Sunday, August 3, 2003
	As most of you know, this past September my mother passed away.  It has been really hard to deal with.  I think I am doing pretty good, but there are days that I just cry all day and feel very alone.  I know that I am not, but the feeling is there nonetheless.  My mother was my best friend and so losing her was like losing not just one person, but two.  It has however made me realize how important she was to other people.  I always knew my mother was a wonderful person, but I had no idea just how many people she had touched in her short life.  The number of people that came to the funeral, called, and helped me get through this was amazing.  And they all did it because my mother had touched their lives.  My mother was one of those people who would do anythign for you, even if she didn't agree with what you were doing.  She might gripe about it, but she would do it anyway.  She was funny and caring and straightforward.  And if you knew her you definitely knew that she was outspoken and a leader.  She will be forever missed and always loved.