What I've Learned This Week...

• Life is unpredictable.
• Sometimes bad things happen, and no-one can do anything to stop it.
• The thought that the non-working status of every 4th bulb of the Christmas lights on my house was a HUGE problem last week was maybe really, really dumb.
• My children are incredibly sensitive and tenderhearted little souls.
• There is great power in the togetherness of family.
• It's okay to eat warm chocolate chip cookies for breakfast sometimes.
• Grief really does hit like a wave.
• And so does Guilt.
• And so does Joy.
• My husband will always come and bring me home, no matter what.
• People can be amazingly brave in the most terrifying circumstances.
• It's okay to cry.
• It's even more okay to laugh.
• Memories are precious. I should make more of them.
• A body with a spirit is so very different than one without.
• Say it NOW.
• Stress will cause me to get a big zit on my chin.
• Not knowing what to say or do is all right.
• Sometimes dirty dishes just don't matter at all.
• Just because I feel different doesn't mean anyone else does.
• Five year olds can spread peanut butter on just about every surface of your house in less than ten minutes.
• The smallest acts of kindness are just as important as the big ones. Sometimes maybe more.
• Everyone has a secret, even if it's very small.
• Holding hands can keep you connected in more ways than one.
• Things can be incredibly clear and confused at the same time.
• Way too many people are touched by mental illness and suicide- they will tell you their story when they hear yours. And you will see how sad they are, no matter how long ago it was.
• I need to be more gentle, more peaceful, more aware.
• Hot chocolate with extra marshmallows AND whipped cream makes me the Very Best Mom in the Entire World. Yes, it's just that easy.
• You can't tell by looking at someone.
• That I knew most of this already, but luckily did not have to think about it so much before now.
• I need a nap. Like for a week, possibly two.