investing in each other

Hello Week 25 of Project Money!  It’s been a long week.  My mom died a week ago and although my heart is heavy, I know my mom is in a better place without pain and without suffering.  Nothing in life is guaranteed and although I’ve said it many times before, it is worth reiterating that we must live each day as if it is our last.   Although my mom had battled cancer for four years, her death came unexpectedly and puts lots of things into perspective.  We can’t buy time, happiness, friends, hope, dreams, love, and we can’t buy health. 

With holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas coming up, I don’t care much about pumpkin pie or gifts under the tree.  I don’t have any desire for Black Friday specials or shopping in general.  I have more than what I need.  Even though I will celebrate both holidays and make them special for my three children, Project Money has helped me to prioritize needs versus wants, value experiences over stuff, increase my savings, give more to others, and cut down on superfluous spending.  The journey continues. 

The day before my mom’s funeral, we decided to invest in another companion for our family.  We adopted a little orange and white cat from Rivers and Bluffs Animal Shelter in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin.  We named him Remington or Remy for short.  In Nigeria, Remy translates as “God brings comfort,” and Remy truly does just that.  Because he has a bit of a virus, we are keeping him separated from our one-year old cat, Jazz.

Today I celebrate the life of my mom, Nancy Jean Aschom.  She was the best Mom I could ask for:  strong in her faith, an excellent cook, and kind to all those she met.  My mom focused on her family, was married to my dad for 54 years, and served the community as a grocery store checker for 45 years.  Mom enjoyed her flower gardens and loved sitting on the front porch with her coffee and watching birds.  This week I pause and I remember.  I love you Mom. 

#TeamSara #embracethejourney #ProjectMoney2018 #SummitCreditUnion #Lifeistooshortnottotakerisks #moneydoesn’tmatter