Today my dad would have been 58. 🙁 I’m still so upset that he has already missed so much since the last time we spoke in November 2015, we’ll never reconcile, and he’ll miss out on so much more in the coming years than he should have. Wishing and hoping for things to be different won’t make it so.

However, I do want to remind everyone that if you’re unhappy in your life you CAN change it. You don’t have to live in misery. As much as people may disagree with me, at the end of the day YOU DO HAVE A CHOICE! We all do!

You can choose how you react to the cards your dealt. In some ways, you can even choose some of the cards. I wish my dad could have seen that he had so many choices, and I’m still devastated that he made the ultimate bad one by leaving this earth too soon nearly a year ago.

I know everyone has been telling me this year that he took his life because he saw no other way out. And, yes…I believe by the time he let that much darkness take over…he did believe that. But, I also know that there were so many times he could have chosen to step out of the darkness, but instead opted to shun the light.

Looking Back, We Did All We Could

Nothing I or my family could have said or done could have changed his choice to repeatedly choose the darkness. You can only show someone a different path so many times before letting go, and ultimately letting them decide which path they want to take. Looking back I see how many times we did try to intervene.

No, we never hospitalized him, but we did try everything we knew how to do to make him happy and show him how to be happy within himself. We did the best we could, and it was actually never our choice of how he would move forward after each intervention. There is a saying that you can’t save someone who doesn’t want to be saved, and I feel like at the end of the day, as much as it hurts, he didn’t want to be saved.

I forgive him for taking his own life, and am saddened at how much I understand now what he did and even why he did it. I just will never accept it was the right choice, or that he couldn’t have found another way. Happy birthday dad. I guess you finally found your peace, I’m just so sorry for you that you never found the light.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Call 1-800-273-8255

Also be sure to read Emily’s review of Libre Tea! Emily is the writer behind the site Powered By Mom.

About Libre Tea Infuser Glasses:

Libre Tea Infuser Glasses are some of the best out there, no matter what you’re drinking. The glass itself does have a glass interior that keeps your drinks tasting how they should, and making it super easy to clean when you are done. The BPA poly exterior is sealed around the glass that not only protects it from drops and bumps but insulates your drink. The filter and lid can both fit directly onto the glass. This cup makes it convenient to carry your loose leaf tea, smoothie, or fruit infused water anywhere you might go!

Key Features:

• Glass interior ensures clean taste and easy cleaning.
• Silicon O-ring seals the lids and the cup come with a replacement if needed!
• Enjoy hot or cold beverages.
• Filter loose leaf tea, fruit, or even just ice with the screw on filter lid.

One lucky reader will receive their choice of 2 Libre Tea Infuser Glasses!

Now go and enter the giveaway below, and remember to come back for the daily entries. GOOD LUCK!

Hey bloggy friends! I’ve partnered with Africa’s Blog to bring you another awesome giveaway! Below you can enter to win a Brik Buster OR 119 piece Starter Set now through November 6, 2017 from Strictly Briks. The best part is the winner chooses their prize!

Brik Buster OR 119 piece Starter Set Giveaway – Winner’s Choice!

About Strictly Briks:

Our mission is to innovate creative play.  We offer numerous colors, shapes, and sizes of stackable base plates and towers to new types of play like our patented silicone straps and The Cube.  We provide an affordable platform and structure for kids to build from and encourage combining with toys you already have, like action figures, mini figures, cars, stuffed animals, etc., to play in a new way and let your kids’ creativity shine.

Strictly Briks is recreating the way your children play and Africa’s Blog has shared her family’s chance to test both the starter pack of 119 Big Briks and the new Brik Buster over on her blog here.

Follow Strictly Briks via their social media outlets; Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter.

The Giveaway!

Winner’s Choice – Brik Buster OR 119 piece Starter Set

Strictly Briks® items are compatible with all major brands, including LEGO®, DUPLO®, Mega Bloks®, & K’NEX® brand sets. Strictly Briks® is not affiliated with or endorsed by these brands. LEGO® and DUPLO® are trademarks of the LEGO Group of Companies, which does not sponsor, authorize, or endorse Strictly Briks® toys.

Giveaway ends 11/6/17 at 11:59pm est
Giveaway open to US, 18+ entrants only

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The participating bloggers were not compensated for this post. We are not associated with any of the companies named above. No purchase is necessary to enter. Void where prohibited by law. The odds of winning are based on the number of entries received Open to USA, 18+ only. Limit one entrant per household. Confirmed Winner(s) (by Random.org) will be contacted by email. Winner(s) have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. The sponsor(s) will be responsible for product shipment to winner(s) of this giveaway. My blog is not responsible for product shipment/delivery. This event is in no way administered, sponsored, or endorsed by, or associated with, Facebook and/or Twitter, Google, Pinterest, Instagram or Klout.

This disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements. Entrants must only enter with either one email address, IP address and/or Facebook account, anyone found violating these rules will be disqualified. It is at the sole discretion of the admin of the giveaway if the winner has met the rules or not.

Welcome to our World Vision’s Gift Catalog Gift Basket Giveaway!

I’m so excited to tell you all that I’ve teamed up with Holly from I Like It Frantic to give away one gift basket to a reader! This is a basket with an ARV of $500! Some items may be slightly different as they are hand crafted, but either way – whoever wins this basket will be one lucky recipient indeed. These products are just so cool!

What is World Vision?

World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender.

When a donation is made to World Vision’s “Where Most Needed” fund, donors can choose from different items (like the below) to receive as a meaningful memento of their gift.

