And meaningful words. So very grateful to have saved an email which I re-read periodically and needed to revisit tonight. Just an excerpt but very telling of a friend who loved me unconditionally...

"I hope and pray that I did help you face and overcome your demons. But now you must move on. The world is a wonderful place, with many delightful surprises and much joy -- in even the most challenging of circumstances. Go and discover it all and help others who need your wisdom, grace and strength. Do so with full knowledge that I am so very proud of you, and will cherish the memory of your courage in taking this step for ever."

Thank you, thank you, thank you for your kind friendship over the years and across the distance. Your words will forever help to remind me that I am graceful, full of wisdom, and strong. Bless you for calling it out so directly and sharing it with me.

Intense emotion. From the joys and sorrows my mini-me experiences and shares with me on a daily basis to the brief months a soul needed me to help move him from his past by letting go and processing it to his future successful and happy life, I'm eternally grateful. For those experiences, no matter how hard they seemed or may seem at times, are the ones which provide me the fortitude to carry on. I'm going through some tough times emotionally right now and wish I could be stronger but when I think about where I've been and what I experience daily just by being a mom, friend, family member - I know I am strong. My flame is still burning - somewhere deep within. I thank the universe for allowing certain events and souls to make that flame grow and provide me with an appreciation for the times, like now, when it has faded somewhat. It burns and that is all that matters.