Five Things

"Grieving parents don't usually go to the Internet when things are going well...so posts can tend to be gloomy."  Touche, grief pamphlet.  Touche.

Today I resolved to post something positive.  Jeff and I have been striving to do good in Emma's name, and to find good things in our lives wherever we can.  So here are five good things going on in my life right now.

1. I have discovered what a true friend is.  It's more than someone who will laugh with you when times are good, it's someone who will cry for you when times are tough.  Someone who will go out of their way to make you laugh on a bad day.  Someone who will send a card, flowers, a note on Facebook, a text, cook you dinner, or just send out positive energy to get you through the day.  It's been amazing to find these true friends.

2. My family is more incredible than I ever knew.  My sister has basically been a rock, my mom took wonderful care of Jeff and I.  My dad has been an ear to listen and a shoulder to cry on.  Jeff's family has been great, too.  His oldest sister and I have grown closer, and that's been fantastic.  His parents have checked in on us frequently.  Our extended family has been a great support system, too.

3. Jeff and I have found our love for another deepening.  These events tend to drive a wedge between couples, or push them closer together.  It's not a big secret that I suffer from depression, and Jeff was concerned that I would pull away from him.  I've made a conscious effort to stay close to him and let him know what I'm thinking, even if it's not, "I'm okay, I'm doing really good today!"  He still loves me, and that makes me love him more.

4. My work family has been a support system I never imagined.  Three years ago, I was working from home.  Jeff urged me to get back into an office for a more steady career.  I was nervous, because change is always scary.  It's been great in so many ways.  I've made incredible friends (those cooks I mentioned in point number 1), and I've challenged myself every day to learn new things.  I never imagined that this group of people could be so supportive.  Instead of dreading going back to work in a few weeks, I'm looking forward to seeing everyone and getting that sense of normalcy back.

5. The good we've been able to do in Emma's name.  We donated all of the diapers and wipes we received as shower gifts to a local women's shelter.  Donations have been made in her name to Make-A-Wish.  I love the idea that a child's dream will come true in her name.  We're seeking out these opportunities because we want to honor her memory and ensure that her legacy will be a positive one.

So that's my list.  There are other things, I'm sure, but today five seems like a good number.  It's a beautiful sunny day, it's my husband's birthday, and I'm going to revel in these five things.