Days with the Dorans

One of Joe's friend's had a little homemade Homecoming.  It was nice that he was able to get out with others. He and about six other friends were Covid Cautious. It was nice that it was outside. He said it wasn't the best but it was nice getting out and seeing people he hadn't in a while.

  Today felt almost normal! We got to hear the marching band play! We had to sit in marked areas so we weren't too close to each other but it was so good to be back and to see them! They aren't playing at games but they are able to play before the games which is great because I know some bands aren't. I'm glad our super made the comment that band is just as important as the football team! (Or in our opinion... more important! tee hee)

  So my mom has been looking for a new car and she and my dad found this car for ME! It's hard for me to go look and so they drove it over to my house and the joy of working from home is I could go out and check it out and I loved it! Just thought I'd post some pictures! We had a great run with the white mini-van but it was definitely time! I LOVE LOVE LOVE my new ride!

  I was washing windows and looked out and saw this. It made my heart happy! I love that my kids not only love each other but they like each other too!

It was fun watching Joey and his friends celebrate him! They hung out, played games, had a bonfire and got him great gifts! I'm so glad he has such great friends! I stayed hidden but I did sneak a couple (literally) pictures!  

  This was the post I made on social media describing this awesome day: Words cannot begin to describe how full my heart is right now! Thank you to all who came out from all over the world! (Special shout out to my UK peeps running at 11:45pm!!). @bemags3 on the mic! AMAZING! All of it! So thankful to be part of the @chargerunning family! Here are some highlights of my day but I have so MANY MANY more thanks to all the pictures you dropped tonight! Over $2300 raised for @rileykatherynfoundation and you can still donate if you want! But especially... thank you @jonasendoran for being the sweetest soul~ who got me through my darkest days and makes me want to be and do better. I love you so very much! Happy 17th birthday! And again, thank you all for remembering and joining us #BecauseOfAndrew & Joey~ #TheBoyWhoLived I loved that my childhood college best friend and childhood best friend were able to join us too! I also put together a video of everyone who shared pictures that y...

  I can't believe my baby is 17!!! Started out the day surprising him in class with some breakfast! That smile means everything to me! He had a meet and we also celebrated by opening his gifts. Here are some. I think he liked them! After his race, we did the "Because of Andrew" run. Joe was a bit melancholy and down. The family sang to him and we had cupcakes on site where we did the run. I suggested he have friends over on the deck. So we did just that! We went to the Dairy Queen and made some calls and it turned out to be a great start to his 17th year! Love you, Joey!!

  I never work on September 15th. I like being able to Separate my Joey and Andrew time.  That way I can get out my sad for Andrew so I can be totally present for my Joey! I went to Andrew's garden and wore his shirt. I took my journal and I did a kind act because of him. It felt good and was a great way to start the day. But gosh, this day is always hard no matter how much time goes by. I loved leaving flowers on a stranger's car in the ER parking lot. I hope that it made them smile! After the garden I drove by our old house- the last place Andrew was alive. Feels like yesterday and a lifetime ago in the same breath.

I'm so excited!! We're doing a virtual run through my obsession (Charge Running) #BecauseOfAndrew and we're hoping to raise money for my friend's charity! Joey told me that he hates that his birthday is my worst day- but I reminded him that it's also my BEST day! I still can't believe it will be 20 years! We had things written on the back and I had to get two shirts.  It's going to be a great day!

  Getting an appointment to get Ali her driver's permit has been a pain to say the least! The best we could do for a scheduled appointment was at the end of October in BAY CITY! Someone had said I could try to get in and get a same day appointment and it worked!! There's so much awful about Covid but I was able to score a same-day SOS appointment and we were out of there within 30 minutes! That NEVER happens!! I think it's safe to say that she is loving being able to drived. Today she already logged 1 hour and nine minutes! I'd say she's going to meet her 50 hours before you know it! Proud of you, Ali!!!