Halloween

From my journal October 31, 2002:

Eric and Jason - Halloween

Jason in all his different costumes over the years has been on my mind this Halloween night. I’m not a big fan of Halloween, but Joe and the kids had so much fun. Jason, especially, loved dressing up and having fun on Halloween.

One year, Eric, Jason and one of their friends dressed up in camo with their faces all appropriately painted. They would knock on a door and say, “Trick or Treat, SIR!” when anyone answered. Everyone got such a kick out of it. I think they collected pillowcases full of candy!

Buca de Beppo - Halloween 2001

 

Last year Jason, Jenna and some friends got dressed up and went to Buca de Beppo for dinner on Halloween.

He just loved to have fun.

Approaching birthdays

From my journal dated July 14, 2002:

Jenna and Jason - joint birthday party July 1999

Tomorrow is Jenna’s birthday. She’ll be 18. She really hasn’t wanted to plan anything. With her and Jason’s birthdays two weeks apart, I think it’s hard for her to think of celebrating without him. There has always been such an air of festivity in July.

We finally decided to go out to dinner to Daniel’s Broiler [nice, expensive restaurant with beautiful view] in Bellevue. Joe and I just wanted to make it as special as we can for her. It’s been one of our favorite places to go for special occasions since we discovered it. We’re surprising her by inviting a couple of people she knows. I hope she has a wonderful day.

God, please give her a good day. She really needs it.

Graduation

From my journal dated June 1, 2002:

Jenna’s high school graduation was today. I wanted it to be so nice for her.

Last night was the rehearsal and pot luck dinner for the graduates and their families. It wasn’t fun to be there…it was yucky and awkward. Joe and I sat mostly with Brian and Marie [Alina’s parents]. At least they don’t treat us weird. Everyone else is awkward around us…ignores us.

Before we left for the graduation ceremony today, I went in Jenna’s room to check on her. She was just sitting on her bed, looking at the picture of Jason and her from last year’s formal. It’s so hard to do things and know he’s not here to celebrate with us.

There were two white roses on the stage – one for Jason and one for Alina – and a note in the program that they were to honor them. It was a nice gesture.

After graduation, all the graduating class left for Grad Night Out. I hope Jenna has a good time. I hope the other graduates are nice to her.