Thank you so much, Eric. Your breakdown of using the word journey is really insightful. I always hesitate to use it because it seems so cliche, but I always feel like it is the best descriptor. It seems the most neutral when compared to challenge or struggle, so in the end I think I actually like it. When I think of journey, I think of the first Lord of the Rings movie. They went on quite a journey, and it was a battle, and they grew as hobbits, and it was difficult, and in the end they made it. I guess that’s more the type of journey we go through in these situations. Anyway, seems like a tangent right now, but I do find it interesting!

And… thank you so much! Your thoughts always inspire me right back, and you are so kind to share how my writing impacts you. It means a lot. Thank you.

So how about…. just thank you for SHARING YOUR LIFE with us for the past 14 months. You helped bring an understanding that each of has an inner strength that we may never know we had, until we are called upon to find it. Every one of us, at some point in our lives, will be faced with a very painful and dark situation to deal with. Not to sound negative, but that is a fact of being human. You made us see that there is light and hope, even in the worst possible times. Not to say that every day is easy — far from it. But no matter what, there is always a glimmer of hope. Thanks for allowing us to see the reality in that.

Thank you Jill! It’s nice to be back. 😉

Ah, thanks Doc!! SO nice to hear from you. Sending my best wishes your way.