In the face of sadness...

I've had a rough couple weeks, no doubt.

However.

PJ started saying awesome.

Maggie started saying hi and bye when she leaves and enters a room, goes to bed, pretty much whenever she can.

I got more hugs and kisses from little arms and little lips than I can count, and I never got tired of them.

I have friends who dropped everything to be with me, friends who brought me food, friends who took off work to attend services, friends who put their own families aside to help take care of mine.

I have family who ran errands for me, handled arrangements for me, who were there for me when they didn't have to be, because they are the family I married into, though you'd never know it.  They are my family.

I have a husband who was my rock, who was strong and calm, who knew when to talk and went to shut up, who knew when I needed to be help up and when I could stand on my own.

I have friends who came together to make a donation in my mom's name to held eradicate ALS.  Most of whom never even met my mom, but because they are true friends, stepped up in a time of tragedy and loss.

I have friends I never met, who sent messages and emails of love, support, and prayers, for a person they call a friend though they've only met on the internet.

I will never be able to hear my mom tell me she loves me, or tell me I'm a good mom.  I will never be able to call her for advice or ask her to go shopping with me.  She was taken from me too soon.  It's not fair and it sucks.

But she'd want me to smile.  She'd want me to laugh, dance, and enjoy myself.  Like she did.

And I know that despite the tragedy, despite the pain, I have love.  I have friendship, loyalty, support, trust, care, and love.  From more people than I can even count.

And for this, to all of you, both who read this and those who don't, I thank you.