My daughter and I attended the Snowball Express event last year in southern California, 6 months after the death of my husband and 3 three months after the birth of our third child.  My husband was a Commander in the Navy and the Commanding Officer of a helicopter squadron in Jacksonville, FL when his helo went down and killed all five crew members aboard. 

Today, May 7, is the 1 year anniversary of his death.  I think I was looking for some reason to get out of bed this morning other than having to take care of three children, ages 9, 2 and 8 months so I logged onto your site  looking for information on the 2008 event and happily I found it. 

Thankfully I found so much more than information today.  I realized I found hope.  You see, I started thinking about last year’s event.

I thought about the hundreds of people who lined the streets on our way to the Oakley facility, I thought about the people who volunteered their time and money. 

I thought about the other families who attended the Snowball Express and I thought about the many people in our lives who have been here to hold our hands and help us through this painful time, of which, Snowball Express played a big part.  I realized that I am very lucky because of the love and support I have received from people I know and people I don’t know. 

I found hope today for my family’s future and I found the strength to go on because so many people care. 

I read Roy’s blog and found out about the wonderful events that are taking place to help this year’s event happen.  I can only image the logistics of organizing such a huge event and I was a meeting planner before I had kids! It kinda boggles the mind when you know what goes into these events and it makes me that much more grateful for all of your unending energy, enthusiasm and drive.

Last years event really helped my daughter open up about her dads death.  I think it helped her, and me, to see there are other children in her situation and who share her grief. 

She talks about the Snowball Express often and shares her experience whenever there is an opportunity.  She is looking forward to coming again this year.  Your staff and volunteers were so caring and helpful.  It was a good start on our long road of healing.  This year I hope to bring my 9 year old daughter and my 2 year old son to the event.  

Sorry to be rambling on and on when all I simply wanted to say was thank you.

  Kathy Sheahan  __________________________-

224 days and a wake-up to a lot of smiles!