Lessons Learned....

 Caterina and Me at the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure

Nicholas and Jacob with Cousin Michael at the Drake football game

I don't think words can really express how amazing that walk was today..being there with my daughter and my dearest friends...seeing all the survivors walking...all those still fighting...those walking in celebration and those in memory of a loved one. Thinking about the years to come...the weeks to come...what will or won't happen. Rocking out with the dj and the crowd to some awesome music..totally loving life in that very moment and not thinking about ANYTHING else...just being happy. Watching Julie be recognized on stage for all of her hardwork fundraising and being in the top 100 in 2009.

And then the phone call (cue sound of needle being ripped off the record).

And the complaining on my part...and a few more phone calls..and a little more complaining.

Followed by a good breakfast, a little crocheting and a nice nap with Cat.

Followed by an easy drive out of the city.

Followed by one of the best visits I have had this past year with my mom and then also my dad.

Caterina entertaining us all with her excitement of watching a squirrel.

And then you realize...the thing you complain about most is the one thing you are meant to do that day and how blessed you are once you just shut and up and do it.

I put the boys to bed tonight. We said our prayers as I rubbed their backs. We held hands as they fell asleep. Jake actually pulled his hand out of the blanket and asked to hold my hand. Rare. Nick decided that he'd rather have my shoulder than a pillow.

Blessed.