One year ago today my life forever changed. In the months since I’ve often thought about how I would use words or photos to communicate my feelings of this impending day. Do I post something here? Do I just scrawl thoughts on paper? I settled on a mixture of both. While this is most often filled with expressive cats, super cute pups and my girls, I still feel it makes sense to share a bit about my life so people know who I am besides the blonde gal with amazing dog treats.
My journal from the last year is littered with crazy thoughts, unanswerable questions and impossible wishes. While I have gone through some of my lowest lows these last 12 months, I am so incredibly proud to say that I have smiled and I have laughed. I have started to envision new dreams and when I think of him I have started to smile more often than I cry. I smile because I know that I would never ever trade those 7 years for anything else. I am a better person for having known, loved, been loved by, traveled with, shared a life with and planned a future with this man.
It took me quite a bit of time to decide what to do on this day and I felt a lot of pressure to make the right decision. Pressure from only myself, but pressure nonetheless. I had wanted to do something that not only my family supported but that I know without a doubt in my mind, he would support. And he would without a doubt support this adventure …
… If you are reading this today, the 1st of Sept, I am hiking a mountain in Yellowstone. And when I get to the top I plan to have a Surly beer, cry a lot, smile a lot, take tons of pictures and breathe in a new year. That’s what he would want me to do.
Please send me all the hugs you can today because rest assured, I need them. And don’t just send them to me, but to all of my family and friends who have had their world turned upside down and slapped into perspective by last Sept 1st. Lots of love, lots of hugs and lots of besos.
HUG, HUG, HUG, AND A 100 MORE HUGS! You have chosen a wonderful place to remember Murray and all of the great times you had together. Love you forever!
Jess,
I couldn’t think of a better way for you to celebrate his life. You were always so outdoorsy together. Good luck on your hike. HUGS from Texas.
Rene
Love you,Jess, crying from Belgium.
Huge hugs to you today and always. You are amazing. I didn’t get the pleasure of meeting him but I can see how proud he is of you.
Much love- Angela Price
Jess, this is incredible. This trip is such a beautiful way to honor Murray, and your words and photos are so, so moving. Safe travels, and a big hug from Colorado.
You are brilliant. Can’t wait to see you in a few weeks
You are one of the most beautiful, talented and inspiring women I have had the pleasure of getting to know. These images are incredible and I am so grateful you are sharing them here. This looks like an amazing trip, hope to see you soon! lots of hugs to you! Taylor
Jess,
Many hugs, thoughts and prayers for you today as you remember him in an amazing place. – Kelly
I only recently discovered you and don’t know you personally. But I wanted to wish you peace and comfort on your journey. This post was a beautiful tribute. Safe travels.
~Laura S.
Thanks for Sharing Jess. My thoughts are with you. I will toss back a couple tonight in yours and Murrays honor.
Thinking of you today…Hope you have an amazing hike! Any time you see a butterfly, bird, or feel a gentle breeze, that’
s Murray smiling at you letting you know all is well! I dont know why God takes our loved ones away early, but I do know that when you experience great loss that your heart gets much bigger and stronger to prepare you for something great! You and Murray are kindred spirits and we are sending you warm thoughts and hugs!
Aaron & Marina
I have thought about you guys a lot today. I’m completely sure you’re doing exactly what Murray would have wanted you to be doing today. Tons of hugs.. I’m so disappointed that we have to miss the coming weekend. I was really looking forward to seeing you and all the family. Hope that we are able to soon. Hope the mountains bring you comfort today. You’re in our thoughts and prayers.
Nathan
Well said Jess. I can’t believe a year has already gone by. I can’t wait to see you at Murtemberfest!
Always know you are forever loved by many. Lots of hugs and kisses sent your way today and every day after!
-Luepkes/Quimby Family
MOUNTAINS!! Murray nor I were never able to really express why and how cool they are, but, though rendered silent i figure that’s enough. See you soon!
A gazillion hugs from River Falls for you, Paul and of course Murray’s family and all of his friends. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and photos.
You are an amazing, strong person and I admire your decision to travel to MT and hiking to the top of a mountain to remember Murray & have a Surly in remembrance.
All the best from C&G … and the girls. 🙂 They do miss you.
You are beauty… and I am proud of you. XOX
To Our Miss Jess & Paul,
Celebrating Murray is such a beautiful tribute to an extremely wonderful gift that you were given to love and
share for those “7” years as Jess stated. Love, family,
friendship, fun, lots of beautiful laughs and moments are
priceless.
Jess, your written journey was very, very beautiful, well
done and a gift of love…………Thank You for being so
strong and loving to share with us.
KNOW THAT WE LOVE YOU ALWAYS……….You too Paul!
Carol & Charlie O.
I both smiled and cried reading this post. I hope your travels were safe! I am sending air hugs but will give you a real life one real soon 🙂
Lots of hugs Jess. May you find strength in the love of Murray’s and your family and friends. – Michelle & Enrique
You are truly an inspiration. I am in awe of your strength, humor, and love. Sending lots of hugs and prayers.
You may not know us personally… but we still think of you often. Best wishes for the coming year. We’re busy starting to make preparations for another summer in Park City and looking forward to raising a few frosty PBRs in Murray’s honor.