Dear Lloyd,

Today I did some minor plumbing upstairs and, while learning these new skills, however minor they may seem to you, brings a sense of competency and pride and yes, frustration at my stupidity, that some might laugh at, it also gave me time to be thankful. I am thankful for the times that you took on the drudgery of these types of chores to allow me to go play or follow an interest that had nothing to do with our well-being though it did for my well-being. I know I thanked you, that I continue to thank you in my heart and in my prayers, asking God to pass it on to you, but did I never thank you enough that my appreciation sunk into your core. Plumbing, electric work, you did it all. I miss you, love, but life goes on, including household maintenance. I try to protect that home that sheltered us and that you left to me. Until we meet again. Melissa

As many of you know, my husband went to God shortly before Christmas a few years ago. Shortly after his loss, as I was going through his closet, I found the Christmas gifts had had bought for me and hidden there until he could wrap them. One of those gifts was a new pair of cycling sunglasses. Last summer I thought I had lost them during some ride and shed many a tear. Yesterday I found them in a vest pocket. You know you haven't worn a vest for awhile when it takes a year to find something you forgot you put in them. It was a smile for the day and felt like a hug from him at a time when I needed it.