Thank you all, my dear, dear friends. Yesterday we had one of those days here at our house -- no water for 36 hours, Freya sneaking a pizza off the kitchen counter, and the smell of fresh polyurethane pervading the cold, damp house.... On the other hand, I had the loving affection of Tom and my DS Jacob, calls and cards from family, and greetings from all of you. And tonight we're going out to dinner to try celebrate again. Carla, Luanne, Jon, Anita, Lori, Ingrid, Sue, Carolina, Pamela, and Carol -- each one of your messages brought smiles and memories to my mind. I just realized that with the exception of Ingrid, I know each one of you in the Real World (as opposed to online) -- Ingrid, we'll just have to correct that soon. The only birthday wish I have left (besides more rain) is to hope that I get to see you all again as frequently and as soon as may be. Rosefolly

Hi Lori, I've been thinking alot about your family this season too. It's good to hear about you and the kids and that you are moving through things as best you can. A family in our community suffered a tragedy like yours about a month ago and I can only hope that they have the strength and support to weather things with the fortitude and aplomb that you have in this difficult time. I know you have no designs on being an example but you have been in so many ways. I wish you and your family peace in the new year, and I thank you for all you've shared with us in dealing with a family tragedy, it gave me the appropriate ways to help and support another family too. You are amazing, my heart and hope goes out to you and your children. I hope the new year holds a wealth of joy and new hope for you and the kids!

I got lucky and have puckered up more than once today already! Lori, these are wonderful! Thank you! I'm giving up on the idea of saving any of the cookies from this exchange for any future sharing. I think they will all be history be the end of the weekend. LOL!! Thanks again Lori! David

Thank you, everybody! And a special thank you for the email from Lyra this morning letting me know these birthday wishes were here (and the other occasional check-ins), although, truthfully, I do check in here much more often than I used to. The kids are well. Brian, a senior, made All American in indoor track and will be a freshman at Brown University in the fall! Yes, I am beaming. His dad would be so proud. He was state champion, winning the same race his dad won as a HS senior 43 yrs ago. He put his medal at Bob's gravesite. Connor has grown into such a handsome young man (just turned 15) with a heart of gold. He also had a successful track season and is doing well in his freshman year. Mackenzie...she's not my little baby any more. She will be nine in a few weeks. Can you remember my first post after Bob passed? "How do you explain death to a six year old?" We've all come a long way since then. As most of you know, I have found a wonderful man to complete my life. The realtor just called yesterday to say the seller agreed with his offer on 4.5 acres of beautiful waterfront land, and we are finalizing house plans. Seth has promised me my dream kitchen! I'm checking out the kitchen forum, starting that process all over again. The KF brings back fond memories because it's where I first met many of you. So life is good. I am happy. Me...happy! Who knew?? You know those sickening people you see pawing each other, looking all goofy in each other's eyes, and you just want to say, "get a room"? That's us!!! ;) I have found somebody to love who loves me back endlessly. I am head over heels, and we are planning a life together that I can't wait to start. I still don't know why God took Bob away, but he has given me a wonderful gift for the second half of my life. What better birthday present than that?