Dear Ellie and to All Our Friends and Family who use their Green Kyle Scholarship Bags,
As this is our last blog about our vacation month, I want to extend this letter to show you how far Kyle’s green bag (the gift we gave, and are still giving, for donations in honor of his scholarship) traveled. So I will title this picture show as “Where in World is Kyle’s Green Bag.” Family and friends have taken it all over the world on their trips! And can I just say once again, how humbled I am that people think of us (particularly of our Kyle) and our goal to create a legacy in his name?!
So Ellie, this letter is also addressed to our blog audience (and Ellie, this will be one of many blogs that teach you manners. It is important to say thank you because when someone touches you in a way that goes beyond words, it’s significant to try to verbalize it as best as you can)….
I appreciate my amazing cousin Donna and her husband Wes for starting this trend (who would have thought a lime green bag would gain popularity but thanks to you, it has a reputation as such! You made it a cool accessory with your camera- love you guys! I actually have heard people asking how to get “one of those!”).
The picture on the cruise boat that started it all!
Thank you Dad for starting the scholarship (I am forever indebted to you for giving me an outlet to honor Kyle in such a positive way).
And once again, thank you to our family and friends who continue to send me pictures… keep them coming!!! I love seeing the green with my favorite people! And yes Ellie, you know the green bag well as your diaper bag these days (good-bye sophisticated Vera Bradley, hello lime green Kyle 5k bag)!
Kyle’s bag has met its share of famous characters:
Kyle’s bag has been around many hot spots in the United States (and even Canada):
Kyle's bag has even been photographed with beloved pets:
And finally, Kyle's bag has made it to a wedding (in the Dominican Republic):
But there is still a lot of ground to cover (we are missing a few continents too- anyone going to Asia or Africa soon?! But remember, no place is too small, I use it as my diaper bag to the zoo and park all the time)… please continue to include us in your journeys, no matter how large or tiny! Once again, thank you for never forgetting and always remembering. I want Kyle to be proud that his life had purpose… I think we are succeeding. But you know me when it comes to my son, we aren’t finished yet- not even close.
Love,
Mom/Kim
And now from your Mimi…
Hi Ellie!
Because your mommy chose to end the month of August and our last true week of summer vacation with a picture show of “Where In The World Is Kyle’s Bag, I have chosen to honor this wonderful tribute with a Russell family reunion picture taken on Sunday 8-21-11.
Mind you it is not “all” the Russell’s but it certainly was a nice portion of them! The Stigale Family opened their beautiful home to us all and what a wonderful time it was to reconnect with extended cousins that we do not get the opportunity to see often. Carol and Jim went out of their way to make everyone feel welcome with amazing homemade salads, barbecued chicken, oodles of finger foods and yummy desserts! Oh, and I can’t forget to mention the great conversation and reminiscing of stories of days gone by! There were plenty of toys to keep the little ones entertained and of course the pool to keep the big ones amused too! Ellie, with personal losses throughout the families, many of us realized this weekend just how important “family” is and that each of us needs to make a stronger commitment of staying connected on a more frequent basis. The “Where in the World Is Kyle’s Bag” will not only help guide the family to stay in touch, but it has also reached out to friends to stay in touch too! Like your mommy, I am humbled by the love and support of everyone we love and who loves us that has joined in the spirit of remembering Kyle. May this wonderful idea of picture taking “green” continue on so that we can share the bonds that have come to hold us all together over the years to come! For me this was a perfect ending to a perfect summer as we not only enjoyed the pool party but also enjoyed time spent at Nicole and Rich’s wedding reception with all the Wagner family! Ellie, we are so blessed as you will learn over time that we have the coolest families… on both sides!
So I guess the lesson to be learned here Ellie is to stay connected to as many family members and friends as possible. They are your history, your future and your memories! Be thankful for they will enrich your life!
Next week is the beginning of a new month, September! Kimberly, I pondered this thought for a bit wondering what our blog theme should be. And then it came to me. Since September is the “beginning” of school, which means new faces and personalities to learn about, why not go back a bit to the “beginning” of us? What do you think of sharing with Ellie some of our own characteristic traits? Are you willing to give it a try??? Let me know!
Till next time Precious One!
Love Mimi
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