I learned something. I learned something very important, it may have been something I always knew but when it came to light, I realized the importance of it. It's no secret that I am going through a rather "challenging" time (let's say). I think that as we all know, challenging times in our lives feel very lonely and isolated. It's a lot of people telling you "it will be okay" "or this will pass", kind words but words we hear many times and, although they are said to make us feel better or remind of us that things will pass, they don't really make you feel anything. What I learned was this and it's two people that share in this gift. First is my sister Lauren. When I texted her the last time with a few sentences of "how it was really going" her response was "oh no, what are we going to?" What are "we" going to do. It was like someone was actually feeling and sharing in my burden. The hope and strength of knowing that family is out there, although very far away, was so comforting and warm. It meant everything to me. The other is my friend Becky. Becky and I have been internet friends for many years now. I have a love for Becky's soul and I can't explain it. For some reason, I just know that she is out there. When I posted my last blog of my unemployment woes Becky's response was "how can I help you from over here". Again, such a warm and soulful feeling of knowing someone would reach out and help me if I asked. Just the knowing is that all that needed. That's what I learned. I learned that when people are going through whatever they are going through, saying "it will pass" or "bummer" should be "how can WE fix this?" "how can I help". It's a game changer. My lesson is learned and I will move forward carrying it and understanding better. Thank you both.