Since April 17th . . . .

The world of Joanne is a whole lot different.

And although the goodness is there - a new job that I like, a fabulous week in Disney, having my family close and safe and happy, this has been a wretched year.

I can't believe that in April, I had just found out that my best friend had cancer. And tomorrow will be three months since I stood by her bedside and watched her draw her last breath.  I can't believe that in April, I was worried about losing my Shelby, and on May 10th, I took her to humanely draw her last breath, with me at her side.  Add to those the sadness of my friends and family in various other losses, and I tell you, this year can't end soon enough.

I imagine that come December 31st, I will probably have a few more choice words for you, 2011.  In the meantime, I will take it day by day . . . each one bringing me one more closer to the fresh start of a brand new year.