Living It With Lisa

It has been a busy few days.  The body found in Sherman was positively identified as Cynthia.  For her husband Allen, family and friends the news was bittersweet.  The knowledge that she has been found instead of wondering for days, weeks or years will help us all to move thru our grief.  

Cynthia and Allen had a home in both Dallas and Austin. Cynthia loved Dallas and she equally loved Austin and the Hill County. And, since each of their homes had its unique set of friends, co-workers and family, there will be two memorial services for Cynthia. Arrangements for the Austin memorial service are pending.  The service in the Dallas area will be on Wednesday. 

She was loved dearly.  This one moment does not define her life.  Those whose lives have been touched by Cynthia know this and will always be blessed to have had her in their lives.

Today is my birthday.  The only gift I really REALLY wanted was to know where my dear friend Cynthia Ray is.  That didn’t happen.  She is still missing.  No leads.  No clues.  Vanished.

Last night I cried myself to sleep … literally with Vic holding me close.  That meant alot.

As bad as the realization was that I would not have an answer, tomorrow will be harder for her husband Allen.  It will be their 25th Wedding Anniversary.  Keep him in your thoughts and prayers for strength. 

The surprising gift this morning was sleeping in so long.  I haven’t been able to do that for days.  It seemed like the nights got shorter and shorter.  So when I wandered out to the kitchen, Victoria had come in and left some gorgeous flowers from Drew and the family for my birthday and she drew a little note with stars and balloons on a orange post it note with birthday wishes.  I admit I was teary eyed.

Next I checked my phone and dearest son Joseph had left me a voice mail early wishing me my first Happy Birthday.  Now that was a gift since he is in California.  I am sure he went back to sleep after I called him back. 

Then… I started to check email and found a ton of Facebook messages.  When I went to my wall, I could not believe how many had left me heartfelt wishes.  This continue throughout the day. 

Many wishes stood out … here are a few …

Charlotte:  I send you a Happy Birthday greeting with all my heart even though I understand this must be one of the saddest birthdays in your life.

Brenda:   Happy Birthday Lisa. I know it is hard to keep your spirits up.

Michel:  You birthday is your day.  No one but you can take the joy our of your day.  Go and enjoy.

Tyler and Savannah:  The ultimate birthday duet and the Baby Girls due date… Dec 21st!.  Okay they don’t know what the sex is but I am claiming PINK!

Emma and James:  HAPPPPPPPYYYYYYYYY HIIIPPPPPPYYYYYYYY FANTASTICCCCYYYYYYY BIRTHDAYYYYYEEEEEEEE Aunty Lisa! We can’t wait to be featured on “Living it with Lisa” when it hits reality T.V. as special guest stars chatting about our genius idea for the name and James is just going to chat along and drop in his latest title… “Eating it with Edward”   Hope you had a wonderful birthday!!!!

Love Emma and James
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Carter:  Happy Birthday Woman!

Allen: and his amazing rendition of Happy Birthday on my voice mail. 

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Yes today was not the outcome I wanted regarding Cynthia, but when I realized that I still was the one in charge of my life.  Only ME, could take the joy out of it.  I began to move thru that pain and find the joy in my day. 

I got the note from Emma and James when I returned from my spa day with Vic and dinner. What a smile and laughter to end my birthday with.  If you are not sure exactly what they were referring to… you will find the story in ABOUT ME on the blog. 

So THANK YOU … ALL my friends and family who sent their abundant love to me today.

It was glorious! 
PS… Vic decided that we should do a spa day every month and then have a dinner date night in town.  WOO HOO … see it was worth not traveling to the Chocolate Spa in Hershey.  Besides he gave me a Hershey Chocolate Kiss when we finished at the spa here at home …. AHHHHH!  

I am blessed!

Many of you may know that my dear friend is missing.  She disappeared without a trace in Dallas 8 days ago, Monday April 6th.  The Dallas Police have no new leads at this time.  It is like she has vanished into thin air.

 If you have any information about Cynthia Ray, contact the Austin Police or Missing Persons Detective C’Mon Wingo at 214-671-4248  or call the Dallas police Special Investigations Unit at  214-671-3661.

Since Cynthia is a dual resident of Austin and Dallas the local stations have taken an interest in her story.  On Tuesday night,  KEYE TV in Austin ran this human interest story with Allen and good friend Jack Gilmore and on Wednesday night, KXAN TV produced a story with additional information from her sister Kay.