Interesting New Happenings....

The scoop:
Recently I found out from my sister that my dad had a lady friend who he would talk to on the phone once in a while. When I found out I asked dad about it and he turned red and got the goofiest grin on his face! It was so funny! So, I enquired about this lady and found out her name is Kathy. A week ago dad left for Florida to go visit my grandparents. What dad did not tell me until he was there was that he was meeting Kathy in Florida! Well, as the week went on we heard more and more about this mystery lady! By Wednesday I could tell from dad's conversation on the phone that things were getting pretty serious! Dad shared a bit with me about his "date day" (as he called it) that he had on Wednesday...which was also Valentine's Day! He took her shopping in West Palm and then they went to a nice restaurant for dinner and ended the evening walking hand in hand on the beach at sunset! Yup....thats when I knew something was brewing! As the week came to a close I got to talk to Kathy briefly on the phone and was surprised to hear a very sweet and pleasant voice. We had a very nice conversation. I knew after that that I wanted to get to know this special lady!
Everytime I asked dad for details about his time with Kathy and their relationship he wouldn't share....I wanted juice! Not for any particular reason other than I was curious and I was beginning to think they were really cute!
On Sunday I decided to give her a call and talk to her again. She was home in Michigan then. So, I got her number from dad and we had such a wonderful conversation again! She was so happy to know that I wanted to become friends! She shared alot with me about dad. The short version: she is totally smitten by my dad! She even told me that dad was calling her his girlfriend! It was so funny hearing someone tell me that my dad makes them laugh like no body else, and is so romantic! I must admit...it is rather odd! lol!
I have been asked by a few people how I feel about this new turn of events. I am so happy to see my dad happy again! He has his "glow" back! He smiles more and laughs more. It is so great to see that side of him again! So, because of dad's happiness, I am totally and completely ok with this! Another thing, after my conversation yesterday with Kathy, I became even more ok. And the more I get to know her the more I like her. Something in the back of my mind is telling me that she is going to be in the picture a while. I am actually looking forward to that! She is planning on coming here to visit for a week in April for dad's birthday. I can't wait to meet her! She will never/can never replace mom. I know this. But she can fill that empty void that is present in dad's life. Not necessarily the same way, but in her own special way.
This is a good thing!

Happy 50th Birthday, Mom!!!!!!!!

Today would have been my mom's 50th birthday! That is so hard to believe! I have had a few moments today where I got a little weepy, but it was usually when I got to thinking about how much I wish she could be here to celebrate. We are going out for dinner this afternoon to mom's favorite restaurant, Maggiano's. And we are getting tiramisu for dessert because that was her favorite and whenever we would go to Maggiano's she would have to get her tiramisu! It is hard to believe that she has been gone 7 months already. She is greatly missed! It still hurts to think that I won't get to see her again in this life, but God has given me the strength to keep going and he has added so much joy since mom left this world. I will never stop loving the amazing woman who had such an impact on my life and who has helped to mold me into who I am today. Happy Birthday, Mom! I love you so much!