Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Coke Float Day.

Today our family affectionately terms this day "Coke Float Day". Coke float day marks one month prior to the day we said our last goodbyes to Teagan and happens to be a day we captured a special moment in her life and ours in this photo above. The day was June 30, 2001; Teagan stayed up late as she often did to say goodnight to Daddy after he'd been away at work all day. This day we made that goodnight extra special by letting her and Chip have Coke floats- served at her little table in the 'special' tall malt glasses. She was so excited to have this time with Chip. She always was a Daddy's girl and I'm so glad I thought to grab the camera and snap a photo of this late-night date they shared that day.
We had already learned that life was precious and we should make the most of the time we have together because of an incident where we found Wyndham unresponsive and purple months earlier that same year. We had already learned to let go of some of the frustrations in life and to take in the fun times together or make a memory out of an ordinary day.
What we couldn't have known was that Teagan's days were coming to an abrupt end and our lives would never be the same in a matter of one month. What we couldn't have known was that this simple late night Coke float date would become one of our cherished memories we would have with her and wish back more times than we could count. What we didn't know is that this picture would looked old and dated and capture the way we would remember her for years to come. What we didn't know is our quiet, unassuming lives would be changed in an instant and our faith would be the only thing left to stand on.
We are grateful for this time and the wonderful memories we made with Teagan while we had her and we cherish them for what they were and still are to us. Her life and death have taught us so much and we never want to forget to make the most of the moments we're given here on earth. Today- Coke Float Day- reminds us again to enjoy the here and now, to do something 'special' just because we can, and to celebrate the simple and ordinary moments we have with one another.
We invite you to join our family today, or tomorrow, or whenever the opportunity arises in your own life to do the same thing. Be in the moment. Enjoy THIS day. Hug a little tighter; share a smile with someone around you. Give yourself permission to let something else go and make a memory you'll cherish for a lifetime. Even if it means staying up past bedtime and going a little over the top to make the memory extra special. It shouldn't take a tragedy for us to all see the gift of what we already have. Our family has learned the significance of now. Today we remember it again and share it with you too.
May you have a special Coke Float Day- or Pepsi or rootbeer or cupcakes or movie night or however you choose to "celebrate" now.

27 comments:

Kris with a K said...

Thank you, Jodi.

Once again, you share so transparently, and leave a mark on my heart. I'm not sure how, but we will mark this day with something special and treat-like, in Teagan's name.

God Bless you.

Beckypdj said...

The picture is wonderful and I am so glad you have it. So many times I look at pictures of Peyton and think, one week or one month or one hour after this was taken he was gone. I even have pictures of him from the night of his accident. I thank God for the people that took a couple of family shots of us during Christmas 2007.

I enjoy reading your posts and watching your kids grow. Crew is precious.

Vicky said...

Beautifully said :) Thanks for the reminder! I love that idea, we too will do something to honor this special day in Teagan's name!

Blessings sweet family! So honored to be allowed along in this journey of yours.

Jan said...

*sigh* Oh, Jody, I so appreciate how you can take something so sad and turn it into an opportunity to grow and be better, love better.

LOVE you and thinking of you and yours today....
♥♥♥

Pegasus said...

while I can't honestly say that I understand your grief, I still found your entry extremely moving.

My youngest (24) daughter was just involved in a bad accident and came out of it with only a concussion and scrapes, bruises. It did make us all stop and count our blessings!

Happy Coke Float Day!!

Andrea said...

Before I read this post, when I had just read the title I thought "I love Coke floats, I should make them for the kids someday soon". Then I read the posts and I'm on my way out the door now to get coke and ice cream. We are never promised "someday soon" so I am making memories today, thanks to your words.

Song said...

You say "I hope to live a life that inspires or challenges other people to be their best." yet again you have!

Happy Coke Float Day :) May God bless you and your family today.

ellen said...

I love the picture and hearing about a nice memory.

Lauren said...

I want to reach through the computer and give you a "BIG" hug right now!!! A matter of fact, I will. {{HUGS}}

I hope you felt it!!

You are soooo precious!

Love ya!

