Then and Now

That was then...


It is amazing that just last Saturday we have been married 5 years. At times if feels like just yesterday, while at others it seems we should be married longer considering we have been together now 9 years. Last Friday Jay & I headed out to the Morongo Casino Resort and Spa in Cabazon close to Palm Springs for a celebratory adventure. After a very emotionally exhausting two weeks, it was just the retreat we needed. Some of you might be surprised that I have never adventured Las Vegas due to the desert high altitude, so the Morongo provided a bit of everything: desert, mountains, resort/pools, and gambling!

We did our best; winning some and loosing some. Friday we spent a good portion of the day at the outlet mall and surprising I came out empty handed, while Jay didn't! Saturday we got up and headed to Ruby's diner for breakfast and we both thought it was decorated nicer then any of our local diners, including the one at HB pier! After full tummies we headed out to the pool where we spent most of our day. They have a lazy river and a water slide which we enjoyed. We order cocktails and layed out to get a good tan.

That evening we splurged at the fine dining restaurant on the top floor; the 27th to be exact with an almost 360 view.
Then we headed back out to the pool for a night swim. The pool was lit up with changing colored lights. Daily we gambled intermittently until our wallets were bare. On Sunday after check out we headed to Palm Springs. We didn't last long there because of the heat, but hope to go back for a more leisurely tour. We cooled indoors at a mexican restaurant for lunch then traveled over to La Quinta where it was even hotter 110 to visit our friends Dave & Jen and their newborn daughter Emma (born 8/8/08).


Jay & I both were amazed at how much has happened to us and our friends in the last 5 years. We are so thankful that God has blessed us with each other. We looked at the clocks frequently reminiscing on what we were doing 5 years ago. We are so very grateful to have had the wedding of our dreams: intimate, fun, and full of those we love; our family and friends.

and this is now.

My Tribute

Some of you have heard, but it is with great sadness that my Yia-Yia has passed. I have been so blessed to have all four grandparents alive for so long. I remember back in elementary school I was one of the only kids who had both sets of grandparents alive. I am thankful for all the many special memories that we share and the many more to come.

After attending my Mom's uncle's funeral in Colorado and bidding their farewells to family, my parents spent some quality time with Yia-Yia and Pa-Pou. On Saturday she was alert and happy to see my parents. She was not in pain, but it was clear she was having difficulty breathing. Monday they said goodbye as they headed back to California. Little did my parents know that less then 12 hours after they saw her did she pass. She died Tuesday at 3am.

But God's hand has been in this even before her passing. For my uncle had canceled his trip to Canada, my aunt had taken the day off, and my cousin from Alabama was already in town. Realizing Jay had Tuesday off from work, Monday I rescheduled my doctors appointments and baked four loaves of bread to give away to friends and family. This left both Jay & I free all day Tuesday.

7am on Tuesday my dad called to share the news. I'm so thankful I wasn't home alone. Jay & I went to my parents and had a big family breakfast with lots of hugs and tears. We helped them pack which included two of the loaves of bread and took them back to the airport; less then 24 hours from when I had picked them up.

It wasn't that we didn't know this was coming, but we just didn't expect it to be so soon. And then to have an earthquake that same morning;Yia-Yia sure knew how to shake things up. The rest of the week I had ordered flowers to be shipped, have been writing my memories for the Priest to share, Bryan shopped for a suit (as he will be one of the pallbearers) and I took him to the airport just last night. I have been on the phone a lot with my family and learning of the daily happenings. I have learned a lot about the traditions of Greek Orthodox Funerals. Friday the prayer service and viewing is scheduled and Saturday is the funeral and dinner.

Please pray for our family as we grieve over the recent losses. As you can imagine this has also been especially hard on me as I can't go to Colorado to attend the funeral. The picture of Jay & I with Yia-Yia and Pa-Pou in my parents yard was the last day I saw her. I love you Yia-Yia!

Obituary
Economy, Laura L. Passed away peacefully July 29, 2008. Preceded in death by daughter Joyce. Survived by husband Chris; children Joan, Steve, and Jim; 8 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren; 2 great great grandchildren. Trisagion, 8PM Friday, August 1, 2008. Service, 10AM, Saturday, August 2, 2008, both at St Catherine Greek Orthodox Church, 5555 S. Yosemite, Greenwood Village, 80111. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Catherine Greek Orthodox Church or Assumption Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 4610 E. Alameda, Denver 80222.

Memories of Yia-Yia
There is no one specific memory of Yia-Yia, but rather a cluster. The things I remember are small. Like performing at Yia-Yia and Pa-Pou’s anniversary party before we moved to California. And cheering on the Broncos during the games we watched on TV and our family being soo loud. I remember looking forward to hearing her stories of Elway from her visits to the hair dresser. She was a die hard Bronco fan. I can’t ever forget Yia-Yia whenever I have Avagolemono soup. For she made the very best and was always so willing to make a batch every time she came to visit. Or all the great care packages of Greek food and bread that were sent to us. I also remember making Greek food together for my High School Graduation party. And when I hear her voice is its’ of a loud Lebanese. But I have to say the best and most memorable thing was for her to come out to my wedding. It meant the world to me, for her to meet Jay, join in the Greek dancing, and to share the special day with us, despite her fear of traveling.

More Happenings

In my previous posting I neglected to mention that I picked up my diploma. I also received my bounded and published thesis in the mail. I can't even begin to describe just how awesome it was to have these things in my hands. I was so excited about my thesis that I rushed over to the hospital to show Jay while he was at work. Also thanks to those who have been praying for my health. I have recovered from my concussion. It took about a week and I'm so glad to be feeling back to normal. Thanks again for your prayers.