Thank you all so much for your comments and emails full of love and support. I read each one and they did make my heart feel lighter just knowing that you care.

We had bad news over the holidays. First, my sister's niece was killed in a car accident. She had been suffering from anorexia for several years and it's thought that she had a seizure or heart attack that caused the accident. I just don't have the words to say how badly I feel for her family and it hurts me to know how much they are suffering. Then, on Christmas Eve, my father was diagnosed with bladder cancer. He had surgery to remove the tumors and the pathology report says that it hasn't spread beyond his bladder. It's the best news we could have hoped for under the circumstances and he will begin immunotherapy treatments in about six weeks. I won't go on about everything, but just suffice it to say that the diagnosis set off a maelstrom of emotions that left me feeling numb and exhausted.

Staying away from the computer and spending time with my kids, my parents, and my sister and her family has been very helpful in restoring my mental health and I very much appreciate your understanding and patience. You all are the best. New posts will be up on Monday. I hope you have a wonderful weekend and please hug your kids and loved ones for me.