Thank you

My sister died two weeks ago today.

Thank you to everyone who has been thinking about what my family has been going through. Thanks to those of you who emailed or called and to those who didn’t but were steadily holding a little candle in their hearts for me and mine. I appreciate it more than words can say.

Thank you to Jack, for sharing her last days with me. It was an honor to work with you to give the woman we both loved as much as we could.

Thank you to my seestah, who made great food and squeezed into a recliner with me next to our big sister’s bed, so we could all watch The Bachelor together while eating Ethel’s amazing pound cake. Thank you to Michael for outstanding enchiladas and the best breakfast I’ve ever eaten. Thanks to Erika for hugs–and for the lightning round of clothes-shopping. Thanks to Patrick for mustering up the focus and opening his heart to create an amazing and inspiring memorial service. Thanks to John, for making me laugh and for reminding me about priorities. Thanks to Cassy, for food and friends and Southern hospitality.

Thanks to Nurse Tattoo, for coming when I needed one of my peeps and for insight, compassion, and energy. Thank you to Amy, for saying some exactly-right things at exactly the right times. I leaned on both of you more than I ever imagined letting myself, and I’m so grateful that you let me.

And thank you to Mr. Music–for your music, for your warm hands and open heart, quiet listening, and walking in our door at the end of every day.