A Little Hug

It has been a tough few weeks here in our household. The funeral was quite nice. The priest did a good job, and the chapel was full of family and friends. There was a lot of visiting and connecting with family we had not seen in a year or more. My father's ashes finally arrived from Italy last Friday; we joke that he wanted an extended vacation stay. My mom has returned to work. It is surreal, but it is our now. We are moving forward.

Throughout the past two and a half weeks one thing has become amazingly clear to my family. We have an amazing group of friends. So many of our friends have helped during this time. I received cards and emails of condolence from friends, both close and far - a few I only know through this virtual world of the web. Some friends brought us food knowing it would be tough to make dinner. Others brought clothing for the kiddos to wear during the services, so we didn't have to run around and shop. Another loaned us her car when I was involved in a collision with our only vehicle while taking Eamon to a class (Eamon and I were fine, but the car requires quite a bit of work). And others had the kiddos play at their homes, gave us rides to park days and offered general support and love. These friends of ours came to the rosary and funeral to remind us of our bigger community, to show our family that they care when we are hurting. Their generosity, support and love have been amazing. As a reminder of that support, one dear friend gave me this a little wooden cutout. She told me that it is a little hug for when I need it. It is one of the best reminders of this community of ours. We are very fortunate to have these people in our lives.