This weekend was Patrick's birthday. On his birthday Missy and I do what comes natural to us. We shop. Every year since Patrick died Missy and I start our Christmas shopping on Patrick's birthday. We found out that nothing helps grief like spending money. I don't know what was different about this year but we had so much fun. We started out shopping with Erin and had a wonderful lunch with her and then Missy and I headed off on our own. I couldn't have asked for a better day. Thank you Missy and Erin.

During our lives we have many friends come and go from our lives. This was especially true of me growing up in the military. Since we moved every two or three years, I have had many friends come and go. Some good and some bad. Some that have left me hurt and some that have showed me what true friendship means. I feel that I have learned from both and am a much better person for the good ones that I have know. I have known my best friend for over 30 years now. We have been through so much together and our friendship is stronger because of it.

This past week our family had the very pleasant surprise of having an old friend come back into our lives. How fortunate we are when something like this happens. I have not been in touch with her yet but the kids have. It is always nice to see or hear about a good friend and to see that their life has turned out well and that they are happy.

Now it is time to prepare for Thanksgiving. So much to be thankful for this year. New friends, old friends, our wonderful family and all of God's bountiful gifts. We are truly blessed.