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Cara

@caranicoledalton

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wife to luke❤️
mama to b and e🥰
about happiness: finding, creating & sharing it☀️

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I’ve spent all day wishing I could force a birthday hug on her. Call her and have the kids sing Happy Birthday. Tell her about our day.

And honestly, that’s not much different from every other day. Because there isn’t a day that passes that I don’t wish I could hear her voice, give her a hug, talk to her about my day or just tell her I love her.

But today, Shannon would have been 40.

My little sister. And it’s still so hard to fathom that I’m living in a world without her in it.

Ten years ago, we were in Vegas with her best friend on a girls’ trip celebrating her 30th birthday. Today, I gave Brecken and Ellie the birthday gifts she bought for them last year but never felt enough like herself to give them.

I had told her I was saving them for when she did.

So today, on her birthday, I gave them their last gifts from her instead. Because that day never came.

And it sucked. Because we miss her. Because she should have been the one giving them those gifts. But they LOVE them. They were so thoughtful and so perfectly designed for each of them.

I haven’t said much publicly about Shannon’s passing. Sometimes I think I should, and sometimes I think I shouldn’t. I go back and forth about it all the time. Some days I still find myself thinking, seriously, how is this real?

But here is the truth I do know: mental health battles are horrible. They are real. And I miss my sister more than I can put into words.

So if you’re struggling, please remember how deeply you are loved. How much your presence matters to the people in your life. How much the world is better because you are in it.

Your doctors, your friends and the people who love you are fighting for you, not with you.

And if you ever need someone, you can always call me.

Happy 40th birthday, sister. I wish more than anything that I could have given you that birthday hug today. I love you. I miss you. Always. by @caranicoledalton

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23 days ago

And just like that Summer comes to an end, and they are off to their first day of school. 📚

Brecken
6th Grade - Premier Soccer Academy ⚽️
Mr. Reynolds, Mrs. Wilhelm, and Coach Rudy

Eleanor
4th Grade - Southeastern Elementary 🧭
Mrs. Howe

Can’t wait to see what they accomplish this year, grateful to have a front row seat! ❤️ by @caranicoledalton

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2 months ago

Happy 9th birthday to my built in bestie!

We had a fun morning scavenger hunt filled with Starbucks, squishy hunting, candle making, and tracking down viral fruit shaped ice cream for her teammates. Then she spent the afternoon and evening at her fav place doing what she loves!

Eleanor your drive, your dedication, and your desire to make other people happy makes me so proud. You ended the day being the giving spirit you are! Love you so much! 🫶🏻🩷 by @caranicoledalton

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4 months ago

Happy 11th Birthday Brecken!

No better way to spend the day than watching you do what you love! It’s too bad that ref had to give you a bday card too! But your first yellow on your 11th birthday makes it memorable! 🤪

Thanks for always making my Mama heart so proud! Love you so! 💙💙 by @caranicoledalton

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5 months ago

Soaking up every moment. ❤️ by @caranicoledalton

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7 months ago

Where soccer meets a little magic ✨⚽️ Doesn’t get much better than a tournament at Disney’s ESPN Wide World of Sports. Gosh I love being along for the ride with my favorite little dude! What a great time making memories with each other and our soccer family! 💙 by @caranicoledalton

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8 months ago

These are the moments. 🌲❤️✨ by @caranicoledalton

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10 months ago

Merry Christmas Eve!✨ by @caranicoledalton

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10 months ago

It’s this amazing lady’s birthday! She is the best Mama, closest friend, #1 grandma, encourager to all, queen shopper, and biggest support I know! You look way too good and act way too young to be 75! So glad you are ours! We love you and hope this year is full of so much happiness and peace! ❤️💕❤️ by @caranicoledalton

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a year ago

Sports mom bonds. The best ones are like rare gems. Find them and hold on tight. Loving and supporting each other’s kiddos like they are your own. ❤️ by @caranicoledalton

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a year ago

And they are off on a new adventure. 📚

Brecken
5th Grade - Premier Soccer Academy ⚽️
Mr. Reynolds, Mrs. Haynor, and Coach Rudy

Eleanor
3rd Grade - Southeastern Elementary 🧭
Mrs. Jones

I always think the first day of school is so bittersweet. ❤️🥹 Can’t wait to see what this year has in store for them! by @caranicoledalton

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a year ago

Summer comes to a close too fast! Last day fun in the ☀️! by @caranicoledalton

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a year ago