The Parish Family Blog

Going for Your Vision

Those of you who knew Sharon knew she had a big vision for the world. She started with herself and  included the entire world. And clearly, from looking at the metrics for this blog, Sharon touched thousands of people around the world.

I remember vividly not long after we married her decision to become a trainer for the Life Training (now called More To Life). What I remember most were the difficulties facing her with this vision. Lily was just born and Sharon wanted to be in her life as much as possible. The bigger challenge, though, was her mindtalk about not being smart enough to become a trainer. She was told by many that she couldn't really be a trainer unless she had a 4-year degree because they believed she needed more education.(Sharon had previously completed two years of art school and had a degree in that area.)

But that didn't stop Sharon. She knew her destiny, I believe, so off on her journey she went. You know the rest of the story.

In memory of Sharon's vision for herself and others:

I took these pictures at the Houston More To Life Weekend in Novemeber 2006. What you see is her personal training manual for the More To Life Weekend. It was beautiful inside and out. You do remember how organized and artsy Sharon was with anything she touched?

Sharon's training manual was something she held as dear as her love for the family. The leather case was a gift from Peggy when Sharon was made Senior Trainer.  I took these final pictures before giving  Sharon's training manual to Peggy for safe-keeping, and I want to share these with those of you who are still coming back to read her blog.

What I remember most inside Sharon's training manual was a little sticky note so carefully placed in plain view, written in that beautifully loving style of handwriting that was just 'so Sharon'. You can imagine what this must have meant to her. I can. It's all about that place we call love.

Out beyond all

  right-doing

  and wrong-doing

  there is a field.

I'll meet you there.

Rumi

Justin and Lauren - Hanging Together

My two oldest kids - I sometimes refer to them as the big kids since Lily was always so much smaller. Though now she's taller than Lauren, I think.

Anyway, here are my little King and Queen, each off on their new Hero's Journey as they focus on marriage. Lauren (and Ryan) on July 7 and Justin (and Juliet) on October the 13th. I am proud of them and look forward to being there for them in whatever way that looks like in this new leg of their journey.

Dad

In Memory of My Honey

I was going through my pictures this weekend. Found this shot of Sharon kissing my cheek out on the deck of our home here in South View (just down from the Waldorf school).  I just love this picture and I miss my honey.

Love
Tom

Love Birds

One sweet couple - Lauren and Ryan.
I like this picture. What smiles!

Tom

"US versus John Lennon" - DVD Documentary

Just watched this documentary tonight. I had started it earlier this week but tonight I watched all the Special Features which were even better than the main feature.  Even if you were not around in the late '60s and the early '70s when Lennon was focusing his creative energy on political and social change, I recommend you watch this documentary.

John Lennon remains an inspiration for us in these times as well as in the past.

You will be quite amazed at the parallels between the Nixon and Bush administrations. There are differences, of course, and in an odd, eerie way, there are similarities.

Tom

Sharon and Lauren Smiling and Loving

I just love this picture. Simple as that.
I think it's the beautiful smiles on their face and the relaxed feeling of love that is shared.

Tom

Ryan's Secret Passion

I think he's pretty keen on his dog Addi. I wonder .... could he secretly really want to be a vet?
Nah, probably not. I love my dogs too.

Tom

Lauren and Ryan Loving on Each Other

Just makes me feel warm inside, seeing them so lovey-dovey.

Tom

more pics to come from this lively couple, who will be married in July.

Mother-Daughter Love

Juliet doing her Mom's hair for the first time.

Grandma Gerry - Happiness is a Clean Kitchen

Look, Grandma, we cleaned up the kitchen and the house!
Yee Haw.

Picture of the Day - Sunday April 15

I did my taxes!

Well, not really. Diane Spicer, my assistant, did the heavy lifting over here and Cathy Kennedy did the workup. Sharon always ALWAYS did the work before. So, my dear ... you are missed.

And I'm happy now it's done.

love
Tom

PS - Tinkerbell is not a morning dog.

Patti is in Love with a Dolphin

It was one wild and crazy kind of dolphin.

Patti gets some lovin' while we were on that cruise back in January.

This is one darn cute shot, don't you think?

Tom

Jumping for Joy

Can you imagine in 20 years what their kids will think of this picture?
Oh Mom ... Dad ... I can't believe you were cool like that!

Ah, to be young again.
Love, Tom

Love - Ain't It Grand!

Juliet and Justin sitting under a tree ...  K-i-s-s-i-n-g.

Tom

Lily's New Passion

Lily has become quite a baker. We're talking serious goodies here at the Parish home. She's asked me to put out an offer: If someone has a special request to bake something, let her know! Lily.Parish AT gmail.com

Dad (putting in extra hours at the gym to keep up with all this).

Knock Knock! We're Back!

Yep, I'm back.

We're in April now and May is just around the corner. I can feel the summer approaching. We're planning a private family dinner late May to honor Sharon's passing. I'm looking forward to that.

Lily is growing up quick. Time to get more pictures up.

Lily's 9th-grade picture:

Study study study ... (or is she playing on her computer?)