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Today I was reminded of how precious life is, and more importantly, how precious family is.  I had the pleasure of spending the entire afternoon with my crazy, in a good way, family.  My auntie Donna passed away this morning, and the rest of the family spent a good part of the day in her home chatting, laughing, crying.  I am honored to share a middle name with such a wonderful woman and will think of her every time I write it down on paper.  I had Adeline with me this afternoon, and even though she was fussy for a good part of the day due to teething, I think she brought a little light to the situation, for me at least.  It was very easy to remember what life is all about with this little fussy miracle being passed around the room amidst all of the sadness.  I also sat there realizing how sad it is that the family rarely gathers together unless something like this has taken place.  I think we all take family for granted, me included, and I always hope that when something like this happens that it will change.  I know that I have fun whenever we are all gathered together making fun of one another, laughing, and even with the occasional drama. As I was sitting in the bedroom alone nursing Adeline this afternoon I was thinking of all of the things I wanted to do with her in these next 3 precious weeks.  It is so hard to be thankful for my wonderful job right now when I am so sad about leaving her at home, but I know that it is by the grace of God that I have this job.  I had no idea it would be this hard, and it has not even happened yet.  I cannot wait for weekends spent with her, and for family vacations.  I can't wait to teach her to appreciate the small things in life and to value the time she has with her family.