Fifteen years ago today, it was not raining as it is this morning.  It was warm and sunny with a gentle breeze so I could hear the soft rustle of the leaves.  My boys were six weeks old.  Your dream girl was 2 1/2.  I could feel my marriage falling apart.  You slipped into a coma and died. I miss you as much today as I did back then.

Thanks for helping me raise the kids.  They are amazing and being with them is the biggest gift of my life.

Since you left, I’ve learned so many lessons (although I bet you’ve watched them all):

1. Don’t look forward and don’t look backwards.  You never know if a missed opportunity today will bring something better tomorrow.

2. Never walk away mad from a loved one.  Why risk it?  Life is precious and in one second it can be gone.

3. Try not to let the little things get to you.  I was a mess when you died.  Three kids under 2 1/2, marriage falling apart, trying to practice law.  I’ve learned to focus on the big picture.

4. No one is perfect.  We all make mistakes.  Life.

5. Decide who you are and practice that no matter where you are.

6. Sometimes I just don’t know.  Bad stuff happens.  Sometimes life doesn’t make sense, in the moment.

7. Karma is real.  You were right there.

8. If you want to change your life, look at who you are spending time with.  Good people will rub off on  you.  It will make a difference.

9. Balance and moderation are the key to life.  Don’t obsess about everything.  Sometimes you just need to enjoy a treat.  I think I’ll have a cupcake!

10. I should never ignore my gut.  When I go against it, I’m most often wrong.

11. If you’re not happy with yourself, you’ll never be happy anywhere else.

12. People can feel your energy.  Negative energy can drain you and others.  Imagine what positive energy does!

13. When I get to the edge, something always saves me – a solution appears.  I’m not sure how or why it happens, but it does.

14. The attitude must be gratitude. Mom used to tell me that when you feel gratitude, everything else is OK.  You were right, mom.

15. Money doesn’t buy happiness and sometimes it buys unhappiness.  A focus on happiness (not money) will bring all that you need.

16. Vacations (and relaxation) are good.  Although I’ve never taken a 7-day vacation, I love the weekends I do get away. I’ve learned to relax (a little!).

17. Being fit is not just about your body.  Sometimes it’s a good idea to stay out of the gym and pay attention to the very upper part of your body.  Know what I mean?

18. Say Thank You.

19. Laugh – a lot!  We used to laugh so hard with my mom that I thought we all might pee our pants!  It’s worth it!

20. Learn to say no.

21.  If you find love – treasure it.

I miss you mom!

XO