I am so grateful for my family. I am the oldest of seven. I have 3 brothers and 3 sisters and what feels like a million nieces and nephews at times but is actually only 15.

My sisters and sister-in-laws are people I know I can call to vent, celebrate with or ask for help. They will be there and listen thru the hard times.

My brothers and brothers-in-law are also there for me in a different role but absolutely help me any way they can. My parents did a good job raising us to be close to each other.

In the middle of my current crisis I have found comfort in this. My sister Viktoria came and helped me pack and drove to the family home with me. Mom also offered but it was mostly done by then but she called often to see how I was doing.

Currently I am taking a break by visiting my baby sister Amanda in Texas. My sister Jennifer who lives in Alabama always helps me see things from a different perspective.

Mom and dad have been supportive. Reminding me I am not alone. I have been very blessed to have such a tremendous family. It is not often we are ALL together because some of us live in different parts of the country and one brother is in Italy. But when we are, it is lively.

We usually have a few favorite dishes we make like dad’s famous “ketchup spagetti”  topped with stinky cheese, aged Havarti, if we have it and Mom’s potato salad is always a hit at any event.

Dan’s family have also been good to me. He comes from a family of 9. His two sisters Diana and Kathy have especially been a big part of my life and I hope we can stay friends thru all this.

I also have a wonderful network of cousins and aunts and uncles whom I love dearly. Not to mention my stepdaughters and their kids. I am blessed. Having support and love is important and I am lucky enough to have it. It certainly helps to get through the tough times.

Time will tell how things play out. Dan and I are working hard at being civil. It is not easy to do when I feel so hurt but time will heal the wounds and we have been together a long time. Hard to let him go entirely when I have loved him for so long. As I let go a little and move on just a tiny bit. The support and love of family and friends are vital. Thanks for being there for me.