I will Miss you Always Mom

This is something I never wanted to write so I’m going to keep it brief. On Monday after work, I found out my mom Judy Blake-Krickovich had passed. Even writing those words now I still don’t believe it but it is true. This is a blow to my heart that I will never truly recover from. I talked to a friend earlier today who said something that made sense to me “It'll come in waves at random times, and it never fully heals, but eventually it's like a scar. It's crazy how similar it is to a wound but I do think it's evident of the love that was there.” That was my experience when my grandparents died, that is now like a scar. But Mom is a fresh wound that will take longer before it's a scar. 

Here is her Obituary:

“Judith A. Blake-Krickovich, 63 of Auburn passed away unexpectedly September 23,2024 at Geneva General Hospital.
 She was born in Utica and lived most of her life in the Auburn area. Judy was an Auburn High School graduate, Class of 1979. She previously worked as an LPN for various local nursing homes and hospitals, retiring from the V.A. Hospital in Syracuse. She also worked for Hospice and loved to care and help others that were sick. Together with her best friend and husband Durland, they enjoyed everything. Whether it was camping, boating, watching re-runs of the Wizard of Oz or It’s a Wonderful Life, taking in the beautiful sunsets or attending a concert, they loved each other’s company. She will be greatly missed and forever held closely in the hearts of those who loved her.
 She is is survived by her loving husband Durland Krickovich, sons Michael and Stephen Blake, bonus son Joshua Krickovich and bonus daughter Jamie Bastedo, several grandchildren, in-laws Dianne and Edward Krickovich, siblings, Robert, Chris, Mary Ann, Suzann, a beloved aunt Dawn David as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins, brother and sisters- in- law.
 She was predeceased by her parents, William and Charlotte Blake and an Uncle Earl David.
 There are no services at this time.”

I love you Mom and I will always miss you.

Mom and I at the New York State Fair 2023

Discovering Owasco Lake from Emerson Park on Sale Now

Today I’m happy to announce I have self-published a photo book on Amazon. It is called Discovering Owasco Lake from Emerson Park. This is something I have been wanting to do for a while. This is very much a learning process for me. I wanted to know what the process was like to self-publish on Amazon. With this being a book of just pictures it wasn’t too hard and I only had to make a few revisions to get things the way I wanted them to be. 

The book has 25 images of Owasco Lake, most of which I haven’t posted anywhere. You can get the soft cover on Amazon for $15 or you can also get a Kindle version for $5. I will note that the Kindle version can only be viewed from a phone, tablet, or any device with a Kindle app.

I think of this book as a coffee table book just something to have around for decoration to look at now and then. I would like to do more of these books in the future and I already have a subject in mind. I would also like better take advantage of the pages. 

If anyone buys the book, I thank you and hope you enjoy the images. Here is the description of the book and links to buy the book.

“Nestled at the northern tip of Owasco Lake, Emerson Park offers a serene escape into nature’s beauty. This photo book captures the essence of this picturesque location, showcasing the tranquil waters, lush greenery, and vibrant sunsets that define the park’s charm. Each image tells a story of peace and natural splendor. Whether it’s the soft pastels of dusk, these photographs invite you to experience the timeless beauty of Owasco Lake from the heart of Emerson Park.”

Paper Back

Kindle

Sadie

This morning I got a call from my mom to tell me Sadie (Our dog) had a tumor and that the vet told her the only humane thing they could do is put Sadie down. She has had what looked like swelling on the right side of her face for a few weeks now, it was to the point she couldn't open her right eye. We thought it was just an eye infection, which has happened before.

The vet thought so too and gave my mom pain pills and an antibiotic. They also did a blood test just to rule anything else out. Well, the blood work came back today, and that’s when they found out it was a tumor. Now we have until tomorrow morning to say our goodbyes to Sadie. For me to say goodbye to a family member and best friend and for my mom to say goodbye to basically her 3rd child.

Sunflower Field

Took some photos at Strawberry Fields Hydroponic Farm today.

 

End of a Chapter

Today around 4AM my grandmother passed away. She had been bedridden ridden for a few years now and at the beginning of the year she took a turn for the worst. She did fight for longer than we thought she would, though grandma had always been a fighter her whole life.

Now both my grandparents are gone and at the time I’m writing this I’m not sure if it has hit me yet. No more running dinner up to her at night, no more stories about how Auburn use to be, and no more going home a few nights a week. Mom and I moved out of the other the side of the house when I was in 7th grade. But no matter where I am if I have a dream where I say "I'm going home”. I go to my grandparents home and of course they are booth there.

But now I say goodbye to grandma and grandpa and to my home where I grew up. I'll probably understand how grandma felt when we drove past her family home and saw it now, the sadness she had seeing her home. I will feel seeing my home in the coming years.

Until the last few weeks I won't lie most days I felt like the rest of us would be gone well before grandma left us, of course that wasn’t realistic. Now is the end of one chapter in my life, and the rest of my family’s lives. I lost a grandmother but they lost a mother today.

I wrote this to let everyone know what is going on right now, and why maybe I have been a bit more quiet. Also why I might be even more in the coming weeks. Know yes I am sad to lose my grandmother, but I am happy for her that she is no longer in pain, not just physically but emotionally as well. From the lost of grandpa a few years ago. Thank you to everyone for understanding, and for those friends that have been there for me the last few weeks. I’m probably going to need you guys even more in the coming days.

Grandma and Grandpa (Willam E Blake and Charlotte T Blake) at their 40th wedding Anniversary.