What I've Learned....

I'm adjusting to a painful and confusing new reality without my dad. I still cry without much prodding, and miss him more than I can stand, at times. I'll be finishing a 'Grief Recovery' class this week, and I believe it has been valuable.

I've learned that I have been blessed with friends that are even better than I imagined. My birthday was this month, the first one without my dad and one that promised to be rotten. Marian took me to lunch and upon returning to her house I discovered she had decorated her living room and kitchen with 'Happy Birthday' banners for me, balloons, presents and love. Lori took me to a lovely restaurant that catered to my vegitarian ways, and we browsed through art galleries and visited the day away, causing my birthday to last another week. This birthday was far from rotten.

Kaori is creating 3 beautiful urns for my father's ashes, one each for me, my brother, and daddy's sister. They are perfect, and I am honored to have these beautiful works of art lovingly keeping watch over my dad.

So many friends offer their help and love, and I have been humbled by the depth of their concern.

I don't know what my future will be, as there are so many things now up in the air that once seemed certain. I do know I am comforted knowing that even though dad is gone, I have so much for which I can be grateful. I am blessed.