After being gone for five days, I'm glad to be home, yet, sad. Wish I could've stayed longer with my aunt to help her out. What a rough, emotional first week of Christmas break. My uncle passed away on my birthday, last week, which was also the last day of school for me. The last five days were filled with family, tears, and lots of love. Today, the funeral, the graveside service, the family dinner, more traveling. Morgan is doing somewhat better. To her, this was Papa Jim, and Granny Retha, all of her life, even though they were, in reality, her great uncle and aunt.

Then, more bad news, in the midst of all of this. My dad. Dear Lord, please help him; please heal his body, and make him new. I can't lose him. Not now.

So tired. So sad.

Much to do, so little time. Can't wait for Christmas break. I have never waited this long to put up my Christmas tree. UGH...my heart just isn't in it, for some reason. Just when I think I'm okay, I have a dream. Why? Why? The last two days have been hard. Bittersweet. I'm happy and hopeful, yet, so sad and lonely. How can that be? Lord, please help me. I miss you, Mom. I miss pure happiness. I miss my brother. This lone journey is a hard one. I miss my dad, even though he's still here. Please, Lord, make him better.

"It is well with my soul..." It is. It truly is. Finally. I'm good. I'm happy. I'm excited about life again. I'm over it. It's a scar, for sure. A BIG, ugly, nasty scar. But, scars are a sign of survival, not defeat. I'm no longer defeated. I am a survivor....always have been. Thank you, Lord. Others may leave and forsake me, but, YOU...You never will. For that, I am eternally grateful.

Oh, YEEAAHHHH!!! Go POKES!!!! AWESOME win tonight!!! Loved every minute of the game!!! :) :) :) :) :) :) :)

Please, Lord, not again.