Team CZ

Dear Friends,

Many years ago, Curt dubbed our family - Team CZ. At the time, I had no idea how important that term would become to our family. The definition of team (as a verb) is: come together as a team to achieve a common goal. And that’s exactly what our family has done!

Our family has weathered many storms over the years, but none like the three years we spent together as Curt was dying. Although I would take Curt back in a heartbeat, what we went through made our family that much stronger. I love that Curt and I were gifted with amazing communication which lives on through the kids. Clarissa and I have been finishing each others thoughts and words lately, just like Curt and I did. Cayden and Corbin have no problem sharing their thoughts and feelings. We are all on the same page and it has never been better. We are truly Team CZ.

We have had a lot of occasions lately where Curt was truly missing; graduation, Father’s Day, Sports Award Ceremony, etc. The kids and I were able to talk about these occasions before, during and after, which allowed us meet them head on and make the most of these days.

There is not a day that goes by that we don’t miss Curt or talk about Curt. He is everywhere. Mostly he is reflected in our kids as they live their lives graciously and fully as Curt did himself and would have wanted them to do.

We appreciate all your cards, calls, texts and emails of support during the past few weeks. It is encouraging and uplifting to know that you all are still praying and caring. We love you all!

Love,
Cindy for Team CZ



My parents took the kids to Catalina Island for snorkeling and fun!

On our way to celebrate our 25th Wedding Anniversary with George, Jim, Ray & Steve-O.
We all enjoyed our favorite high school hangout - Lamppost Pizza in Rolling Hills.
I forgot to take a photo of the group.

Los Alamitos High School Graduation!

Great job Cayden!

.....and Papa!

 

Cayden's graduation party! We are blessed to have such great friends!



Happy Father's Day!
We love Ruth's Chris!

My Dad!

Corbin hanging out with Curt watching TV.
 

Happy Father's Day to the best Dad ever!

June Gloom

Dear Friends,

If you live in Southern California, you know about June gloom. If you are not familiar with the term, June Gloom, it describes our weather pattern in June which results in cool, cloudy mornings and progresses into sunny warm afternoons. Emotions sometimes follow the pattern of June gloom. We all have those mornings where things are just not right; they start off cloudy, sad or unsettled and then turn into happy and carefree afternoons.

As we transition into new routines - Cayden prepares to graduate high school tomorrow evening, Corbin is in his last week of school and Clarissa has begun working - we are all experiencing different emotions. Add to that Father’s Day (our first without Curt) this coming Sunday, and you can say June gloom is in full swing in our family.

Thankfully, we are able to communicate openly and honestly as a family about our feelings, emotions and expectations. I am so thankful for our kids who are so mature and devoted to keeping our family functioning despite the huge hole in our lives. We talk about Curt (Daddy) almost daily, yet we are able to move ahead and go through our days and plan for the future. Curt was an amazing Dad, and it is so cool to see him live on through the kids. Being with the kids is like being with Curt. Thank you God!

Once again I want to thank all our wonderful friends and my mom and dad. We are so lucky to have such an amazing group surrounding us, praying with us and walking beside us throughout this journey. Thank you for helping to relieve the “gloom” and brighten our days. We love and appreciate all of you!

Love,
Cindy

25 Years

Dear Friends & Family,

Safety, security, strength, encouragement and validation are some of the things I miss about being married. More than anything, I miss the sparkle in his eye whenever he would look at me.  Today would have been 25 years. They say when you are married you become "as one." I knew that was true when we began finishing each other's sentences and thinking the same thoughts.  I wouldn't trade a day of our life together for anything!

Miss you and love you forever, Curtis Mitchell!

Love,
Cindy



June 4, 1988