This is the last photo I took of Reagan. I actually forgot about them until I sat down to process photos. I did not realize how far I was behind.
It’s been a week now. A week I shall never forget … filled with family and friends celebrating, supporting, mourning, crying, laughing, whispering, praying, yelling, hugging, and much more. I’m working on the photos from this past week. Those photos will show a glimpse of all of those emotions and ups and downs.
I worry just a bit about offending someone with the photos i’ll post. Yes, i took my camera to a funeral - it goes with me everywhere. I do not believe only smiles should be photographed. Even though it was hard to take that first photo of a tiny little baby casket - the emotion and raw energy in those photos speak volumes. I have shown them to Kevin and Karen and they want me to post them. So send done send us your disapproving emails. We don’t care what you think. 
In between the wake and the funeral was Tater’s 3rd birthday. I give credit to Kevin and Karen - they dedicated the day to Tater as best they could and topped it off with a trip to Chunky Cheese with close family and friends. I know that was not easy. After the funeral was then Tater’s official birthday party - it was at a gymnastics gym and allowed a safe area for a much needed physical release for both kids and adults. The daily ups and downs of events, mixed with the hourly ups and downs raw emotions … this week was intense.
And intense it should be, as it is very obvious Reagan touched A LOT of people. My brother and Karen have been overwhelmed with the support … please do not stop it. After all the family and friends go back to their daily lives they must find the strength to go on as well, but one short. That is when they’ll need a phone call, an invite, a card, an email … whatever, just something to help pull them through. I’m glad they have their church family and I’m glad we live near by and we plan to be there all we can for them.
I know this post jumps around a bit and doesn’t make much sense - which is okay, as that directly reflects where I’m at and how i feel right now - which is the whole point of this blog anyway.
All i know for sure is this past week has brought family closer and many friends from all over and all backgrounds together as close as family. I am proud of my brother. Yea, I know that sounds weird, but I am - I ache for Karen (i’m proud of her too tho).
We miss Mater.
