Ronan. It’s days like today that give me just a sliver of hope that I am going to be o.k. That being without you, won’t kill me. I know this because today….. I felt something that I haven’t don’t feel very often anymore. Almost happy.

The morning started off as usual. We woke up around 9 and Quinn had asked to have a day at the beach. We texted Auntie Karen to see if Olivia could meet us. She sent her over and we headed out to enjoy the San Diego sun. We went down to the beach and spent a couple of hours there, being lazy and then we swam in the ocean for a while. We headed up to the pool after we got tired of the sand and the flies that seemed to be everywhere. We spent the next couple of hours at the pool and Quinn and Olivia played their little hearts out. Auntie Karen joined us for a bit and we sat and talked about you. She misses you so much. It felt nice to talk about you with her though. She told me how you will always be with her. I know this. You are part of her and always will be. She will forever be your favorite crazy “old lady.” We still giggle all the time about how you would call her this.

After our pool time, we got ready for the evening. Susie drove over from Mission Beach to see us. Macy, Quinn, Susie, Olivia, Liz and I all walked into town to have dinner. All I have to say is your New York Miss Macy is like chicken noodle soup for my soul. She makes me laugh like no other. Somehow, when we were with Liz a few nights ago, Macy started talking in her fake British accent. It caused Liz and I to crack up because it came out of nowhere and it was so awful. We have been teasing her about this for days now and it has turned into a huge joke. Tonight, we spent most of the evening being loud and laughing, while we all talked in our fake British accents. It was an evening full of taking silly pictures, British accents, laughing until our sides hurt and just having wonderful, innocent, fun. Quinn was in heaven and joined in and soaked up everything that we were saying and doing.

After dinner, Susie had to head out and the rest of us headed down to watch the sunset at the beach together. As we were setting our things down, I took off the locket that Macy bought me last week. She found it at a shop in North Park while we were waiting for our table at a restaurant and fell in love with it. She bought one for herself and one for me. It’s gold, long, heavy and we talked about how we would put a beautiful picture of you in it. It is so gorgeous and has become one of my favorite pieces of jewelry. Just knowing that you are close to my heart and inside of it, brings me such a feeling of peace. I took the locket off tonight and set it in one of my shoes. I ran off and forgot about it as we spent the next couple of hours playing on the beach, doing hand stands and silly things.

As it started to get dark we decided to head up to the Hotel Del to get ice cream. As we got there, Quinn asked to go into the toy store instead. We all agreed as the line for the ice cream was really long and it was hot and stuffy in there. We played in the toy store with him for the next 30 minutes all while still talking in our very loud British accents. We were getting ready to leave and I noticed my locket was not on my neck. I immediately went to my purse to see if I had put it in there. No dice. I panicked and told the girls that I had a slight emergency as I remembered I had set the locket in my shoe at the beach. Macy and Liz stayed with Quinn and I grabbed Olivia to come with me. We rushed back to the beach and tried to retrace our steps as best we could. Luckily, we sat and played by a very big hole in the sand which is how I got us back to the spot to where we were sitting. Turns out, this hole was not as helpful as I had thought because we did set our things down kind of far away from it. I knew was at least a starting point and it was better than nothing. We started searching for my locket and I could feel myself starting to panic. It was pitch black and the beach just looked so big; like it could have swallowed us whole. That is how I felt and right as I could feel the tears to begin to pour down my cheeks, Olivia yelled, ” I found it!” I could not believe my ears. The locket was half buried in the sand, it was dark, but somehow Olivia found it. A wave of happiness washed over me. I hugged Olivia and told her thank you. That sweet girl saved me today. It was such a good day and if she would not have found my necklace, the day for me would have completely been ruined. I know it is only a material thing, but the fact that Macy bought it for the both of us, to keep you closer to our hearts means so much to me. Thank you too, Ro. For helping Olivia tonight. I know that was you. I know you wanted me to have a good day today as you know how much I need that every once in a while.

We all came back up to the condo and I headed out for a quick run. It was late, so I didn’t do my usual route of 6 miles. I did a fast 4 instead. Macy wouldn’t have it any other way because of the fact that it was so late but she knows how I am if I don’t get my run in. She let me go but not before I gave her an exact time of when I would be back. I’ve given her the name of “wife,” now. She is my surrogate Woody. I am going to be so sad when she has to leave tomorrow. I know Quinn will too. He loves her so much. We will see her next week though as she has to be in Newport for a work trip.

This morning Papa Jim sent me a picture. It was of Liam and his first Salmon that he caught. They went out fishing on Papa’s boat early this morning. What a great way to start off my day. He looked so happy and proud of his fish. I was sad that I wasn’t there to see it, but I am so thankful for the happiness that I saw in his eyes today in that picture. He will remember that for the rest of his life.

O.K. baby. I’m going to try to get some sleep. I didn’t fall asleep until 4 a.m. last night and I promised Macy I would try to get to sleep earlier tonight. Quinn is snuggled up tightly in between the two of us. I will kiss him goodnight for you. I miss you so much. Thank you for the love and laughter today. Thank you for Macy. I would have never found her if it wasn’t for you. Your little gifts are everywhere. Sweet dreams my gorgeous boy. I hope you are safe. I love you, Ronan.

xoxo