My online friends

I am lucky to have so many people who have stepped up beside me to take on this journey in the last year. I have family, friends, Mike's friends and people I've never met express how much they care. That doesn't even feel like the most appropriate word but I'm not sure what is. Sometimes, however bogged down I get in what I'm missing, I forget how many people are constantly looking out for me. Among the amazing people I am fortunate to have, there is one specific group I want to thank and those are my MB ladies. Although I have drifted away in the last year I still feel completely at home as part of their family.

Right before Mike deployed I went online looking for things about weddings, and things about deployment, and things about the army, etc. I found a place where people chat about all of those things and more. Soon I was telling Mike what people would say about deployment, or about R&R and I was using abbreviations he had never told me about. He was so glad I had somewhere to belong while he was away. I was able to lurk when I wanted, post questions, complain and meet some really great women. A few days after Mike passed I texted one of these women with a text I don't even remember, briefly telling her what had happened. My phone immediately rang, with Dess on the other end in tears. I remember talking to her for a bit but I have no idea what I even said. A few days later when I was able to check the board, I was caught by surprise at the outpouring of support. I guess surprised isn't the right emotion. It's not surprising that people in the military world would feel a certain connection to what I've experienced. Literally, everyone reminded me that we were in their thoughts and prayers. I received a box full (FULL) of cards with letters and notes and all sorts of heartfelt words. Since then I have received so many things in the mail that truly made my heart happy. I apologize in advance if I forget to list everything I've received. Spa gift certificates, starbucks gift certificates, wine, tea, chocolate, flowers on our anniversary, books, a snuggie, hot chocolate & marshmallows, magazines, things for Lily, jewelry, makeup bags, purses, wallets, ideas of activities in my city, notebooks, candles and a quilt.

The point is I can't be more thankful for these amazing ladies and their constant encouragement. I want them to know that there are so many times I have truly felt happy because of their kindness. I would get home and see a package outside my door, open the box and been shocked at how generous and thoughtful the items were. So, thank you!

And thank you for everything you do as part of a military family. You're pretty amazing :)