December 21, 2020: Bobby Russ
Tomorrow Paige Alexandra Hall will start her flight here. It will be good to see her again. It has been said that she looks like her mother. I am not sure that she loves that comparison or not but I see where people can see that.
It has been a tradition that every year Paige visits. We have looked forward to it. It is odd to be sitting here tonight looking forward to it alone. If her mom was still alive, I know she would have been talking about it for weeks. She would be thinking of ideas to do with her. Sometimes those ideas wouldn't pan out, but she always was excited about the potential of what she would do.
For example, Renee bought all kinds of mixes for desserts and powered sugar and more to make with Paige during the last trip down last year. Most of that was never made and I still have some of it in my cabinets.
However, one of the events that did happen was on January 9th. I remember us all getting up and going to Dunkin' Donuts. That day I decided to take the two pictures of Paige and Renee separately while we were waiting for our breakfast and coffee. I remember the joy on Paige's face. Renee, Paige, and I enjoyed the trip to Homosassa Springs.
There we would explore the park. Talking, looking at animals, and seeing some little shows. Renee was always so happy about that park. It was a place of peace and calm in her ever churning sea that was work. The anticipation of showing another person the park no matter who they were reached a feverous point at times.
I have several pictures of her and someone else in front of the Homosassa Springs sign. This one was one that she was proudest of. I knew how much she wanted this picture taken. To her, it was a memory she cherished greatly of her and her daughter in front of the sign for the park that she loved so much.
I remember the day as a very positive one for not only Renee, but myself and Paige as well. It is a memory that will resonate
throughout time with me. We never know what the future holds. We have to treasure the present. It is truly a gift to us.
