Apology

Dear Friends and Family:

Lately I've been feeling guilty about not keeping in better touch with some of my friends and family. Some of you know I used to be quite the avid letter writer back in the day. So to those of you that this applies to, I sincerely apologize.

You may wonder what is bringing this on? You see, about a year and a half ago, I lost someone very important to me. I think I've secretly been grieving silently for a while. I was very sad that this special lady wasn't around to share in my wedding and the birth of my sister's child.

You see not only was this wonderful woman a fantastic roll model, she is also the mother of my best friend and my mom's best friend. Without her around I feel like there is someone missing from all these important things.

Lately, my mom has been having a rough time of things. Her dad (my gramps), is battling alcoholism in his 70's. It's killing him. And the whole family is watching it happen. My mom is a natural "mother" figure and has been looking in on him since he moved to town. I can see the terrible strain she's under, and I can only imagine what it must be like to be going through all this without her closest friend by her side.

We've all been as supportive as we can for her but it's not the same as having that one outside true friend that is always on your side.

So let me finish with this: all of my friends and family are important to me. And I'm sooooo sorry if I have ever neglected telling any of you how much I love you.Love you, JLB