My family and friends rallied. I was surrounded by love. I was never alone. I was able to cry or be sad as needed. People from high school were reaching out to say nice things, check in, and make sure I was okay.
My kid was a champion. She knew when I was losing it. She could see it on my face, despite me trying to keep it all in. There were many times that she just walked up to me and gave me a silent, tight hug. Even now, weeks later, just thinking about it all makes me tear up.
She is old enough that she knows how to identify real emotions, act accordingly, and hear the hard answers to the hard questions. It was almost weird being so honest and raw in those moments. Little kids can't handle big emotion. You cry after bedtime, in the bathroom, or by yourself quietly. I was trying to keep it together, but if I had to lose it, I knew she could handle it.
I never hug people much, but I have been hugging a little more. Just a little longer. Just a little more willing. Each day is a gift. My family is my gift. And that is all I will ever need. I made sure to remind my kid how amazing she is and how much she helped me when I needed her the most. Because THAT is what matters.
