Colton before...does it have a meaning or special significance?
Happy days
Awesome job Colton!!!!! and great pictures!
ReplyDeleteVicky I have to tell you...it took me forever to be able to start function again after my dog died. To this day I still have the trashcan that my parents had when I was a child. It is a wooden trash can with a lift top and it was in our house growing up. When my dog was a puppy he'd scatch and bite at the bottom of it and for that reason it had to be mine...it was alittle of him in my house and my heart where I missed him so greatly. A few months ago the trashcan started falling apart and I started crying...I had my dad take it home and repair it..pieces had to be replaced and it had to fixed...two pieces remained though never to be touched by stain,a nail or a hammer...the two pieces that had his marks all over them.
I have another dog now but he'll never be like the one I had growing up. I have always said that you can get more dogs and you'll love them and care for them but there will always be that place in your heart for your Dakota!
Bonnie, that is a good quote, so true. I too believe one day we'll think more often about all the great years we've had and the sting of the loss will fade.
ReplyDeleteDelwyn, Colton means "strength" and is derived from Old English and also means "one who works with horses." At the time we were searching for names, Colton wasn't very popular and that also appealed to us... it is gaining in popularity however.
Robin, I am so glad we got away for awhile, we felt unburdened from our grief at least momentarily.
Stephanie, thank you for sharing that story with me :) I'd love to see photos sometime... it sounds like a great post! I have a measuring cup that Kota chewed the handle off of when she was a pup and I feel the same way about it :) Thank you for your compassion :)
Heartiest of congratulations to your son :) What you've done is the best that could be done. Even if she has left you, she watches over you, and wouldn't want any of you to be sad and grieving. Take care Vicky!
ReplyDeleteColton -- Congratulations - I knew that my best friend was also the best golfer ever (well, one of the 2 best - Nolan being the other). I am so proud of you. I wish I could have been there for icecream also --I only like vanilla in a cone. I love swimming in the lake -- last night I went out a little to deep and my daddy had to come in and drag me out - I didn't cry and he wasn't mad -- he just was pretty wet. You be careful when you are swimming. I hope you can come and swim in my lake someday soon. Bye. Christopher.
ReplyDeleteStillness, Thank you, Colton is very proud of his achievement. And that is a good point to consider, Kota would not want us to be sad for long :)
ReplyDeleteKristi and Christopher, I would love to come visit and swim in your lake :) Yikes, glad your dad was there to grab ya :) I hope you can come visit us soon too :)
I am SOOOO happy for him and for you all! And how very good, for even a moment, to step away from heartache to respite of joy.
ReplyDeleteBTW, I truly loved the picture of you on the beach with the boys. Simply precious. What a beauty you are.
Looks like you have a little golf champ in the making.
ReplyDeleteGood to see you all smiling for a while. One step at a time, it takes ages for our hearts to mend.
Robynn, thank you, you always know just what to say :) So sweet of you say I look good on a day when I am in desperate need of a shower and basic grooming :)
ReplyDeleteLiss, so it seems, ages yes :)
Keep the golf going! There are so many scholarships out there for golfers! He is a cute golfer!
ReplyDeleteI agree, the photos are great, as usual!
Hi Vicky
ReplyDeleteThis is Stillness Speaks and this is my new blog address
Way to go Colton!!! Sorry about your loss. The picture of you and the boys is precious and Vicky you have a pair of great legs!! lol. It's great to see a family doing so many thigns together and the boys involved in so many sports too.
ReplyDeleteMissy, Thanks :) He loves it and I don't think he will quit anytime soon.
ReplyDeleteTranquility :) I'll be over to check it out :)
Lilly, I've found with my boys that if I don't keep them busy, THEY will find things to be busy and that isn't always a good idea :)