So Far So Good

A year ago today, our lives as we knew them ended. I had never felt like more of a failure as a parent. As a person. I had no hope. What I did have were friends and family. With their help we not only survived the last year, but did so with a great deal of joy. Seriously, I didn't think joy would ever be experienced again. Not by us.

It hasn't been easy. And it still isn't. But this year we are entering the holiday season and thinking and hoping for a bright future. With just a little bit of luck and a lot of hard work, it is within our reach.

Thanksgiving is approaching. I want to take a second to thank all those that have helped us survive, even thrive in the last year. Thanks to those that snuck food into my freezer. Thanks to those that mailed care packages and gift cards to us. Thanks to those that sent us cash outright. Thanks to those that bought things from us that they really didn't need. Thanks to those that gave me references for jobs. Thanks to those that gave me leads. Thanks to those that changed my tire in the snow - and the tire company that gave me a free one to replace it. Thanks to those that spent their Christmas break watching my kids so they wouldn't be home alone while I worked. Thanks to those that helped me rebuild a professional wardrobe. Thanks to those that picked my kids up and dropped them off for various appointments. Thanks to those that gave me legal advise. Thanks to those that called to see how we were doing - and to those I called when I had given up. Thanks to those that kept us in their thoughts and their prayers. Without everyone of you, it could have been a very different end to this year. So thank you.