• The Heaton Hope Bracelet ($100) – This year, everyone’s favorite TV mom, Patricia Heaton, has partnered with World Vision to design the Patricia Heaton Hope Bracelet. The name was purposely chosen to encourage people to feel hopeful about our world and to give hope, through generosity, to those in need.
• Vietnamese Tote ($100) – Disabled Vietnamese women gain independence by creating these beautiful hand-embroidered purses.
• African Soapstone Box ($85) – Talented artisans bring raw stone to life with etched designs and hand dyed finishes that showcase modern African creativity and provide a sustainable way out of poverty.
• Charm Necklace ($100) – Made by a gold and silver plating specialist in India, the unique and elegant charms make this necklace a subtle statement piece.
• Infinity Scarf ($75) – This fashion-forward accessory is made by artisans in India who are trained in the loom industry to attain skills and a sustainable livelihood.
• Wraparound Ring ($55) – A vibrant, adjustable ring with aqua and blue chalcedony stones set in metal, made by female artisans in India.

Prices in the Gift Catalog are subject to change

Now about that giveaway…here’s how to enter:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

We reserve the right to make revisions, to cancel, or suspend this contest for any reason. We are not associated with any of the companies named above. The odds of winning are based on the number of entries received Open to the US 18+ only. Confirmed Winner(s) (by Rafflecopter) will be contacted by email. Winner has 24 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. The sponsor will be responsible for product shipment to winner of this giveaway. I Like It Frantic (and any other blog participating) is not responsible for product shipment/delivery. This event is in no way administered, sponsored, or endorsed by, or associated with, Facebook and/or Twitter, Google, Pinterest. This disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements. Entrants must only enter with either one email address, IP address and/or Facebook account, anyone found violating these rules will be disqualified. It is at the sole discretion of the admin of the giveaway if the winner has met the rules or not.

Hey there pals and gals! I’m so excited to announce that my friends at Veggie Wash have teamed up with me to host another giveaway. This time we’re giving away 2 bottles of Veggie Wash and a $35 Amazon Gift Card  In full FTC disclosure: This giveaway is sponsored by Veggie Wash, and there are Amazon affiliate links within the post.

Veggie Wash Prize Pack Giveaway
October 27-31, 2017
Open to US Residents

I have been a brand ambassador for Veggie Wash for three months now, and as I’ve learned more about the product, I’m an even bigger fan of it. In fact, I am now a firm believer that everyone needs a fruit and vegetable wash in the pantry for all of their produce.

Here’s the thing – when you buy produce at a farmer’s market, a Whole Foods or even just your favorite retailer, at a minimum there’s at least a dozen finger prints on the food you’re buying. Veggie Wash takes all those prints away, and more! Washing with water is not enough! If you’re into eating healthy, you can’t forget to clean your produce the right way!

Clean Produce is Better Produce

Sponsored by VEGGIE WASH
Organized by  FAMOUS ASHLEY GRANT

Why do you need Veggie Wash? Pesticides and other agricultural chemicals are specifically engineered to be “waterproof” so they are not washed off by rain and irrigation. Many fruits and vegetables (grapes, apples, cucumbers, etc.) are also coated in wax to preserve the quality and appearance of the produce from the fields to your kitchen table. In addition to agricultural chemicals and other residues, 20 or more strangers may have handled your fruit or vegetable before you put it in your mouth.

Veggie Wash safely and effectively removes wax, soil, and agricultural chemicals found on standard and organic produce. It cuts through wax and chemicals to leave fruits and vegetables truly, safely clean. What’s more, Veggie Wash uses ingredients from citrus, corn, and coconut, to remove harmful surfaces.

Now about that giveaway! Here’s how to enter:

Come Back For Daily Entries!

Prize –Two Bottles of Veggie Wash and a $35 Amazon Gift Card!

Complete the tasks below to earn entries into this giveaway.
Return for Daily Entries and More Chances to Snag This Prize!
Ends at 11:59pm EST on OCTOBER 31, 2017

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The odds of winning are based on the number of entries received. Open to U.S. residents 18+ only. Confirmed Winner(s) (selected by Random.org) will be contacted by email. Winner(s) have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. The sponsor(s) will be responsible for product shipment to winner(s) of this giveaway. This blog is not responsible for product shipment, delivery, or fulfillment. This event is in no way administered, sponsored, endorsed by, or associated with Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Instagram, Pinterest, or any other social media sites.

This disclosure is made in accordance with the FTC 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements. Entrants must only enter with either one email address, IP address, and/or Facebook account. Anyone found violating these rules will be disqualified. It is at the sole discretion of the admin of the giveaway if the winner has met the rules or not.

Isabelle Grace Jewelry Giveaway
October 24 -31, 2017
Open to US

I’m a sucker for shiny things, and this pendant sure does shine! Actually, many of the Isabelle Grace Jewelry items shine and shimmer. They are so beautiful. The line was designed to be personal, and to offer you a way to show your loved ones that you care by giving them something memorable they can carry on for years to come. The pieces are timeless and are hand made with quality top of mind. And, now you can enter to win a piece of your very own!

Bringing You Moments To Celebrate

Sponsored by ISABELLE GRACE JEWELRY
Organized by  CELEBRATE WOMAN TODAY

This exquisite LaPunta Necklace made of Rose Gold and White Aurora will be a genuine piece of jewelry, exuding your composure, love, care and festive look. A white Swarovski bead is surrounded with two gold barrel beads that create a gentle movement when you move. In the sunshine, your LaPunta necklace will shine a million micro rays, creating a brilliance effect.

This necklace is a perfect gift idea for those on your list who love jewelry.

We would love to bless you with your own LaPunta necklace. Keep it to yourself or give it away as a gift.

Come Back For Daily Entries!

Prize –LAPUNTA STERLING SILVER & GOLD PENDANT

Complete the tasks below to earn entries into this giveaway.
Return for Daily Entries & More Chances to Snap This Prize!
Ends at 11:59pm EDT on OCTOBER 31, 2017