I am a Mother. This has always been my most honored role in life and now, when asked if I have children, my reply is, "Yes. I have three daughters...but we lost our daughter Jessica last July..."

This past Sunday was my first Mothers Day as a mom of two living children, and the days leading up to it were more difficult than I could ever have imagined. My family and friends helped me through it the best that they could with wonderful company, food and gifts, but this void that exists only grew larger and stronger as the day went on. The "life" that surrounds me continues to create emotional turmoil and I am finding that I now happily immerse myself in my work - which has become a safe haven for me, and helps my days to move forward. Yes. I am most grateful for who and what I do have in my life, yet I yearn for that which was taken...from all of us...

And on May 8th, as we marked yet one more month in time without our Jessica, another precious, young life was taken from this earth much too soon. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with Mitchell's family as their struggle begins....