It has been a full month since the last time I posted or even sat down to write.

My whole world, and my family’s world turned upside down and sideways on September 21st.

That afternoon I got a call from my Dad, in Niagra Falls, stating Mom had had a heart attack while they were getting ready to board the boat to see the falls up close.

Most of you who will read this know what happened over the course of the next week and a half.

To say that I have felt like I’ve been living in some twilight zone/alternate world is somewhat of an understatement.

There are times when I can hardly believe that she’s gone.  But the harshness of reality sets in.  I go to pick up the phone and am sharply reminded that she’s not there on the other end to receive my call.

Her voicemail from my last birthday has been saved in three places so that I can listen to it whenever I want.  And several times I’ve watched the hilarious video of her teaching Andrew how to change Reynolds’ diaper the day we left the hospital with him.  It’s the most precious 4 minutes and 27 seconds of love and laughter between the two of them and it melts my heart.

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I have been extremely blessed by the most amazing family, group of friends, co-workers and people I barely know who have fervently prayed, sent the sweetest messages, cards, flowers and even gifts.

The kindness that has been extended to my family in so many ways is immeasurable and at times I wonder if we can ever thank, properly, all the wonderful people who have just given of themselves.

My Momma was a special lady.  And there are a lot of people who know that.  Someone said “to know Mary was to love her” and that is so completely true.

I hope I am even half the Mom, friend, wife and giver that she was…