Happy 4th of July Holiday weekend friends! I hope you will be spending time with your family and friends, enjoying a bbq and maybe some sunshine! 

I don't really do much other than work around this time every summer and I'll share why. 

In 2002 I lost 2 people over the 4th - a childhood friend and my father. 

My dad committed suicide the night of the 3rd while he was living in Olympia. Dad left Oklahoma City to move to Washington to regain his life. He wanted to start over and rebuild his relationships with his daughters. His demons were just too much for him and he took his life; a lot of the reason I support and work with Forefront (http://www.intheforefront.org/) in suicide prevention. 

Fast forward to July 4, 2013. This was just a little over a month away from Kyle and I getting married. Kyle was at work, I was getting our home ready for the bridal shower that Elaine was going to throw for me. 

The phone rang and I soon fell to the floor. 

Grandpa. The one man in my life that never let me down. He passed in his wife's chair the night of the 4th. 

Crushed doesn't even begin to explain how I felt. I felt as if my heart was just ripped out of my chest. It's really hard to explain the love that I have for him. It's like a father/daughter relationship only with grandpa. He was harsh but honest, genuine, deeply loved his work and God. He showed his affection - never in words - but in actions. Most of my favorite childhood memories are spent with him. 

Not trying to be Debbie Downer here, just thought I'd share a little piece of what makes me, me.

I'll have a June favorites up on my YouTube Channel and a video on the new thing that I've been selected to do with Influenster in the next week. 

Have a great holiday weekend!