We four Bairs, of Peoria are…
Missing him, but we know he’s not far..
Love and hope,
Tears and laughter,
Hoping to see you again….

2018. A year for the books, one we kinda wish we could move forward from…

I had grand plans on doing a late Christmas letter last year after we returned from the holidays in Hawaii, but it never happened. For this year, I thought it would be appropriate to still use the card, as it was one of our last more formal family pictures together.

Matt passed on October 10th. He will leave a hole in our hearts and lives and won’t easily be forgotten. 47 is too soon to leave, and the girls and I will continue to miss the man, father, and husband he was.

I am slowly doing the things one needs to do in this situation. Slowly, but surely… with the support and love from friends and family, I am getting through this. We will prevail. I cannot thank everyone enough for the constant reassurance and love. We are grateful and honored to have such a network surrounding us. The girls have been gracious, strong and courageous. I didn’t know they possessed that kind of strength.

Riley is 11 and in middle school. She is in Advanced Lit and Math, and loving the freedom of being older and away from her sisters. She still is in love with ballet and just got her first pointe shoes – like a duck to water!

Reese is 10 and in her last year of elementary school. She recently took the top place in a local museum art contest and likes exploring new ways to express herself artistically. She is also still in ballet and really enjoying her friends.

Paige is 9 and in 3rd grade. She is also loving school, ballet, and friends. She is quite a good speller (one grade up) and has enjoyed learning about robotics and coding.

I am trying to hold the pieces together! Single parenthood is a challenge that I’ve only had for a few months, but we are learning to work together in a new way. The outpouring of love and support that has been shown to us from friends and strangers alike, helps remind me that we are not alone in this world.

So, as 2019 comes racing towards us, know that we are healthy, strong, loving and compassionate to those less fortunate. We are still a family and we will continue.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Love,

The Bairs