As I continue to pack my bags and sort through the collection of treasures Joe and I thought we must keep.  I've found old pictures, half completed projects, Joe's hair from a haircut...and much, much more.  But one treasure I found truly made me reflect - on how lucky I was / am.

When holidays would come - Joe and I would try to be creative and make each other our gifts at times.  Here was my Valentine's Day gift to Joe one year.

A Dozen Reasons Why...I Love You!

(Each stem had a reason why I loved Joe...)

Your cooking and cleaning
Your "chip" odor
Your Fam and Friends
Because Your Joe Vogel
Your Heart
Your Personality
Your ability to put your shoes away
Your cheerleading - V - O - G...
Your Morning Humor
Your "Discipline"
Your Back / Foot Rubs
Your Patience

We loved the simple things in life and always found a way to tell one another.  

I have not regrets when it comes to this - I took the time tell Joe how much I appreciated him and truly loved him.  I think we often get too busy to reflect on how we feel about others and just assume they know.  Don't assume - tell them.

Love and Hugs -
Rach

PS - I heard a pretty wonderful remark at a wedding this weekend.  It went something like this..."Forever is not a long time when you are with your best friend."

As life continues, changes occur.  Some are easier to roll with than others. 

One component I continue to work through – transitioning,  If I am off on an adventure, traveling somewhere, I find it emotionally draining to return home.  Small changes set my mind spinning these days – in the past I would roll with them (Most of the time :) ). 

I’ve decided to make one of the biggest changes, I will be moving out of my house, our house.  I’m excited that I have the opportunity to move into the country – have more space and start a new chapter.  But…I am leaving the 4 walls that held many memories for Joe and I.  Memories cannot be taken.  They will move with me.  But I can’t tell my heart / mind how to feel.  If it hurts, it hurts.

This weekend – I lost it.  I broke down and realized this will be one of the toughest changes I face…one of the toughest I face without Joe.

We had always dreamed of moving out of our house (apartment) and into a home with no renters.  When we finally got serious about this – the cancer had returned and financially our house (apartment) was the best option.  Dreams are ever changing, evolving…I am working towards a new dream.

As I continue to pack, things of Joe’s surround me.  I never knew of somethings…all the sports jerseys I found in the basement :)…And other things bring me back to the happiest moments…two lanterns we bought when we were in Mexico.  But the greatest was a list…A list on white computer paper, with scribbles surrounding the edge, in Joe’s handwriting / chicken scratch, titled “The Simple Things “.

Joe – you were always the calming spirit I needed and helped me keep life in perspective.  Here’s to the simple things in life – that make us who we are, bring love and laughter to our lives, and make living worth it.

The Simple Things – by Joe
-Twins Fest
-Frito Limo Bus
-Kirsten / Payton
-Benefit #1
-Benefit #2
-Carolina with Deano
-Olive Garden / Arcadia
-Dean’s Wedding
-Friendship with Tiff
-Shing Wako
-Vegas
-Colorado / World Series
-Chicago #1
-Xmas at Grandmas
-Poopy Basement
-Arizona
-Kansas City
-Milwaukee with Friends
-Milwaukee with Rach
-Zoe
-Rabbit (0 for 4)
-Ralph
-Ossawinamakee (spelling?)
-Florida – 8th grade
-Moving
-Class Trip
-Band Trips
-Duluth Days
-Jeff and Dean take 1 (First night)
-Jeff and Dean Adventures (cruise)
-South Carolina Trips
-St. Thomas
-Florida Spring Training
-Bergler Cabin
-Isla Mujeres
-12 Bars of Christmas
-30th Birthday in Chicago
-Fantasy Football
-Denard Span (Autograph Party)
-Keith Urban
-Jovi / Daughtry
-Nate / Brody  / Theo
-Wiffle Ball
-Softball
-Basillica Block Party – Allison
-Loggers Game
-Wedding #1
-Wedding #2
-Katie’s Wedding
-Angie’s Wedding

For someone who had the all the right in the world to be down – unappreciative…  He wouldn’t think of it.  He appreciated everyone, everything, every moment.  Here’s to adding a new entry on my list of simple things – moving to the country.

Love, Hugs and a New Address –

Rach
P.O. Box 1104
Winona, MN 55987

Growing up - the family would pack up the camper and head out camping many weekends in the spring, summer, and fall.  Many good times had and memories that will never fade.

When Joe and I first started dating - we went camping with good friends at Apple River.  We had a blast to say the least, but I am fearful the storm that blew in our last night - turned Joe away from tent camping (our tent caved in with the rain and wind - and...I had to wake Joe up to let him know the tent was on top of us.  He could sleep through anything).

The next time I asked him if he would want to go camping - his response was "Why don't we just sleep on the porch?" 

Often we would join family / friends up north each summer for cabin outings and Joe's family always went to a cabin growing up.  The memories will last forever and the laughs will never be forgotten.

I am fortunate to have a mother and aunts who love to go camping and experience life in the great outdoors.  I had the opportunity to go to the Boundary Waters for the first time 3 years ago.  I do recall when I made it home from this trip - I hadn't seen Joe in 7 days and had only talked to him once - He looked at me and told me to get right in the shower for he thought I looked a little dirty.  Life happened and I was not able to go for a few years - but this summer I made it.

The peace that surrounds one up there is unexplainable.  It is good for the soul and refreshing for the spirit.  Thank you to my mom and aunt for the great trip that rejuvenated me and brought me peace.  Joe - I am telling you, the porch doesn't even compare to the Boundary Waters.

Boundary Waters (and a few side adventures) 2011...

Before I sign off here - Just want to remind all of you about the Goodview Gallop this coming Saturday - Here are the details again....
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


Sending my love and peace -
Rach

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 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!

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