Class V

Gratitude

The other day while running I felt just the slightest pang of melancholy, and couldn't quite place my finger on why.  Then it struck me: the smells in the air, the light in the sky, the slight chill of early February in Texas placed me back in time to just about a year ago when all of this was exactly the same ... and my life was very different. 

Little did I know how dramatically nearly everything would be turned upside down in just a few short days ...

A couple of very kind friends asked me a few weeks ago if we should all do something to mark the day, and I quickly said no.  But one thing I may do is take down, or at the very least signficantly edit, a few of the related blog entries.  So I am giving the heads up to those of you who posted comments or otherwise want to keep a record of the material, now would be a good time to cut and paste.  Because sometime in the near future, I am likely going to engage in selective editing of Class V.

UPDATE (March 1, 2007): Selective editing on all entries related to the 12 February 2006 category has occurred.

As evidence that life moves on, although I rarely post pics of myself, above is a pic of my family from a few weeks ago.  Also an excuse for me to post something to help, when I am telling women of this fantastic brother I have that I must set them up with.  In all seriousness, this is my inner circle, and a week or so from now, I will reflect upon all that I still have instead of what I have lost.  Even more so than I usually do, which is one of the great gifts of surviving and learning from - let's call it - a one star day.  Love to all.

Celebration and Closure

UPDATE (March 1, 2007): This entry has been significantly edited (content deleted) per this blog entry. 

[snip] Life is good ... better than good, actually.  [snip] It was wonderful to see everyone yesterday, and the fact that we were not harassed by local law enforcement for the, um, bubbles means the evening was an unqualified success.  A special thank you to FS, JM, AH and BH, and BG for their help the last couple of days.  I am a lucky girl.

And now ... onward and upward!

The Path Ahead

UPDATE (March 1, 2007): This entry has been significantly edited (content deleted) per this blog entry. 

[snip] Today, I want to just let everyone know that I am - all things considered - getting by.  I have returned to work, even if just for three or four half days a week.  And, as my stamina and energy return, I will continue to increase my hours.  My firm has been absolutely perfect, in letting me be a professional and deciding for myself what I can or cannot take on at this point.  Literally, I cannot thank my employers enough for the depth of kindness they have demonstrated to me.  I am not yet traveling, but hope to be up for that in the next couple of weeks.  And my first major public work-related outing will be honoring my commitment to speak at SXSW on Monday.  Perhaps I will see many of my Austin-based readers there ...

People have told me that they are astonished at my strength and grace during this most challenging of times.  While I appreciate the support, everyone should know that I still have my moments.  However, I have most of them in private, which is exactly how I want to have them. [snip]

I will be forever changed, but life will go on for me just as it has for nearly everyone else.  And this is how it should be ... life is difficult, yet life is - and I believe this completely - inherently good.  This is what has made it so interesting to get out of bed every morning for the last 34 years, and I imagine that will continue to be the case.  [snip]

Technorati Tag: grief

Update: [snip: content deleted]

UPDATE (March 1, 2007): This entry has been significantly edited (content deleted) per this blog entry.

[snip] Very importantly, I wanted to thank everyone for their well wishes and good thoughts.  I will continue to rely on them for some time to come.

I am a little numb at the moment.  I have my okay moments and my less than okay moments and am currently going through the latter.  So I apologize in advance for not being articulate.

Just wanted to share two different things I have written in the last few days, in different contexts.  [snip]

Worst Day Of My Life

UPDATE (March 1, 2007): This entry has been significantly edited (content deleted) per this blog entry. 

[snip]