Erika said...

Beautiful! Like you, I find ways to find the magic in each day, knowing that things can change in an instant and we must cherish each moment as special. Thank you for sharing the beautiful story of Teagan's "coke float" date- I am so glad that you have that memory and that gorgeous picture...(((hugs)))

Dana said...

like so many posts I read on your blog I am smiling while I have a tear in my eye. Great memory, Jody and a great lesson for today. Thank you!

darcie said...

Beautiful picture ~ What a special moment and I'm so glad that her memory lives on with this 'tradition' ~
thinking of you in Minnesota -
xoxo

Jen said...

Oh Jody! I'm thinking and praying for you girl! Thank you for sharing this beautiful post and picture and reminding us all to make the most of every moment, every day. *Hugs*

Kelley said...

That is so beautiful. We had a tragedy in our family last July. We are coming up on the 1 year mark and it is tough. You are right though. All you have left is the faith you stand on.

Anonymous said...

Thank you Jody, for sharing your heart here with everyone. I am planning our own Coke Float Night tonight (YUM!) and will do so in honor of your beautiful Teagan. Thinking of you and your family today, and wishing you peace.

Anonymous said...

wow! what a wonderful way to remember your daughter! I should try this in memory of my dad only we would eat chocolate eclairs!!! I love your blog so so much and am inspired by it weekly.Enjoy your coke floats!!

Unknown said...

Love you Jods--love you all and especially Teagan and her special Coke Floats in the special fancy glasses.

Miss you.
Love you.
xoxo.

The Welch Family said...

Thank you - what a sweet reminder to all of us. We too learned that lesson 4 1/2 years ago, but some days I still need a reminder. Thank you for that reminder today.
Love and prayers

Unknown said...

Wow. Your words touch a place deep in people's souls. You are an amazing writer and you have such an inspiring outlook on life. This is truly a day to celebrate. I LOVED the story about your precious angel and her late night date with daddy. My heart goes out to you & your family. May God keep you all safe & bless you!

Paige Hinrichs said...

As I was reading this, my 3 yr old was pulling at my arm and leg and I shooed him away. Your story made me stop and give him a squeeze. Thank you for sharing with us and thank you for a great reminder to cherish every day.

Jennifer said...

What a beautiful picture and beautiful post. You brought tears to my eyes!

We enjoyed a late night of enjoying family times and celebrating Caiden's 3rd birthday last night, and even with the crankies today from the late night and busy weekend, I am thankful we stayed up and shared special memories.

Heather said...

Jodi. How wonderful that you took that picture. What a great memory of your little girl :) ((((hugs ))) to you on your very own Coke Float Day.

MaRia said...

You brought tears to my eyes. What a beautiful memory and beautiful pictures.

T-Wan said...

Hi Jodi,

I don't post to your blog often but I wanted to let you know that your words and your life have taught me that I need to enjoy life more and to capture moments that seem ordinary because you never know memories a picture can bring back. I applaud you and your family for standing strong in your even when it seems hard to do. Thank you for sharing your life with those you don't even know.

Jakki said...

Thank you so very much for the reminder...I have been so wrapped up in what has been 'sooooooooooooo important' that i havent appreciated my youngest son asking if I was okay and even when I said yes he still came up and gave me a big long hug. Or when my oldest son, out of the blue, gave me a big sloppy kiss. I hurriedly past on by not recoqnizing the love from them nor the gentle hand of God reminding me what matters.

The Bashams said...

Jodi - Just after reading your post about Teagan and the coke float day i found myself out the door to the grocery for a milk run. Of course, I came home with coke and vanilla ice cream. The kids and I stopped everything for the afternoon and made coke floats and I took pictures. I didn't give them any explanation of why the sudden change of plans, just the it was a good day for coke floats. But i was watching my kids giggle and thinking of your Teagan.

Anonymous said...

jody, I know july is a hard month for you. I pray for you every day that you can still stay the jody we admire and love. You are such a support to your friend here all these miles away.
I thank God I met you and got to know your family.

Just remember what you always tell me....one day closer......

love you jods
xxxxx