When we went to dinner for my Dad's birthday my Mom presented us with this poem. Karen Nelson a really good friend to our family wrote this of my Dad.

I have been struggling so much lately. I think so much happened in such a short time that I am having a tough time coping. Some days I feel like it gets harder to have my Dad gone. A lot of times I feel cheated. So many times I pick up my phone to call or I have a free day and I want to call him to go to lunch. The other day I stopped at his grave and ask him to go but he was a little busy;) It is so hard to have your parent who you have known since you came to this earth and have gone to for advice and comfort gone. I know that he is still around. I have felt his presence several times since he has gone and for that I am thankful. I know that he was sick and that it was his time to go, but it doesn't make the missing him much easier.

The other struggle is leaving Las Vegas. I miss my friends down there everyday. I think about my primary kids constantly. I don't think there has ever been a time in my life when I was happier or more confident than when I lived there. I don't know what it was? I was sitting in the foyer at church this Sunday and the Primary President was walking the halls and I was so jealous of her. I miss my presidency, the teachers, and the kids. It was one of the best times in my life. I keep trying to figure out a way to get down there but haven't yet.

Sorry this is kind of a downer post. On happier notes I am thankful for Ben and my kids. I wouldn't survive without them. I love mine and Ben's relationship more the last year than I ever have. We compliment each other so well. A lot has happened to get us where we are. Some things I would go through again and than there are the things that I am thankful for the knowledge gained but as for going through that again, no thank you. I am so thankful to be around family for the holiday season. I missed that last year.

This Friday I will be another year older and I am thankful for my life. I feel blessed to have the people I have in my life and all the people I have come in contact throughout my life. Watching my Dad and my friend Becky, I am so thankful for health. I am thankful for our extended family and all of our friends. Even though I am struggling a bit life is definitely good.