Well, this was our first Easter without mom.  Mark, Tammy, Alyssa, and Holly joined us...Laura, Nancy, Adrianna, and myself.  It was nice being with family, but there was definitely something missing.  I remembered that the previous Easter mom was at Mansfield Methodist Hospital.  I remember her saying that she wished she was home for Easter.  If someone had told me that a year from that Easter, my mom would be gone, I do not think I would have believed them.  It still seems weird to me and I wonder if it will ever feel right.  
     Losing a parent is not easy and it does leave your heart aching without them.  I am thankful that both of my parents were Christians and I know that they are each in heaven, but that does not take away the pain that I feel.  I know I feel this way because I am a human here on earth.  A sweet neighbor gave me his condolences one day and told me that,"we miss them too much." I believe he is right.  You never want your parents to suffer and/or be in pain, but you never want them to die either.      Life is never the same without your parents no matter what. You just have to take it one day at a time and make it the best you can.  
     I miss you mom and dad!