You bet I'll be joining in with some chocolate cake... I need a pick up today anyway... I'll imagine everyone else here having cake with me so I won't feel so alone. This day should be a happy day.

Topie- I would be honored to join you. Can I also say that I think this is really wonderful for you to do- not only for yourself but for your other children. My sister died at the age of 2 (I was a baby) and my parents could hardly ever bring themselves to talk about her. In fact, this is the FIRST year that either of them mentioned her birthday when it came around. (I am 33).

You and your family are in my thoughts today.

Chocolate cake at my house tonight, and the sharing of the story of your little angel Andrew.

God bless you and your family Karen!

My 4 yo will be 5 next month........love to you Karen....we're gonna have choc. cake tonight if I have to make another cake (made an almond poppy seed pound cake yesterday)! So much for low carbing this week!!!!!!!!!

((((Topie & boys)))))

Dear Karen,

So good to hear from you. Been thinking about you and the boys. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="images/icons/wink.gif" />

Does chocolate chip/walnut/oatmeal/coconut cookies count? <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="images/icons/shocked.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="images/icons/smile.gif" /> This is my 1st baking experience since we moved here. LOL!! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" />

Many hugz to you and your young'uns. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="images/icons/smile.gif" />

Aloha,
L.

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Originally posted by Niosgirl:
<strong> So much for low carbing this week!!!!!!!!!
</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Niosgirl,

The carbs all fall out when you cut a dessert within 7 days of any holiday! Didn't you know that?

Topie25 - You are an inspiration! I'm so sorry for the loss of your son. You've blessed his memory though by allowing it make you and your family stonger. I'll be enjoying my chocolate today and thinking of you.

Hi Karen - I didn't see this until today, after your e-mail.

You know I'll be thinking about you and your family. My surviving son made brownies with my SO on Saturday and we have some left for this evening. I'll think of Andrew again.

I've struggled with how to observe my deceased son's important dates each year and each year that passes has been different. Your annual chocolate observance is a good way that perhaps I can mimic some how. This may require that I go fishing each year on my son's birthday - but it's in January. But he would have gone fishing everyday if given a chance. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="images/icons/smile.gif" /> It's his older brother that developed the sweet tooth.

You and I and others who have experienced the loss of a young child share a perspective that is hard to express. We are saddened, yet thankful at the same time. Thankful of our remaining good fortunes that we celebrate each day of the year - with chocolate or otherwise.

WAT:

"This may require that I go fishing each year on my son's birthday - but it's in January."

And your point? ...sounds like an excellent REASON for a sailing trip 2 the southern hemisphere. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" />

"Well I hope you understand, I just had to go back to the island"
-Leon Russell "Back to the Island"

-ol' 2long

Ashamed to say I hadn't thought about it that way - I'm sure my son would approve. Wouldn't even have to go too far south to get to weather warm enough for me and the fish. Binder may see it another way....

Karen - enjoyed a brownie in honor of Andrew.

WAT

Topie

Thank You for making the 25th an

EXTRA-ORDINARY CHOCOLATE

CELEBRATION OF LIFE

CAKE DAY

I am so sorry about your dear son! I will defintiely have some chocolate cake on that day!!!!!
Our children are the most important people in all of this mess...they need us!!!!