I have a confession...
The past week has certainly been a blur for me. I've been told not to talk about what's going on, to protect the privacy of the individual, but how do you tell a blogger not to talk about something? In order not to be seriously vague- basically a very loved individual, near and dear to my heart has been having some neurological issues, and is finally getting some testing done. They had an episode last week of slurred and stuttered speech, and quite frankly, I am scared. I am scared, stressed, depressed, and a whole variety of emotions, and most of all, my anxiety has been kicked into high gear. But I know I need to be strong for this individual.
But, the thing is... you know how in the darkest days before the storm, there seems to be that thing that sticks out and makes you feel better, for at least a moment. Basically a ray of light in the dark, that instantly brings hope, and gives you a reason to smile. Please tell me you know what I'm talking about...
Since all this has been going on, I have had a couple of reasons to smile, and for that I am grateful.
a few days ago, I received this message from a reader:
Ive spent the last few days reading through your entire blog. I love it. I'm also from northern indiana. I know you probably get a lot of messages like this from people. I just wanted you to know that I'm going through one of the toughest times in my life right now. At times I have no idea how my life can ever make sense again. But reading your blog gave me reason to smile again. And you seem so easy to relate to. So thank you so much for that.
Lil Man has been awesome this week, and so understanding of the individual's issues. I wasn't surprised, but the individual was. That Lil Man is a special little boy.
And this picture has no words.
And this picture has no words.

Oh, do you know what else has given me a reason to smile? Target! And I really wish I could enter the giveaway below. Oh, well. Good luck friends!
*linking up with Because Shanna Said So, The Jenny Evolution, Fitness Blondie, Love the Here and Now, & Vodka and Soda.
