Happy Birthday Week, Addison! P.S. I love you!

Today has been a happy/sad day. First of all it was back to school following the holidays for Addison as well as Erika beginning I-Tech in Idaho and a new phase in her education pursuing a nursing career. It was my first day back at work following my medical leave and it was great to see everyone again at the hospital. Ethan begins his new semester tomorrow at FMU. It was also a very sad day because my Uncle Paul Moses passed away. Addison and I visited with Aunt Ronella and the family last night at the hospital and they knew that today would probably be the day. Still I don't think you're ever really prepared when death calls. It is hard to imagine their pain tonight -- I don't know what I'll do when I'm faced with that challenge...don't even like to think about it...my heart so goes out to them...I love my family so much. My co-worker shared a similar experience with me today at work about losing her first child and my heart has been so filled with something today...Her child and Addison were born just days apart. I wish I could have done something to ease my friend's pain. However, she has done incredible things to help others faced with this situation and is such an example to so many. Because Addison's birthday is this week and tonight was one of only 2 days she's off work this week we had a date out--even if it is a school night! We went to the movies to see "P.S. I love you" and had a wonderful date, just the two of us, for her birthday. Of course we both cried through the entire movie (it is awesome--my second time seeing it!) but it touched my heart. Afterwards we stopped by Marble Slab for Birthday Cake Ice Cream! It's the best! It's a little late and I know I'll be a little tired for work tomorrow but oh so worth it. We listened to "So Small" by Carrie Underwood several times tonight and the words just fit today.

"Sometimes that mountain you've been climbing is just a grain of sand - And what you've been out there searching for forever is in your hand - Oh when you figure out love is all that matters after all - It sure makes everything else seem so small."

Love - it really is all that matters - Charity never faileth - I think I'll rearrange a few of my new year's resolutions and put "LOVE MORE" at the very top of the list. Addison, I had a great time with you tonight and I hope you liked your early birthday date tonight as much as I did. You're amazing! And that was pretty neat that the odometer in the car changed to 177,777 as we drove into the driveway! We had to take a picture! (Addison has a thing about numbers!) Erika, I know you'll do well in school--it's a lot of work but will surely pay off--keep your chin up and be careful driving in the snow and ice. Ethan, good luck on your first day tomorrow---you'll do great! You have such talent, son. Get some rest and say your prayers. To my family - I love you all so much. Always remember - Families are Forever. Good night...