plan on getting STUFFED? run off your Turkey with us!

Manchester Road Race Nov 27th 10am sharp!

(click the bird for more info!)

...its almost here!! one more day to train to get through this crazy race....but it will be so much fun.. TEAM DAVE is going as SUPER HEROS! make sure you check back to see the photos.. this should be alot of fun... Dave ran this race a few years ago and I know he would of been so proud we are all doing it this year... not sure he would of dressed up ... but we would of made him!!!!.... hope he can see us as he looks down that day at the race as we fly over the finish line... Madison is even running this one.. this will be her first longer run and she is so excited to be running this for her Dad!!!

You've Got Mail!.......

… I got this in my email the other day. The subject line read.. Thinking of you…as I read it …kept reading it over again and again… it is so heartfelt and warm I couldn’t help but tear up knowing that there good people and strangers who has been following this blogg for awhile now… it simply shows that even if you don’t know the person affected, you can still feel for that person and their family.. I want to thank Jill for her email and her concern for myself and my kids… It was like getting a great big hug through the computer… so thank you so much for touching my life.. Just as much as I have touched yours….. And thank you for reading along while I move through these life challenges.. Its nice to know I’m not alone and on the side lines I do have others cheering for me….

~*~

Dear Michele,

You don't know me, and hopefully you won't think I'm some weirdo for writing, but I had to write.
Its taken me all these months to finally get up the guts to tell you how often I think about you, and how many tears I have shed for your family and so today I said screw it, so here goes!
Back in April when you lost Dave, I saw his obituary and was so heartbroken for you and your family. I saw his picture and just thought to myself "how could something like this happen to such a beautiful family?"
When I was reading the many, many entries in the guestbook, I stumbled upon your website, and since then, I have checked back on you guys often. I have been drawn to your family because of your amazing strength.
I hope you know how strong you are and how much people like me, who don't even know you have learned from you. I have learned to never take anything for granted in life. I have learned to stop and smell the roses so to speak.
I have a husband and a 4 year old son, and you have taught me to love them just a little bit more, to hug them a little tighter, to make sure I tell them I love them before I leave them when they go off to school or work. You have taught me to appreciate all the little things in my life Michele.
I just want you to know, that you have people out here who think of you all the time, and that you should never feel alone.
I truly believe that your husband IS watching over you and all the signs you talk about are from him.
You are an amazing mom to your kids and I just wanted to tell you today that I admire you SOOO much for all that you do. For how you have carried yourself over these last few months. For getting on your "running shoes" and for carrying on like you have. You are an amazingly strong woman and I hope you know that!

I know that the Holiday's are approaching so quickly and that will be so tough for you guys. I will continue to think of you and pray for you like I always do.
Please don't think I'm a nut for writing. I just had to let you know how I felt. I just wanted you to know how many lives you have impacted, and to know that you always have people thinking of you and your family, even strangers. If anything, I want that to bring you some comfort, and some peace. Especially now.

Take care. May Dave continue to watch over your beautiful family!

Peace and Love,
Jill

7 months... we are hanging in there!!

It seems like the 23rd of each months creeps up on me faster and faster these days. Not only do I think about this date several times a month… often I have to question what the heck happened and how did I get here? But it makes this new life for me real knowing I will be writing something on the anniversary of Dave’s passing. The 23rd number will always remind me of Dave and also its time I can focus my attention on him. So what comes to mind this month is the quote I made up for my High school year book.. I remember writing it many years ago and really not sure what it meant back then... but I submitted it and it was published under my photo…it reads:

“ In life there are many paths to choose from.. Follow one but don’t get lost“!

… so back then being 17 years old I don’t really know why I wrote it or what it was supposed to mean and I ask …. why does it still stick out in my mind today?.. Until now.... This journey for me from meeting Dave 15 years ago.... To getting married.. .. To experiencing life’s trials and tribulations along the way…til’ death do we part… has taught me quite a lesson on life and there were many paths and I do believe over the years spent with Dave, he has helped point me in the right direction and he continues to do so as I live each day... The earlier dark paths I had been down shortly after his death I clearly could of gotton lost.. But I believe those were more or less experiences I had to go through to get were I am today… I have to think there is a purpose, a reason for what happened and why I’m raising our children alone with out their daddy. I could just do nothing and feel sorry for myself and believe this was a cruel punishment put upon me, but I have chose a new path to follow... I look back and realize those darker days were times of spiritual growth and soul searching for me, I am now learning who I am and figuring out how to be a single mom of 3. I didn’t get to this better place over these months alone and have to thank so many people who have been there for me…. I think Dave has sent me quite a few angels to look out for me and the kids and new friendships made along the way.
….. I continue to find daily.... some inner strength to get me through the days……You never think you are as strong as you are unless you go through something like this… I have found some peace, in moving through life one day at a time, enjoying what I do have... and be thankful for it... I am grateful for the new doors that have opened up for me and the new friendships I have made in this short period of time…. I have Dave to thank for many of them… I know he is guiding me and watching as I walk down this new path of life without him by my side…

Congratulations MADISON!........

(watch me dance.. on YouTUBE...click click click my photo!)

Madison took the stage with confidence! We are so proud of Madison ....and how she has been able to cope and get through this tough year with a smile. Madison took center stage at North Haven Middle School this past Saturday were the Miss Ct Outstanding Junior Pageant was held.... delivering a speech about her favorite teacher.. her DAD! In life your biggest fans and teachers are the ones right next to you at home!... Madison spoke how she had 9 wonderful years with her Daddy and he had taught her many things in that short period of time... We are very thrilled for her .... and commend her on her hard work and dedication from community service to her talent performance... she is a remarkable little girl who has alot to give and share with others!... Congratulations Madison.. we LOVE YOU!! XOXOXOX

.. a box of SUNSHINE......! THANK YOU!!

