Dear Mom, Today is a really hard day without you... not that saying so separates today from all of the other really hard days without you. My soul knows you're in a better place, my heart wishes you were still here, and my mind is furious at everything and nothing-- all at the same time-- because you're not. And I know that's selfish. I just want to call you. I keep wanting to call you. I miss your advice. I miss your nagging. I miss subconsciously rolling my eyes at everything I already knew you were going to say before you opened your mouth to say it. I even miss you telling me when I'm wrong. Because it was still you. Weighing in. Being present. There are so many big decisions in my life right now... and little ones too... like, "How long do you think we should wait before we set the date?" "Wouldn't 'Tiffany blue' be a lovely color for the baby's nursery?" "What would you do if..." "Which outfit fits better on me?" "How would you handle this important situation?" "Should I use spaghetti noodles or rigatoni?" For all of the birthdays, Mother's Days, Valentine's Days, Thanksgivings, Christmases, and other special times throughout the years when I've told you you're irreplaceable... I couldn't have meant it more. You truly are. I miss you, Mom. Love always, "Pookie"