This is a hard one...

On November 14th, 2008 my sister lost her "rock" so to speak. Charley was someone who kept her sane and stable... he was her shoulder and her ear and she was his. I'd venture to say that they were soul mates... they were good for each other.

Over the past month my sister has introduced me to who Charley was and the more I learn, the more I admire him for the person that he was. Charley was 17 when he died and was more mature than most adults. He had life figured out.... he knew what was important and he treasured that. In talking to Tara, reading the comments to Charley, to his parents... it's shown me how truly loved one person can be.

As a parent hearing the story of a young man that had such a bright future, is heartbreaking. I get teary eyed just thinking about the agony that his parents must be going through. I couldn't bear my life without my daughter. It makes you question a lot of things... why God would let something like this happen, what would have happened if he had survived the car crash... and so many more. But then you have to stop questioning and realize that the life he lived was full and he touched more lives than I think he even knew. His story touched my heart... and I wish I had had the pleasure of knowing him.

So in the words of Charley "We Fight Through No Matter What Hardships We Face."

My thoughts and prayers are with your family and loved ones.

Life as I know it...

There have been both good and bad times in my life. Though, I am blessed in the fact that the good strongly out weigh the bad. I have never known serious hardship and have always had the love of an incredible family.

I have to say my life did truly take on new meaning this year when I became a wife and a mother.

My husband is the most wonderful man I know. He puts up with quite a bit from me... and has never once complained about it. He's understanding, kind, compassionate, and a true renaissance man. I swear there's nothing that man can't do. Though I do have a habit of testing his patience he really does try not to get irritated with me and I'll always love him for it.

Those of you who are parents will understand the pride and love that I discovered when my daughter was born. A love so strong that I can't even put it into words for there is no comparison. It's like life before Kierstyn didn't exist, I don't remember what life was like before her nor do I care to remember. She's the reason I get up in the morning and what keeps a smile on my face through days that I'd rather not care to remember. She's the happiest little girl I've ever seen... and once you meet her, you will inevitably fall in love with her. It's just how she is... her love is unconditional and freely given to anyone who comes in contact with her.

Life for me is exactly how I imagined it... it's perfection. I can't ask for anything more... because my life has everything I've ever dreamed of.