Heather and Me.. Atlantic City Nj 7.2008

A box of SUNSHINE arrived the other day!! Thanks to Heather she went to Hawaii and sent us this box of yummy goodies!! THANKS SO MUCH!!! .. My long time computer buddy that I’ve known for almost 9 years now… funny how we met… my son Chase was into Thomas the Tank Engine when he was like 3years old… I found her son Ben’s Thomas the Tank site on line …and back then it was tough to find anything Thomas… and we started to talk and have been friends ever since.. We even went to see Thomas the Tank engine in Lancaster Pa years ago with her Family... And her Mom even made a Thomas sweater for Chase.. That now I have passed down to Carson… Heather is a dear friend that has been with me through everything over the years… and just want to thank you for always being there for your love and support so THANK YOU Girlfriend!!! Heather even came to see the kids this past summer dance in Atlantic City.. Thank you!!!! ….XOXO

Our Dad Rocks in Heaven.....

Sunday my mom called me several times that day to see if I was home yet… and then she told me she was at my house with my dad during the day ??… hummm? I didn’t know what was up or what was going on?… so on my way home Sunday night.. She called again and I was in the car driving .. And said.. You must look around when you get home and then call me? So now I’m trying to get home really fast now to see what this was all about?!….. I finally get in the house and its dark outside.. I notice a light on in the back.. So I follow it….I knew something had to be out there…. And as I get closer I notice something shining …I get closer to see it…and discover a memory bench in honor of Dave… (and I just broke down... with tears, it makes it all real that Dave isn't physically with us anymore...) They placed it in front of the tree our neighbors planted for Dave when he died… and how ironic that... the cobblestone circle we had put in when we made the patio 3 years ago was left untouched until now… kinda makes me think there was a reason for that circle?... like I subconsciously knew something?... Because I was so persistent that I wanted that circle built into the patio… I remember Dave asking me why do you need this? I said because I want a tree there someday!…over the next couple years it was empty and used as the kids sandbox... But now life has taken care of that empty space... A tree was planted by our good friends in honor of Dave when he passed away…A meaningful one and a now a bench for him that surrounds it…A place for us to sit and remember our Dad, husband… and Friend…
Thank you to my Brother Kevin and wife Tina, Brother Billy and Sister Christine and husband Larry.. My mom and Dad for this piece of stone art that will be cherished forever.. Thank you… that was a really nice surprise and the genius idea of putting our Family logo on there… ! Love you guys!…

"Our family is a circle of strength & love. With every birth & every union the circle grows. Every joy shared adds more love. Every crisis faced together makes the circle stronger".

Ellie Kate "Davida Arella" ...Beloved Angel...

a baby named in loving memory of Dave..... (click image for complete story)

celebrating a life... Pauline Cucolo "GRAM"!....

(Click photo for more information)

in loving memory of:

Pauline "GRAM" Cucolo

November 2. 2008 God took Grandma Pauline’s hand just like he did Daves and brought her up the stairs to Heaven. I do believe Dave greeted her at heavens door asking if she brought a bowl of meatballs?… This was Dave’s grandmother who survived 93 years and the MEATBALL QUEEN!… a long life and was a tiger til’ the end! Thank you Pauline for the loving memories… and your delicious breakfasts…of pancakes, eggs and a glass of whole milk! When Dave and I were dating.. We would head over to Grandma Paulines for breakfast and she was ready with her frying pan in her hand …and couldn’t wait to serve up a 5 course breakfast… Always needed a nap afterwards on Saturdays! Then she would provide the Yurgaitis Sunday dinners of her Pasta and meatballs … Those meatballs were Dave’s favorite for sure and you could find him near the frying pan to grab as many as he could… and there would be hardly any left for the sauce or anyone else if you didn’t get there fast enough! I am at peace knowing Dave isn’t alone up there… I know he called his Grams name… she was ready with open arms… until we meet up again… xoxoxoxo

Calling hours:

5-8 pm at the Maiorano Funeral Home, 95 willow street Waterbury CT.

Funeral Information

The funeral will be held 9 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 6, from Maiorano Funeral Home, 95 Willow St., Waterbury, to St. Pius Church, Wolcott, for a Mass at 10 a.m. Burial will be private.

For information, please visit http://www.maioranofuneralhome.com/

... did you VOTE TODAY?...

Ok.. what is up with this new coloring in the dots to vote? ..it brought me back to those elementary school days when we had to take those bubble tests... I was like nervous today.. the lady said only use the pen provided and I was getting scared I would color out of the lines... but I did it... I know who Dave was voting for.. so that is who I picked! I know he is also surprised I even went!.. I got a little choked up though.. the lady at the desk asked what street I lived on... and as I saw the lady search for my name in the Y section... it was sad not to see Daves name above mine...I knew I shouldn't of even looked.. as if he would be there... but I did anyways... i voted... got my sticker and left...

the Lacilla Family photo shoot.. 2008

(click image for more photos!)

... I got the pleasure of photographing this good looking family! Thanks Jeff, Glowie, and Ryan! .. here are a few of my favorites to share with you.... XOXOXOXO

THANK YOU.... annonymus!!!!!

.. the Kids received this in the mail on Halloween!!... a YUMMY collection of Harry and David candy and popcorn mix!!... the card said ANNONYMUS SENDER?... so THANK YOU ANNONYMUS... that was very nice of you!!!!