In Loving Memory Of

Vivienne Anne Lemery Schapansky Kozakevich
September 13, 1949 - February 13, 1991

Another year has passed. In reading my post from last year, it feels like I just wrote it. I continue to be amazed at the passing of time and how it seems to get quicker and quicker each year. What has happened that we would have shared in the past year?

The kids are getting so big and mature and show more of themselves and the adults they're going to be every day. You would love them so much. Drey is graduating this year! Can you believe that? When I looked at his grad photo proofs, I was astounded at how much he looks like me - especially in the goofy hat one. I immediately focused on that one - remember how much I hated that pic of me and you loved it? Remember you got one copy (or was it a couple) made because you were so proud and had to have the cap and gown pic? I know you would ask for one of those in Drey's for you. :-) Dad and I picked a really nice pic of Drey in his gown, staring off into the future. I think it's the one we're going to go with for the main pics. Drey's going to get a collage of three or four pics done as a keepsake, and he'd really like one in his cap for Grandma but we'll have to see. Our Kiershyn is an incredible girl and I know you would have love her to pieces - she reminds me of you in that she is such a good friend and listener. She would have been Granny's girl for sure. She likes to express herself through piercings, shares your love of lingerie and has many nice things, and also shares your love of jewelry. I'm sure you two would have no trouble knocking off a weekend of shopping. Braunt is our 'little Vinnie'. He is so much like you in his gentleness and private-ness, yet his flatulence performances would make you proud. LOL. I have always thought of him as my gift from you.

Dary and I are doing well. The time outs we took really helped our relationship - I think because we were able to mature and figure out who we were during those times apart. That's not to say things are always roses and sunshine now, but we try to work through things instead of pushing them aside. Darrin is an amazing man and I am so very fortunate to have him.

I have grown and shrunk and grown some more - I'm sure we would have went through our fair share of diets and exercises and had fun doing it. I was thinking of doing aquasizing again - I remember what a hoot you and I had doing it. We had a lot of fun doing things, that's for sure.

I miss you so much sometimes that I ache, yet days can pass when I don't think of you at all. I made it to 9:30 A.M. without remembering today was today - I think that's a record. I'm sure the time will come when I forget today, maybe until tomorrow or the next day. But that will be okay too.

Well, life goes on - I have to run and pick up Kier from work.

I will love you forever.