367 Days... and some Updates

Part I - 367 Days... 

 Dear Joe –

It is hard to grasp that I haven’t physically seen you for one year now (I know your spirit is always beside me).  As I sit here to write this post – my mind is spinning and I don’t know what direction to go.  I try not to count the days, but how can I not.  I set a goal every night when I go to bed to get up and make the best of tomorrow.  Some days I try and try – but call it a day at 4 pm, other days I genuinely smile and laugh until 1 am the next day.

Even though I live each day to the fullest – and am learning how to live again…  I will never forget you or stop loving you.

Joe – you brought laughter to everyone, a smile to many and you cared for all.  You have taught a community to live life to the fullest and help others.  You are an amazing person – and live on in each of us today.  Joe Vogel – You have changed all of us for the better.

Forever and Always - 143

Love – Rach

To everyone who has stood by me this past year – thank you!  I am overwhelmed with the love and support from everyone…the simple cards – hugs – listening…I would not be where I am with out all of you.

This has been a journey I wish upon no one.  Yes – I would have chosen a different journey if I had the chance…but…I will make the best of the one presented to me.

So – I am going to wipe the tears now – grab a beer (it is 5 pm :) ) and raise a glass to my best friend! 

Part II – Kitchen Remodel Results

I promised pictures – Here are the before and afters of the kitchen makeover.  It was amazingly fun and it could not have turned out better. 

Before...

Before Close - Up...

After :)

After - AMAZINGLY BEAUTIFUL!

Before I move on to  Part III and IV – Joe always supported as many events as he could each year.  I will continue to make it out in my Team Vogel gear too.  We do make a difference – we show others we care.

Part III -  Rivertown Shuffle – Relay of Life

This Friday (August 12th) is the Relay for Life Event benefiting the American Cancer Society at Lake Park.  The opening ceremonies will begin at 6 pm at the Jaycee Pavilion with the walk among the luminaries to follow.  If you are interested in purchasing luminaries in honor of or in memory of someone – there is still time.  You can get them the Friday night – or you can contact Dana at dmchristensen@merchantsbank.com.  I hope to see many of you there – it will be a great event!

Part IV – Goodview Gallop

Goodview Days is just around the corner and it is time to get training and sign up for the Goodview Gallop.  Here are the details and how to get signed up –

Saturday, August 20, 2011  - 8:00 am (5K) and 9:15 am (2K)

Race Day Registration at the Race – 4155 Therurer Blvd., Goodview

Advanced Registration ends August 14th - $20 per person (includes shirt) or $15 per person (no shirt)

How to register – You can register online – grab a form at one of the following locations – call Karen…

Reg. Forms are at the YMCA (207 Winona St.) or the City of Goodview (4140 W. 5th)

You can reg. online at active.com

Call or email Karen with questions – (507) 313-4115 or tmoore@hbci.com

I hope to see a sea of red Team Vogel shirts this year too.  (You can also let me know know if you have any questions too – teamvogel@hotmail.com)

Love and hugs to all of you!
-Rach

And one last thing...

"Promise me that you'll always remember... you're braver then you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think."
-Christopher Robin to Pooh