Oklahoma Trip: by Lori

Well, we are back home, safe and sound. We stayed on Grand Lake in north east OK (Monkey Island to be exact...and no, we did not see any swinging in the trees). It was just beautiful...hot, but peaceful. A nice wind off the lake seemed to cool things off a little and kept alot of the bugs away. I didn't really want to go, since we had rented the place thinking that my Mom and Dad would be coming with us. The empty bedroom was a sad reminder, but Mama always lived life to the fullest. We felt she would have wanted us to take the kids there. I had alot of quiet time for reflection on life and my loved ones and it was something that I really needed. Keeping the kids busy with new experiences seemed to have helped them cope a little too. It was bittersweet, since I could not share our fun times and silly pictures with my mom, like I have always done after a trip away. Not being able to call and tell her we are home safe...life still seems so surreal to me. I know that everyone says that time will heal...well, I guess only time will tell.

Yes, Lou saved Savannah from the big, bad croc...he only needed 10 stitches! Just kidding...

This emu kept eyeballing Lou, not sure if it wanted to kiss or kick him, though! The same goes for this alpaca!! It must be Lou's magnetic personality...I was jealous!!









Kiss me baby!

In Memorium

Our Precious Mother and Grandmother,

Lola Janik 3/10/44 - 6/09/09

Mama, I have the right words in my heart, but the ones in my head just don't seem enough to portray what you have meant to all of us. All that I know right now, is that you are at peace, but we miss you so much...why did you have to leave us so soon? We miss your laugh, your words of wisdom, your awesome sense of humor, your strength and vibrancy. You touched so many people, with your love and caring, throughout your life and your passing has left such a huge hole. Thank you for being such an awesome mother to Julie, Michael and me, and a wonderful grandmother to our children. I pray that I can pass on to Zack and Savannah all the things that you have taught and inspired in us. It's not fair....all your suffering and now this tremendous loss. Savannah said to me, "I only got to know Grandma for 8 years, it's not fair Mom". How can the simple words of a child cut so deep? At least Savannah had 8 years, but how come Baby Przyzycki did not get to have any time with Grandma Lola? That is SO unfair!! I had 41 years with you and that wasn't enough, by far. But, God gave you 65 years full of love, so who are we to question His plan. I know that we will be together again, someday, in Heaven, so that gives some comfort. I love you Mama.




Mama and me, 1968