Crying is not a sign of weakness...

A year ago today, I posted this.

She's been gone 9 months now. Nine months and 6 days. I think back to that day.

We left the house because I wanted to see my kids. Because they had to be picked up from the sitter. Because I didn't want to watch my mother, the once beautiful, vibrant, never still woman who raised me, take her last breath.

The call came while we were inside getting the kids.

I knew it was coming. I cried.

We drove the 10 minutes home.

I opened the door to the car and got out. I crumbled.

Thank goodness John was there to catch me.

I sobbed, outside the car, in the arms of my husband, while my children watched me from inside.

Maggie probably didn't get it.

But PJ did. He knew I was sad.

When we finally went in the house, he said "Mommy, are you sad because Grandma is sick?"

"Yes, baby. Grandma was very sick and now she's in heaven."

"You miss her mommy?"

"Yes baby."

"Don't be sad Mommy."

And my then nearly three year old son wipe my tears away and hugged me.

For a long time, I tried to hide my tears from them. But after that? I didn't. Because crying isn't a sign of weakness. It's a sign of trying too hard to be too strong for too long.

  I was strong enough.

It's that time of year...(a giveaway)

When it hits you.

Panic sets in.

What will I do THIS year?

Is it worth it?

How many do I need?

That's right.  I'm talking about...

HOLIDAY CARDS.

Last year, I got our Holiday Photo Cards from Tiny Prints. 

Seriously, isn't it adorable??? I got these cards for FREE because Tiny Prints sponsored my post.  And they are sponsoring this post as well.  But even if they hadn't, I would have still gotten these cards.  They are adorable, well made, and I have never gotten so many compliments on them!

Tiny Prints has a bunch of special offers right now --   you should absolutely go check them out!!
Christmas Cards

Also, one lucky reader will receive $50 off any order.  All you have to do to be entered in the giveaway is comment on this post.  For additional entries into the giveaway, comment on other posts (from any time!) and you will get one extra entry per comment, up to a total of 5 entries.

Last day to enter the giveaway is Monday, November 12.

HAPPY CARD SHOPPING!!