Throwback Post: Sunset Gratitude

**THROWBACK POST**

September 17 2013:

Overcooked chicken, almost burned fries and yummy pasta for dinner, some sort of racing/speed walking game with Thomas and Lillian, golf with a pinwheel and piece of chalk for the ball, being decorated with imaginary clothes, sparkles and tattoos by Lillian, shadows and streamers, reading a chapter of Heidi to Lillian, reading the story of “America the Beautiful” and about water bugs with Thomas, 20 minutes of goodnight rituals, one bowl of hot buttered popcorn for Mama …. and I’m going to bed overflowing with gratitude. Grateful we have food to cook, a back yard to play in, amazing imaginations, books to read, laughter and tickles and pillows and beds to sleep in …. and grateful for my little family! Sweet dreams y’all!

Thomas – Graduation from TMCC College – May 2024

May 11 2024

What a fabulous afternoon and night for Thomas and their friends. I’m so happy for Thomas having this great group of friends. I’m proud of Thomas. I’m proud of us. YOU did it. WE did it. A freaking milestone to celebrate!! ❤️❤️❤️🙌❤️❤️❤️

Distinctions and Honors: Diversity cord, diversity medal, 4.0 gpa/summa cum laude medal, honors cord, honors tassel, PTK tassel, and appreciation stole.
4.0 gpa and summa cum laude

Yesterday Thomas graduated from the TMCC dual credit program. Graduation from TMCC College with graduation from TMCC High School in a few weeks.

Throwback Post: Thomas and Camilla September 2012 Date Day

**THROWBACK POST**

September 22 2012:

Date day adventures with Thomas … Gosh!! What a Super Saturday!!!!!

First stop on our date day adventures … Lunch in the park … Thomas quotes Louis Armstrong and says, “It’s a Wonderful World”

Next stop …. Mmmmmmm … Gosh, it’s a great day for going to the beach and havin some frozen yogurt. Thomas says, “I love you!”

Last stop …. Pretending like we’re furniture and electronic shopping …. Gosh! It’s a great day for pretending!! … Plus we saw the biggest and scariest spider EVER!!

TMCC Unity Graduation – Thomas Darnell

May 3 2024

Last night was the first of three graduation events – Unity Graduation. The drum circle, mariachi band, and singing by Michelle McCauley was fantastic. 🎉🎉🎉

Closed Eyes – Thomas’s Poetry

May 7 2024

Thomas’s poetry professor created this book for the students, one poem from each student. He used Thomas’s poem title for the title of the book. 🥰🥰🥰

You’ll have to take my word for it that Thomas’s poem is incredible, as they don’t want to share it. My eyes leaked liquid love after reading it. ❤️🥲❤️ Thanks @unclewaltsbeard for creating this!! 🎉🎉🎉

She’s on Fire – Fundraiser for The Beauty Project Foundation

We’re coming in hot! 🔥❤️‍🔥🔥

She’s on Fire, A women’s variety show!

Music, Art, Dance, and Poetry

I’ll be hosting the open mic from 3:30-5:00 and will also be sharing poetry on the main stage.

We are coming together to celebrate creativity, talent and self expression in all the different ways it looks like for women. This is a fundraiser for The Beauty Project Foundation, creating access to beauty services for people experiencing financial distress.

Please join us on Sunday, May 19th 2-7pm at @abbyshighway40

Get your tickets ahead of time and learn more at WomenOnFireReno.org

 

Throwback Post: Do You Act When Moved to Share Kindness

**THROWBACK POST**

November 12 2013:

Around the time of Thomas’ birthday he so gently asked if he could have an ice cream cone as a birthday treat while we waited for Lillian to finish her therapies. I reminded him we had ice cream at home and that he could have some. He said, “Okay, that sounds good.”

Lillian’s therapy center is only seconds from the fast food place that has soft serve ice cream. After I parked, I filled my mind with thoughts of abundance and generosity and changed my mind. After all, it was only a $1 cone.

As I turned into the parking lot a homeless person was sitting on the curb. In addition to ordering the ice cream for Thomas, I ordered a chicken burger. At least, I think it was me. I felt an overwhelming urge to order that burger and give it to the person we had just passed.

I had Thomas hand it to him as we pulled next to him. I have NEVER done this before. The man thanked us many times.

As we drove off, I told Thomas that it doesn’t matter the reason that man is sitting there or even if he is really homeless. I felt moved to share kindness and I did. I was going to use that money to attend the Dr. Temple Grandin lecture on Thursday night. This felt more powerful and important.

I explained that we never want to NOT share kindness due to judgment of another or for fear that our kindness will not be well received. Once we perform an act of kindness it’s really no longer our business. I’m sure Thomas will remind me of this beautiful moment just when I need it most. Here’s a picture of him with the ice cream on that day … 11.12.13 … He even shared some with me! xoxo

I posted about this on social media. A friend in Texas saw the post, and without telling me purchased two tickets for the Temple Grandin event. She only told me after they were purchased. What a gift!

Perfect Ending to the 2024 National Poetry Month

May 2 2024

We ended National Poetry month at Prim Library in Incline Village (Tuesday, the 30th). The gorgeous @seemedisco emceed the event, and we all shared awesome poetry. It was wonderful to share poetry in a different venue. ❤️🎉❤️