September was full of birthday celebrations, my daughters, followed by my own birthday and then 3 of my grandchildren; before I knew it the month just flew by.

Then it was October.  The month that brings mixed emotions.  I had 2 sons born in the month of October.  My oldest son would have been 32 this month. His birthday was on October 8th.  While it wasn't as hard emotionally as his death date, it still makes for a day full of emotion as I reflected on the life he had, and should still be having.

I decided on the first birthday following his death; that a tradition of decorating his grave on his birthday (for fall and the upcoming Halloween holiday) would become my way of keeping him and his memory alive on the day that I gave him birth.  He loved Halloween; and so I wanted it to be a day of good memories; not of the ones missing him.

While nothing can ease the pain of losing a child; the memories of what time I had with my son has been a priceless gift in the end.  And, now as we continue to move forward in the month, we are celebrating a daughter in law's special day and another son's birthday at the end of the month.  With this I realize that life in perspective, is time building memories.  One at a time.  Whether you are building  your own memories; or an intricate part of building someone else's, we are all a gift to each other.  The little "pieces" of you; that you share with those that you meet, those you love, or even those that you are unaware of when crossing paths. It is those memories and actions that will weave the web of who we are.  And the legacy that we become; and ultimately leave behind.

Stay true to yourself as Shakespere once said, and enjoy the simplicity of the moment. You never know how important that moment will be to yourself, or someone else one day.  Live, Love and Cherish Life.