Remembering...

So, I know many people are expecting me to say something today, and I can understand that. I'd be curious too if I were in your position; wondering how I'm getting on in life. I've been thinking about this day for the last couple of weeks and wondering how I would be affected and how I would remember Amy. Then, through a series of everyday events – watching movies, reading books, hanging out with Gary and my family, interacting with my sisters-in-law online and over the phone, and a couple of Bible verses that have stood out to me in recent weeks – I came to the realization that even though this day is the anniversary of Amy's death that's not how I want to remember this day. And while I miss Amy and so often wish that she were still part of my everyday life, I didn't want to make today about remembering her life either. I do that everyday in my interactions with Gary, my family and friends anyway. Amy comes up in conversation several times a day. She was a huge part of my life and always will be. What struck me though was something that has been at the forefront of my mind since Amy was first diagnosed: the frailty of life and how quickly things can change. It is with that base thought and the continued revelation of ideas over time (and the last few weeks in particular) that I decided I want to use the anniversary of Amy's death to remember, but to remember to take the time I so often forget to take and make sure that I let all those people I care about and mean something to me know how much I care and appreciate them in my life – even if I haven't had contact with them (you) for years.

So, it is with that in mind that I say thank you for what you mean to me and/or how you've influenced my life and/or how I can count on you.