To Whom It May Concern

To whom it may concern

10 years ago today…
In the past I have written a note describing our pain and the tragedy we went through 10 years ago today, posting it on facebook, with hopes people would  maybe be reminded or maybe hoping people would feel sorry for us?? I’m not quite sure why I did it.   I never knew the exact "DOD" until this year, I never had enough courage to look at the grave marker or to ask, I never wanted to know until this year.  Maybe I wanted to know because this years marks the 10th year.  I thought I would do something special, like to really write a the most heartfelt  note yet...But I want to start thinking of this day differently.  So, instead of ruining your day or your week or maybe the rest of your year with a heartfelt note that brings up the pain from 10 years ago today,  I thought I would approach this day differently. Today I want to focus on all that God has left to me.  Dad was not our only gift from God, although a gift none of us were willing or ready to give up…we still have so many other wonderful gifts in our lives and Dad would want us to quit sulking and feeling sorry for ourselves.  So here is a list of gifts from God I am thankful for and I am going to take full advantage of this year and the years to come.

• Loving Husband- Someone who can pick me up and put me in my place when I go too far (I blame the Butler in me) Someone who makes me feel safe and makes life fun.  A father to our children and a provider for our home.
• Family-living close to family again is such a blessing, I am always thinking of an excuse to spend time with family.  
• Grandparents who adore their grandchildren and make holidays special for them.  Parents who always have our back and give great advice.  
• Siblings who make me laugh and remind me I am never without a friend.  
• Riley and baby #2-  truly give me a purpose in life, inspire me to live better for them, to be a better person, an example for them.  
• Holidays-Christmas is making my giddy with joy this year, I can’t wait for snow, the smells, the food, family, Riley seeing his presents Christmas morning…the whole shebang!  

There are countless gifts in my life I am thankful for, I hope this note has reminded you of some in your life…

But most importantly, I hope this note makes the day, the week and even the rest of the year a little bit easier.