I have blogs I go to that I read. I can't comment anymore, I presume because they too have been hit entirely too many times by spammers so they've shut comments down to Blogger only people. I understand the need to do this. I just wonder sometimes if there wasn't a better way than to cut off those that care but happen to come from a different blogging service.

Tricia.. I'm sorry. Holidays tend to make our loses so vivid and every person deals with it differently. No matter, allow that and use it as a reminder to cherish each moment you are gifted with your own children and husband and other family members. I did read back in your blog too and immediately missed my own kids being here doing the sibling/teenager things. On the plus side.. (and there is a good side to everything. Sometimes it's just harder to see..) We can come and go now as we please. In fact, we can do what we want, when we want and how we want BUT... yes, there's always a "But" too... we have to keep the door locked. Afterall, it is still their home and they never knock!

Shannon, I'm sorry your life is what it was but it's your choice now how you make it for the remainder of your life and all those children in your future. Unfortunately it doesn't always include those we want it to but we try. Always remember this one thing... unless your aunt walked in your shoes can only try to understand what life was like for you. Perhaps it's not even your fault that distance has grown between you and your aunt. Sometimes it's how they themselves deal with their own part they played in another's lives. First she has to believe what happened to you. If she doesn't.. it'll put distance there. If she Does, perhaps you are a reminder that in her eyes, she didn't do enough for you without ever realizing she gave you hope. And then again.. people do drift apart. This is a good time to try to rekindle that same closeness but in truth it will always be different. You aren't a kid anymore. Everything is different when you grow up. Everything.

And to my original comment... I say, Spammers Unite! Then collectively go jump in a lake and leave us alone!