To my Very Best Friend,

The last two weeks have been rough. What should have been a simple hospital stop (if you can call it that) for my Dad turned into a sudden four nightmarish days of his final illness and passing, then another three of quiet arrangements. From the very first phone call, you were there with a hug and a shoulder to cry on. You took on all three kids without a second thought as I spent as much time as possible with my mom and brothers. You rearranged your schedule, you put off important tasks, and you called in reinforcements so you could go with me for the hard parts. You didn't blink when I felt I needed to go back to the hospital at 9pm and asked no questions when I didn't come home. You made sure I was where I needed to be, even if it meant odd car arrangements or soothing a screaming James who was not happy that his mom was leaving him. Again. And when the end came, you were by my side holding my hand. When I came unglued, you were there to hold me. Thank you for being my best friend, my husband, my love. I don't know what I would be without you.