Blogging Slump

This site was created almost 2 years ago so that I could post stories about Hudson but I have really struggled to consistently and/or frequently add them. There's just something about having to post stories about your dead kid that makes you not want to sign in. But SHIFT IN MINDSET for 2025 is this isn't about stories about a dead kid, it's about keeping my amazing, most loved, hilarious and not right on many levels kid's memories alive.

This time last year we were heading to Snowshoe, WV for yet another exciting ski trip. Last trip in 2017 we drove home in a blizzard and almost didn't make it home. This time we were driving into a blizzard and almost didn't make it. We had to stop for gas and Hud decided to extend the break with a smoke and I was irritated he wouldn't get in the car faster and I could see snowfall getting worse. We ended up passing the resort, driving down the steepest, longest, slipperiest hill at night for over 45 min. with no civilization in sight. I was scared to death while Hud and Madelyn were annoyingly laughing and goofing off in the back seat. :)

We finally made it to the resort, checked in, only for the key to not work. Pics of Hud and Madelyn and all the luggage in the hall while I had to go back to the front desk to get new key tell quite the arrival story.

The hell trip getting to the resort paid off big time with absolutely AMAZING skiing - perfect conditions, tons of fresh snow! This was the first year Madelyn began skiing with confidence, and Hud joined us on several intermediate runs, and of course joined Madelyn in getting funnel cakes during our night skiing runs.

We had a giant cookie for his birthday celebration and as usual Hud refused to let me take a picture where he wasn't making a stupid face. But the 19th birthday photo of him and Madelyn with the cookie, stupid face and all, is still one of my all time favorite pictures, and memories, of Hud.

Missing him more than words can say as we are less than away from what should be his 22nd birthday.