Last Friday, I was a soggy mess. I couldn’t stop crying. I was missing my best friend and husband so much that I couldn’t see straight. For those of you who don’t know, my husband died earlier this year. But that happened sufficiently long ago that it seemed to me that I shouldn’t be so teary-eyed. I was pretty much an emotional wreck. I whined about it to my FB friends, and everyone was thoughtful and kind.

I guess the thoughtful and kind response made me want to tell one more person. That is where I made a tactical error! I whined about it in an email to one of my dearest friends — and she read me the riot act. It was a swift kick via a short return email.

Generally speaking, I don’t hope to be on the receiving end of a swift kick. But I have to say that in this case, it was just what I needed. Sometimes what helps us the most, or motivates us to change, isn’t warm and cuddly.

I am grateful that I have friends and family members who remind me, who and whose I am. I am a baptized child of God, and that same God granted us eleven wonderful married years together. I am thankful for that.

Looking forward, I hope that I have many years ahead of me to watch little ones grow, have more adventures, visit with friends, and, in memory of my dear Ronnie — to stir up some good-hearted mischief. Thank you, LY. You delivered just the medicine that I needed.