Today’s FB post: My sweet son, Six months ago today was the last time we got to tell you we love you. You left on a late night mission to help others and your life here on Earth ended. What I have learned in the last 6 months is how well-loved you are, and that you only influenced others for good. Your real mission in this life was to bring happiness and laughter to everyone you knew. Know how loved and missed you are, and how very proud we are of the selfless man you grew to be. I dream of the day when I will see you again, and even though you probably don’t need it, I will always pray for you! Forever your mom.

So I went to bed an hour ago and had to get up. I tried reading for distraction, but I can’t sleep because I keep thinking about this night 6 months ago. That night, I went to sleep completely unaware of what I would wake to. I don’t want to think about it because I’d rather be sleeping, but it keeps coming to my mind. Six months feels like forever, yet at times I can hardly believe it’s been this long. Time is strange that way.

Good news: I survived Thanksgiving just fine. I did shed some tears in the morning as I prepared the turkey, but the rest of the day was good. I learned from your birthday to make a plan ahead of time and to serve others. I had initially planned to cook for and serve the homeless veterans in Des Moines, but that project fell apart. A couple of Sundays ago, I noticed that the missionaries had no place to eat for Thanksgiving so I signed up immediately, knowing if I serve them I will feel better, and it worked. I had 5 young missionaries here for dinner, games and a movie. They didn’t completely fill the void, but it was a little less-empty. I’m happy that nobody can fill the void, because that space in my heart was made just for you. Feel free to reside there whenever and however you can and I will always feel you.