Our Day on Lake Gaston

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Originally we were heading out for a long holiday weekend of camping but due to the events of the past few weeks I decided I wanted to stay at home for the earlier part of the weekend so from Wed - Friday that is exactly what we did. We stayed home, cleaned out closets, cleaned carpets and enjoyed the pool.

Saturday though we had promised to visit friends who own a home on Lake Gaston (on the Virginia/NC border) and Guy thought it was best for me to get out of the house and do something different so early Saturday morning we headed to the Lake. It is just a three hour drive and holiday traffic was our friend so no delays were to be had and after stopping for a quick breakfast we arrived to a beautiful day, beautiful home and beautiful lakefront to enjoy for the next day and half.

We had a fantastic time just watching the kids (and a few adults) enjoy all the water toys while we caught up, had some drinks, enjoyed the fantastic sunny weather and just relaxed. We also were taking out for a boat ride (video below) to see the lake as I had never been there before. Anyone who knows me knows that boating is one of my favorite things and I would do it every weekend if possible so I jumped on the chance to go for the ride.  I was not disappointed :)


Heartfelt Thank You

I have received so many emails, text messages, phone calls and cards from friends all over the country offering support, prayers and love over the loss of my mom this past two weeks I am not even sure I can possibly thank everyone. Please know I am touched and forever thankful for the support. It has carried me through the tears and pain these past weeks.

Our family will be changed forever by the loss of mom. She was the glue, the structure that held us together. She was the light of our family and I for one plan to follow that light and let it guide me until I see her again.

I have been taking a break from here, my photography site and our YouTube Channel to regroup. I hope to return soon, when I feel it is time. Until then, if you wish to watch, below is the video montage we put together for my mother's service and her eulogy so that you can also see what a wonderful women she was.

Mom's Service Eulogy

Good morning everyone, my name is Mike Kearney, I am Terry’s oldest son.

Mom was born Teresa Anne Naples, on October 8th 1932, in Boston, MA. She was the daughter of Giacomo Napoli (Naples) and Mary Frances Anna Vacaro. Mom spent her entire youth in the Boston area and it was there as a young marine she met my father John.

Mom and dad were married for 47 years and together raised me and my three siblings, Tim, Kelly and Chris in a home full of smiles, humor and an abundance of love. She was also a grandmother of 6, a great grandmother of 3, a dog mom to Ben and finally a friend to anyone she met.

I along with Tim and Kelly want to thank everyone for taking the time to be here this morning to honor my mother. She loved each and every one of you more than you know, and I am sure everyone here today was touched by my mother in a way that is hard to forget. We as a family would like to share just a few of our memories with you...

"Mike shared unscripted memories for himself and Tim here."

For my sister Kelly it was their shared love of the ocean and seaports, birds and adventure no matter how big or small. She taught Kelly that every house needs to have a pineapple. Kelly remembers so well how she taught us as children that you have everything if you have good manners and to do something nice everyday for someone.

For my wife Heidi it was a lasting unbridled friendship and who can forget the weekly calls about grocery sales and finding clothes for the great grand kids for .50 cents at Kohls

My Mom gave Tim’s wife Renee her passion for cooking and all of the secret family recipes. My mom also gave Renee a love of a mother. Renee’s mother passed away far too soon and my mother had no qualms about stepping in and filling that role for her.

Kelly’s husband Guy remembers the way in which she received him into our family with open arms and an open heart, he will never forget her kindness, support and love.

Moving onto her Grandchildren.....

She gave Christina a love for gardening, and an appreciation for flowers and plants and having a beautiful outdoor space to enjoy. Greg, Christina’s husband learned to understanding that your fridge can never be too full.

Steven said he gained an appreciation for the importance of giving back to the community from mom. He remembers her pantry always being full of food that she said she was taking to the food bank.

Chris developed a life long appreciation for Chex mix and her famous banana bread from mom. Every time he would stop by, she always had some waiting for him and even more for him to take home. Mallory, Chris’ wife formed a very close relationship with mom and said she became her surrogate grandparent after losing hers. She will always remember how kind, supportive, and loving she was to them.

Brian said he will remember most of all the magical Christmas’s she created for her family. Grandma was one to hold onto family traditions and those times will always hold a special place in his heart. She was always generous welcoming and loving. She was supportive of his education and career. Brian will never forget her warmth and love. Kailynn, Brian’s wife, will always remember and appreciate that she loved and trusted her enough to help her with her knee replacement recovery. Her support in her early nursing career was so helpful and had a lasting impact. Grandma’s kind, accepting and forgiving nature made her truly special and Kailynn will cherish those memories of her and will always be proud to call her family. And who could forget her wonderful cooking and baking. We will never forget the massive lasagna she made in the roasting pan one Christmas! And her famous hot fudge.

She gave Jarrett an appreciation for good food, which led him to become quite the cook.

Taylor fondly remembers Grandma taking care of him when he was little and remembers her Kilroy doodles while they sat together in the afternoons sharing an after school snack.

Her Great Grand-Children....

Jameson, Mom’s four year old Great Grandson said he loves GG and her toys. He also said he wants to give her a hug.

Avery, Mom’s four year old great granddaughter said when asked what was best about GG she simply replied love. She loves GG.

We all love GG and miss her dearly.

Thank you for coming today. God Bless you and God Bless Mom!


“Hey Kel”

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“Hey Kel show me how to do one of those selfie things”…. These are not the best picture I have of us but it captures the essence of you so well. That huge smile and the playfulness you always seemed to embrace.

You were the strongest person I ever knew. You were braver then I will ever be. You were feisty when you had to be, sometimes even when you didn’t need to be! You were our protector even when we didn’t need protecting, you had no enemies, only friends. You are and always will be Mom, Grandma, and GG, you are and always will be our rock and our guide.

Sometimes in the past 48 hours you told me “it is what it is”. I understand what you meant more than you know. I made a promise to dad 20 years ago and I can let you go knowing I kept that promise. I made a promise to you last night and I will never break that! I got this and I will not disappoint you.

I will miss our daily phone calls, I am not sure who will tell us when shrimp is on sale now, or how to get the best deals at Kohl’s. I will miss your “hey Kel’s “ more than I can tell you but I am so happy you are with Dad and Chris. I know you are just talking a mile a minute filling them in on all they missed over the years.

I love you so much.